Following the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, which saw more than a few athletes wearing Omega watches, Omega’s sport timing duties are called upon again immediately. This time though it’s not for athletics but the prestigious America’s Cup, the oldest international sailing competition in the world. Now in its 37th edition, Omega are celebrating the race with the launch of a new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup edition.
Measuring 42mm in diameter with a steel construction and 300m water resistance, it’s robust and rugged enough to withstand the rigours of life aboard a racing boat. It also features a regatta timer scale on its unidirectional rotating bezel, providing a 10-minute countdown to the start of race. If you’re unfamiliar with how sailing races work, the combination of waves and wind makes a static start virtually impossible. As such, boats will move around behind the starting line ahead of an agreed start time, aiming to cross the line exactly as the race officially starts for the biggest advantage.
In terms of colour, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup is presented with a white, laser-engraved ceramic wave dial with blue accents and a blue-red gradient minute hand. These are the signature colours of the event, making them thematically appropriate while also creating a hyper legible display for sailors who need to read the time with a split-second glance. A further thematic detail on the dial is the trophy-shaped counterweight on the seconds hand.
Powering this watch is a 145m2 sail. Wait, no, that’s what powers the boats in the race. Actually powering the watch is the master chronometer movement Omega 8806, a co-axial calibre with 55-hour power reserve. You can view it through the sapphire exhibition caseback, which is itself finished with the America’s Cup logo.
Priced at £5,800 on rubber strap or £6,100 on steel bracelet, it’s among the more accessible Seamaster Diver 300Ms in the range. Which makes sense because it’s effectively a special edition of the standard steel Diver 300M. It definitely has a nautical flair to it that makes me want to head to the nearest harbour and get out on the waves.
Price and Specs:
More details at Omega.
