The constellation was omega s flagship family before it went adrift in the 1980s. The first seamaster was produced in 1948 and is still going strong today, achieving increasing fame having been chosen by james bond in the current bond movies. The omega seamaster is the longestrunning line in the current catalogue. Icons on pedestals as high as the one occupied by the speedmaster usually require a little boost from history to. Marking the 70th anniversary of the famous omega seamaster, a captivating new photograph book has been created to detail the collections incredible design history. A brief history of the omega railmaster timepiece chronicle. Its tough to shake the grip that rolex has in the minds of watch enthusiasts and film buffs alike as the james bond watch first of all, its the watch that ian fleming wrote into the books. Preowned and used omega seamaster watches crown and. The history of omega seamaster the watch that rules the waves. Dec 28, 2017 whilst every line from omega saw drastic changes in design and production quality, i believe the seamaster is the most varied of all as some very unique cases and color schemes being used in some models with fan favorites being the anakin and luke skywalker chronographs, the big blue and the soccer timer. Its complex design history has given rise to an often quoted but inaccurate timeline perpetuated by reference books which have unfortunately been relied upon to the detriment of collectors.
Take omega for example, which has one of the most comprehensive collections of divers to choose from. Originally manufactured in 1948, during a period regarded by avw to be the companys finest hour, stretching from the end of world war ii to the early 1970s. The seamaster professional arrived in 1993 and was the watch first used in their secondgreatest marketing feat after the speedmaster being the moon watch, of course. Of course, in modern omega history, the planet ocean came fairly late. The omega seamaster is a line of manual winding, automatic winding, chronometer, and quartz watches that omega has produced since 1948. I wont even attempt a complete history, as thats the stuff that coffee. Although some have mentioned that it was introduced in 1962, the first seamaster 300 was actually introduced as a nondate version in 1948. In 1932, the company created one of the first diving watches in the world the omega marine. Jul 04, 2016 the omega seamaster range was created in 1948, the first omega seamaster 30 wasnt introduced until 1962. Omega has been associated with james bond movies since 1995.
An omega seamaster typically has a stainless steel case and bracelet bond style with omega symbol clasp, screwin crown and caseback. About omega seamaster watches with a history that dates back to 1948, the seamaster is omegas oldest collection still in production today. That being said, it is important to point out flaws in the book, especially given its high list price. The current 2014 omega seamaster 300 model revives the historical dive watch seamaster 300, by taking inspiration from its design. The ensuing decades saw the seamaster line expand into a number of models and sublines, including soccer timers, quartz dress watches, and the legendary behemoth that was the ploprof. As a result, the seamaster is also one of the brands most varied collections, and is home to an eclectic assortment of models from divers like the planet ocean to dressy sports watches like the aqua terra to vintageinspired timepieces like the. This luxurious volume marks seventy years of seamaster, exploring the models excellent craftsmanship, evolving design, and enduring charm. Omega seamaster all prices for omega seamaster watches. With a history that dates back to 1948, the seamaster is omega s oldest collection still in production today. See all the watches and enjoy a legacy of horological quality and innovation. The omega seamaster was originally introduced in 1947. Reluctant to singlehandedly define the ladymatic, omega offers a widerange of personal specification opportunities. You can buy one with a factory flaw, but thats out of your hands.
Fleming himself wore a rolex, and the prototypical and original cinematic james bond sean connery wore a submariner in dr. Reaching the level of visibility that the omega speedmaster collection now enjoys does not happen overnight. Goldberg has created a beautiful visual guide to omega timepieces from. Handson the omega seamaster 300 spectre limited edition. The seamaster is worn in the james bond movie franchise since 1995 bond wore rolex submariners in the prior films. The omega seamaster has been one of the worlds most famous diving watches for decades. The complete history of the omega seamaster truefacet. Omega sa is a swiss luxury watchmaker based in bielbienne, switzerland. Omega currently makes several models of seamaster watches, with numerous sub variations of color, bracelet, movement, and casing sizes.
Nov 01, 2005 wonderfull fotos of most legendary omega watches like the seamaster 300, speedmasters, and the 40s and 50s chronometre models. Review of the bond omega seamaster professional model. She recognized the history of omega seamasters in the british military notably the. Omega ploprof seamaster 600 omega seamaster 600 ploprof. Omega first created the seamaster to commemorate the brands 100th anniversary. Sep 01, 2017 an omega seamaster 300 ck29 with service sword hands. Desmond guilfoyle has spent ten years chronicling, cataloging and writing about the constellation and i. The history and evolution of the omega seamaster planet. The omega seamaster line of watches has a long and illustrious history. Omega keeps an expansive archive and knows how to utilize it. In all later films, brosnan wore an omega seamaster professional chronometer model 2531. As sports watches grew in popularity in the 1950s and 60s, it quickly became one of their most indemand models among amateur and professional divers.
From leaky crowns to monobloc steel cases, from royal navy divers to fictional spies, the seamaster has seen it all. One of the original seamasters, this 18k gold model also came in a chronometer version and. One of the rarest examples of a collectible omega is the seamaster bumper model from 1950. Spending some time with watch makes it easy to see why its been standard issue for her majestys secret service agent 007 for the past decade. Omega has since looked to diversify the model, offering it in a number of different colors and materials, such as the 18k red gold, yellow gold, and steel.
As a minus there is not much description of the various. The omega seamaster is a line of manual winding, automatic winding, chronometer, and. View the seamaster planet ocean 600m the collection. Seamaster professional diver automatic and quartz movements. In this mobile guide, you wont find all the details or historical information that. The history of the omega seamaster timepiece chronicle. The first seamaster was rolled out to celebrate the companys 100th anniversary.
History 1947 omega first introduced the seamaster 300 in 1948. The complete history of the omega seamaster hiconsumption. It first appeared in 1948 omegas centennial year and boasts one of the most diverse range of watches housed within a single collection of any brand. Probably the most wellknown dive watch omega has to offer, the seamaster 300 initially released as a trio of master watches including the speedmaster, railmaster and the seamaster 300 soon became a favorite among professional divers and explores. A celebration of the omega seamaster watchs seventieth anniversary with. The model was an immediate hit and became the brands best seller.
It was different, in design, in the construction of the case and a totally new movement. Vintage omega watches antique omega watches the watch. The seamaster was first intended as a robust yet elegant watch for active individuals who wanted a watch for town and country. So just finished reading perusing more to the point, the new omega book from seamaster to seamaster it was a great perspective from an artistphotographer point of view of various landmark and some unusual cool suspects, with the slight. Yet, regardless of its age, the planet ocean has cemented its status as a modern icon among the various omega watches. This luxurious volume marks seventy years of seamaster, exploring the model s excellent craftsmanship, evolving design, and enduring charm. I have the entire 20 dvd collection of every 007 movie made to date. As an owner of several references of both the seamaster and speedmaster, this seemed to make sense.
When omega released the seamaster in 1948, they had no idea of what the future would bring for the collection. Mar 29, 20 buying a vintage omega seamaster 300 in this article i will share my experiences searching for and buying a vintage omega seamaster 300 sm300. Todays aqua terra bears the closest resemblance to the original with a dressier yet, sporty look, but. Omega a journey through time, marco richon omegamania, antiquorum omega sportwatch by john goldberger. Cory, i am looking for an omega deville limited edition. That year, pierce brosnan took over the role of james bond and began wearing the omega seamaster quartz professional model 2541. When you start to dive a little deeper into the history of this iconic omega, it becomes clear why such a hardy piece of kit so commonly transcends from its practical roots. First of all, except for commemorative models, there are no dates.
The seamaster collection is the oldest collection still made by omega and its name is synonymous with diving. New omega seamaster diver 300 m automatic mens watch 210. When the swiss watchmaker omega debuted its seamaster diving watch in 1948, the house proved that functionality and style could coexist. The omega team is available from 8am to 6pm est, monday to friday. Id love to buy a seamaster only book, but im afraid that it will never be possible as the production of seamasters was much more anarchic and less regular than speedmasters. In order to neutralise an arrogant industrialist that is working on a diamondencrusted space weapon that can concentrate sunlight, 007s seamaster diver 300m has a detonator pin and a laser in the watchs crown. Today it remains the oldest model in omega s current collection.
I use books like these as inspiration for watch designing at pellikaan timing. Out of print, but some ebay sellers in italy have remaindered copies at half the rrp. An omega seamaster 300 ck29 with service sword hands. A brief history of the omega constellation timepiece.
The first omega seamaster, launched in 1948, was a product of the wealth of experience that omega had gathered with military watches and their water resistance function. Since a few years, transaction prices for vintage watches have increased. The seamaster 600 is undoubtedly the most recognisable watch ever made by omega. When watchmakers first laid their eyes on this at least all the ones i know threw their arms up in horrorthe end was neighand they were right. The seamaster 120 had a surprise, surprise water resistance to. The omega seamaster is currently the oldest line in the omega collection, with the newer models having. I do not have the 3 older models, nor prebond models nor the 2009 ploprof, so pictures of these models are credit omega catalogs website seamaster 300.
Origins of the seamaster born out of necessity, the first seamaster was launched in 1948 based on designs of a watch omega made for airmen in the second world war. Along with its cousin, the speedmaster, it is among the most iconic watches ever. It combines unique, but versatile style with dive watch functionality and robustness. I am quite enjoying john goldbergers omega watches. The 2018 omega seamaster diver 300 in its natural habitat.
Due to its history, the company offers the right choice for innovation enthusiasts as well. When you start to dive a little deeper into the history of this iconic omega, it becomes clear why. In the 1990s the seamaster s popularity skyrocketed after it became the official watch of james bond. Capturing 70 years of seamaster design from seamaster to seamaster is a new book featuring over 200 photographs of incredible art and innovation.
The 30 in the model name refers not to the depth of water resistance, but instead to the size of the movement. To this day, the model is still one of the most respected watches in the omega family. Oct 22, 2015 the omega seamaster line of watches has a long and illustrious history. Retrospective the entire omega seamaster x james bond 007. Review of the bond omega seamaster professional model 2531. Most of this is a result of thrawling the internet and this can be looked upon as a collection of these findings. However, if you buy a new one from an ad or boutique, the risk of buying a lemon is very low.
I called this a brief history of the omega constellation because as long as omega constellationcollectors. Today these three models are the top level of omega collecting. This included jacques cousteau who trusted the omega watch during his precontinent ii experiments in the red sea in 1963. The omega speedmaster 125, introduced in 1973 to celebrate 125 years since omegas foundation, is the worlds first chronometercertified automatic chronograph watch. The omega seamaster is an internationally renowned model of the omega family.
We look back at the long history of this fanfavorite omega watch. On every page there is a fullpage detailed photograph of an omega model with some minimum written text on model name, caliber and sometimes year of production. In 1962, omega made history when astronaut wally schirra wore a speedmaster on his mercury sigma 7 mission, making it the first omega watch to enter space. In order to neutralise an arrogant industrialist that is working on a diamondencrusted space weapon that can concentrate sunlight, 007s seamaster diver 300m has. It is inspired by the omega marines waterproof qualities, as well as. For the past 69 years, omega produced a staggering array of seamasters to suit a variety of needs. On every page there is a fullpage detailed photograph of an omega model with some minimum written text on model. One of them is the seamaster planet ocean, which relative to omegas history, is a rather young collection. The most significant and bestknown omega models emerged in the 1950s the constellation chronometers, the speedmaster chronographs, and the seamaster dive watches. Book from seamaster to seamaster by omega black cover. The omega seamaster may be most quickly recognized as the james bond watch, but the watchs history dates back to 1948 when it debuted in celebration of omegas 100th anniversary. Jun 05, 2014 in 1972 omega introduced the seamaster cosmic 2000. Whilst every line from omega saw drastic changes in design and production quality, i believe the seamaster is the most varied of all as some very unique cases and color schemes being used in some models with fan favorites being the anakin and luke skywalker chronographs, the big blue and the soccer timer. Omega watches covers the history of more than 240 vintage models, with emphasis on their outer aspectsincluding the shape and outline of each case and its dial and movements, which are governing features for the collector, as well as clues to exceptional internal design.
The complete history of the omega speedmaster, one of the most iconic chronograph watches ever created introduced in 1957, and how it became the moonwatch. The omega speedmaster history time and watches the. Beginning in 1948 with the dresssport model ck2518, to the iconic professional ck29 diver, through multiple other iterations of dresssport and professional dive models up to the innumerable current offerings. The omega speedmaster history time and watches the watch blog. Worn by james bond in various iterations from goldeneye 1995 to spectre. It is an extremly well illustrated book spanning almost the entire history of omega from early pocket watches to recent speedmasters from 2005.
The omega seamaster may be most quickly recognized as the james bond watch, but the watchs history dates back to 1948 when it debuted in celebration of omega s 100th anniversary. In 1993, after what can only be described as a 30year identity crisis, the omega seamaster professional 300m was released. Generations of watchmakers have come and gone, but the speedmaster, which made its debut in 1957, remains an everpresent superstar. On his wrist, he wore the new omega seamaster professional diver 300m, successfully testing it in a true deepwater environment. The speedmaster 125s bold, forwardlooking design was fitting for such an important achievement. All omega seamaster professional timepieces are built to dive and thus have a minimum water resistance of feet 300 meters, unidirectional rotating bezels, and strong luminescence for optimal legibility in even the murkiest of waters. Omega seamaster overview of modern models bernardwatch blog. After my most recent and highly enjoyable omega watch book purchase of moonwatch only, i was very excited to learn of the upcoming release of from seamaster to seamaster i had preordered the book in september, which was later released on october 9th 2018.
Iconic moments in the history of the seamaster diver 300m. The evolution of the speedmaster models, from the original speedmaster model reference ck 2915 with calibre 321 also known as the broad arrow to the 105. During the early 1960s, omega began producing a version of the railmaster for use on the north american and canadian pacific railways. The seamaster professional is a label attached to several seamaster models including the diver 300, the ploprof, and the planet ocean. Omega marine made history in the ocean conquest and received enthusiastic testimonies from submarine explorers.
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