Omega connection with sailing? A story that has been going on for almost 30 years. There are not many watch manufacturers that can boast such a long-lasting relationship in this sport. In fact, they can be counted on the fingers of one hand. And, in order of appearance, the brand that immediately springs to mind is Omega. The Volvo Ocean Race and the solo round-the-world race. Olympic Games, and to top it all, the America’s Cup. These are the stages of a winning route in sailing competitions taken by the Bienne-based company.
Dedication and passion behind every victory
Behind every victory there is dedication, passion, self-denia. As in the case of Dame Ellen McArthur who, in 2005, on board the trimaran B&Q/Castorama circumnavigated the globe solo, setting a new record. It was Omega’s own hands that fixed this race against time in the history of sailing, marking every moment at sea of the British sailor engaged in this extraordinary feat. A feat that, like many others, has inspired millions of people around the world, demonstrating that with determination, it is possible to achieve great goals.
Omega and Emirates Team New Zealand
These are the values shared by Omega and Emirates Team New Zealand whose partnership dates back to 1995. It was an extraordinary year that culminated in the Kiwis winning the trophy in the waters of San Diego. After several attempts, a nation’s dream came true. It was Peter Blake, a sailing legend, who made that feat, which had previously only been achieved by the Australians in 1983, possible. Almost 30 years have passed since then and the story has never stopped, with Omega raising the world’s oldest sporting trophy with the Kiwis on four more occasions. Now it is the turn of the 37th edition in the waters of Barcelona where Emirates Team New Zealand will be busy defending the America’s Cup from the onslaught of one of the five teams that have launched the challenge.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black Emirates Team New Zealand Edition
To mark the most salient moments there will once again be Omega who, to celebrate this new milestone, has presented the Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black Emirates Team New Zealand Edition with a 45.5 mm case in black ceramic as well as a unidirectional bezel with a white enamel diving scale. On the matt ceramic dial, OMEGA has included a tribute to the pre-race protocol “with a countdown indicator” at 3 o’clock, marked start.
The indicator hand and counter ring are turquoise like the Emirates Team New Zealand logo, as are the chapter ring, the number 12 and the central seconds hand with the America’s Cup trophy symbol as a counterweight. Omega has also incorporated the colour on the brushed black ceramic push-button rings, the “He” on the helium escape valve and the Bienne-based company logo on the crown. As a tribute to the Kiwi crew, the Naiad Lock caseback features the Emirates Team New Zealand symbol with a turquoise fern and white lettering.
Inside the watch beats the Master Chronometer 9900 calibre. A black and turquoise textured rubber strap with turquoise stitching and a black ceramic clasp complete the fittings. But, in addition to flying alongside the New Zealand team, the Biel-based company will also take on the role of official timekeeper for the America’s Cup. This is the fourth time after the 2000, 2003 and 2020 editions. A reminder that sailing and Omega are two sides of the same winning coin.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
In August, the spotlight shone on the 42 mm Seamaster Diver 300M. Made of stainless steel, it has a unidirectional blue ceramic bezel with a regatta scale, consisting of two 5-minute sections and the Start section with the regatta-inspired flag.
The watch, perfect for sailing, has laser-etched waves embossed on the white ceramic dial with a matte finish. The trophy makes an appearance on both the front and back. The central seconds hand has a counterweight in the shape of the America’s Cup trophy in the same blue color as the Barcelona logo.
The full logo, with the “Old Cup” and the B for Barcelona, is on the sapphire crystal case back. The watch is powered by Caliber 8806, Master Chronometer Co-Axial.
Omega Seamaster Regatta
Finally, again the 37th America’s Cup was the source of inspiration for conceiving the Seamaster Regatta. With a 46.75 mm case, it is a professional watch for sailors equipped with an analog and digital display, ideal for experiencing the sea and ocean.
In addition to its grade 5 titanium case, the Seamaster Regatta boasts valuable functions, including a moon phase indicator, chronograph, logbook, temperature indicator, accelerometer, 3 alarm clocks, and of course a racing chronograph function.
“Our new Seamaster Regatta belongs to the same line of watches as the Speedmaster X33. It is a multifunctional instrument to be worn on the wrist. As the name suggests, it is a watch designed for sailors.
We chose the perfect time for its launch: the great regatta in Barcelona has inspired and will continue to inspire sailors around the world, and this watch is designed to meet their expectations.” Under the banner of Omega, we add.
Matteo Zaccagnino
