tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61296386505960970652024-02-07T17:36:36.245-08:00New_Omega_Watch_ReviewsA Blog that provides the best reviews available of new Omega watchesDesmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-60064325433447479242012-11-04T21:32:00.001-08:002013-02-18T01:37:50.512-08:00An Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra that’s Gone Blue in the Face<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqNEYLem7kChjYc0rpmDYhaFAv4zYjEodENKs42G4yUEZLHW2DwYWso7uZsvNUsAOKILvaxLNRbaDsjP_zTIO6WOorNCCaeMylGNU3h6pS7LtX-9JEXJKzj2iPZlhBAiKb9gzM3HgBgI/s1600/SE160_Seamaster_Aqua_Terra_231.10.39.21.03.001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqNEYLem7kChjYc0rpmDYhaFAv4zYjEodENKs42G4yUEZLHW2DwYWso7uZsvNUsAOKILvaxLNRbaDsjP_zTIO6WOorNCCaeMylGNU3h6pS7LtX-9JEXJKzj2iPZlhBAiKb9gzM3HgBgI/s640/SE160_Seamaster_Aqua_Terra_231.10.39.21.03.001.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Fresh from the wrist of Daniel ‘f***ing’ Craig (see the post
below for the reasons behind this reference), and flashed shamelessly in the
current Bond movie, the Seamaster Aqua Terra 38.5mm may well be a portent of
things to come as far as watch sizes are concerned.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Over the last couple of years, the size
pendulum has begun to swing away from heavy ‘look at me’ ordinance to more modest
proportions.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">This has led some of the more prescient
and, perhaps, courageous, watch commentators to predict that the sock drawers of
the world will be full of post-42mm Dinosaurs by the end of this decade. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The only difference between this mid-size – yes, they do
call it a mid-size, but that is a term relative to average watch sizes of the day
– Acqua Terra and the rest of its siblings is the colour of the dial: a deep
and rich royal blue that goes well with corporate and after-dark wear and
proclaims its owner to be on the edgier side of conservatism. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The applied 18 carat white gold indices and
hands are highlighted with white super luminova to remind you of the inner
child that found all things glowing in the dark thoroughly mesmerising.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Dual sided anti-reflective coating on the crystal allows
everyone to get an eyeful of the stunning teak dial, while the case has an exhibition
back to show off the co-axial calibre 8500 that powers the watch.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Everything worth saying about the Aqua Terra has already
been said on this blog. They are the doyens of the Seamaster family, offering
excellent water resistance and robustness without all the tool watch excesses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-46461778834939024302012-10-02T17:53:00.004-07:002013-02-18T01:38:19.867-08:00Omega Planet Ocean 600M Skyfall - Should this Be the Last Bond Watch??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuUgh9Ifc8D-6KYZQJzYkKY0GgVIgldlwFha6xAhGHSxy21zADngI-GOZAdMmFCsvc2V60Vq17R-0SWmvuX1vMHfjrxRT19Va7WQXIQfRHl9yEoVO0DkLqiJvZRGJUHXAtR9HogDMne8/s1600/SE104_Planet_Ocean_SKYFALL_LE._01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuUgh9Ifc8D-6KYZQJzYkKY0GgVIgldlwFha6xAhGHSxy21zADngI-GOZAdMmFCsvc2V60Vq17R-0SWmvuX1vMHfjrxRT19Va7WQXIQfRHl9yEoVO0DkLqiJvZRGJUHXAtR9HogDMne8/s400/SE104_Planet_Ocean_SKYFALL_LE._01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The new Omega Planet Ocean 600M Skyfall is beginning to
trickle into Omega boutiques and dealerships to await the spin and brouhaha of
yet another Bond movie release.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">While Omega
may be excited over the seventh appearance of a Seamaster in a Bond movie, for
many of us, maybe, it’s just a bit ho hum?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Especially so when the Bond character has lost so much of its sauce and has
been subsumed into a world of also-ran action heroes. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">The question has to be asked,</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> should Omega continue the Bond/Craig association
now that it has vastly improved the quality of its product since the inception of the relationship and enhanced both the status and
price of the brand?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In
1962, Sean Connery transformed Flemming’s flawed Bond character into a smooth-talking, fornicating, epicurean, car-loving, chain-smoking, benzedrine-swallowing, alcohol-abusing
sociopath who rogered and killed his way through a number of thrilling
adventures. This fusion of such highly desirable personal qualities and
character traits with a propensity for random violence struck a beautifully
resonate chord with young male and female audiences of the nineteen-sixties. It
was just what the doctor ordered: a counter-culture figure thumbing his nose at
the </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;">ultra conservative, ‘Thou Shalt Not’ moral
dictates of the older generations.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">After Connery left the role, George Lazenby blundered his
way through Her Majesty's Secret Service and nearly killed the franchise off. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan oversaw the
complete ponce-ification of the Bond character, creating prissy, oleaginous
caricatures of our beloved cold war hero. From the perspective of retaining anything
originally ‘Bond-like’ in the character, the latest in the line of Bond actors,
Daniel Craig, is arguably the most miscast of all. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Exuding about as much savoir vivre as a
British tourist on a budget airline flight to Rhodes, this foul-mouthed Liverpudlian
with the vulcanised muscles can be seen to have completed the transformation of
Bond into that of a video game action creature. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The James Bond ‘character’ is about as relevant today as a
Remington typewriter is to a teenager, and we need not look further than the mishmash
of animated violence and product placement that was Quantum of Solace to see
what the future holds for Bond.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Bond now
conforms to the dialogue-starved American action hero genre, albeit with a few
extra toys. Notwithstanding some talent for acting, Craig is limited to aping
all the other Hollywood bone-heads who play action heroes in their customary
and roboticised fashion.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">While there is
talk about Bond iconography and legacy representing an important thread in
contemporary Bond productions, it is all but gone and indications are that
Skyfall will be no different. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Given, if played in the Connery
style</span>, <span style="font-size: small;">a twenty-first century Bond</span><span style="font-size: small;"> would have about as much credibility as a
Newt Gingrich moral sermon, but, surely, if so little depth is offered in the
characterisation of the contemporary Bond persona will there not be equally
little to latch on to by the multitudes of uncertain and impressionable young
adults seeking status and self confidence through the purchase of Bond-related
brands and consumables?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If the Bond character is just another characterless
Hollywood action figure, </span><span style="font-size: small;">the only
solution</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">is to morph the character into
the fabricated public ‘identity’ of the actor playing the character. Thus, like
all the other non-comicbook action heroes, Daniel Craig becomes the character
(James Bond) and James Bond becomes Daniel Craig; a transmogrification achieved
with so little apparent effort from everybody concerned, if Quantum of Solace
is the standard by which we judge these things!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Following the above line of reasoning to its logical
conclusion, Bond and the whole 007 roadshow becomes simply a vehicle for a
morphed Daniel Craig persona. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">But, where
does this place Omega in terms of its product placement deal with the makers of
Bond movies?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Omega’s marketing
Department would argue that if Craig is Bond and Bond is Craig and Craig is an
Omega Ambassador then it doesn’t matter, as long as this composite ‘property’
stays in line and doesn’t compromise the brand. Recent events, however, may
have had the Omega marketeers thumbing nervously through the celebrity rags
praying they don’t encounter another Daniel Craig faux pas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As famous for never showing his teeth in a publicity shot
(this hides his imperfect bite and makes him appear strong and intense) as he
is for playing the Bond role, Craig has recently shown a propensity to pepper
his public conversations with that decidedly non-Bond word “f**k”, or
derivatives of it. Commander Bond as we know would
have a ready supply of euphemisms to use in place of the ‘F’ word - like
‘butter the muffin’, ‘go on bush patrol’, ‘jump some bones’, ‘park the Aston in
the garage’, ‘deploy the wedding gear’, ‘open the clam’, or, over brandy, the
slightly obscure ‘engage one’s brains for a change’ or ‘storm the trenches’,
but ‘f**k’..........never!!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">It just
ain’t 007, but it IS Daniel Craig.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In interviews, Craig appears unconcerned with plucking the
‘f**k’ word out from his limited public vocabulary when stuck for adjectives.
Recently, he took a swipe at the Kardashians, calling them f***ing
idiots”.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Irrespective of the fact that
truth in this case could be considered a defence of such comments, one could expect the Omega
ambassador to perhaps tone down the language a tad. Earlier in the same
interview that touched on his embarrassing Jonathon Ross interview, Craig
lamented, "I wish I did have f***ing jazz hands, but I don't”.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">In a December interview last year, Craig
lashed out at politicians, calling them “sh*theads” and, in a show of political
acumen that would shame any Fox </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Televison
commentator, offered the profound insight, “That’s how they become politicians,
even the good ones. We’re actors, we’re artists, we’re very nice to each other.
They’ll turn around and stab you in the f**king back.” </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Ah yes, that’s right, artists and showbiz
types are models of rectitude, are devoted servants of the public weal and
should rule the world!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">In an interview promoting the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo,
Craig, reflecting on his entry into the Bond Franchise, explained, “The
deciding factor for doing “Casino Royale”, even though I was umming and
aahhing, going [puts on moody voice] “I don’t know if I want to do it”, was
that they showed me the script and I thought: F**k, I’ve got to do this.” Such
powerful use of the English language by a model British thespian, and a compelling
argument for him to have properly finished his secondary school education
before</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">he ran away to be famous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So, let’s answer the original question about the Omega Craig/Bond
association.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps we could answer it
with a few more questions? For example, does Omega really want to associate its
rising Super-Veblen brand status with a foul-mouthed tool head? </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">With the price points now achieved on a range
of its models, is the Bond fan base a market that Omega wishes to dominate? </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Given Omega’s recent history of superb brand
husbandry, boutique expansion and product relationship coups, hasn’t</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">the Bond/Craig tie-up run its course? Is the
relationship at the point where it will debase or contradict the elevated
status of the brand?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Hmmm.......that would have to be nope, probably not, yep, and yep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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<br />Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-53732582090018657572012-07-11T22:44:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:38:45.095-08:00Omega Aqua Terra Captain's Watch<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mr4F2BzAAhhZITbyuTj4oZchybo7cZvDYYAVFk1mcff7oAclBaFNstJGp-BFBHDD7N1wg61hzC4xaLzgk8D9pYc52h7fVZrtyV5H5nHNnyMIJPaA5Y6jUVpvZ5Cx99h3846yPnT1XVM/s1600/AT+non+Capitains.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Mr4F2BzAAhhZITbyuTj4oZchybo7cZvDYYAVFk1mcff7oAclBaFNstJGp-BFBHDD7N1wg61hzC4xaLzgk8D9pYc52h7fVZrtyV5H5nHNnyMIJPaA5Y6jUVpvZ5Cx99h3846yPnT1XVM/s640/AT+non+Capitains.png" width="464" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKpbF_jwErOLGUolpK3MyrUz-wrOQdHO5tYBlUF8-obw8_Hlo4kS1N53Ww27NDKFTQX3c2sM_zyjcE4bOdr7B8GZpFYlF8qSWlH99easzq8K3gG-Rq_UC-ChI9ek5FJYuUFo7Qi_FALI/s1600/SE159_Seamaster_Captains_watch_231.10.42.21.02.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKpbF_jwErOLGUolpK3MyrUz-wrOQdHO5tYBlUF8-obw8_Hlo4kS1N53Ww27NDKFTQX3c2sM_zyjcE4bOdr7B8GZpFYlF8qSWlH99easzq8K3gG-Rq_UC-ChI9ek5FJYuUFo7Qi_FALI/s640/SE159_Seamaster_Captains_watch_231.10.42.21.02.002.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Change your accessories and you can change your look, a
long-held fashion principle that stands up well when applied to the Omega Aqua
Terra.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">A change of hands to the colour
blue, add a touch of yellow to the tip of the seconds sweep, combine splashes of red and
blue to the lettering, tint the minute index blue and, wallah!, you have
sportified an otherwise subdued, but classic-looking AT. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This new colour palette has been created to mark Omega’s
inaugural sponsorship of the Ryder Cup. Team USA Captain and Omega Ambassador,
Davis Love 111, will wear this special “Captain’s Watch” when he hits off on
Friday, September 28</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"> this year.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Ryder Cup is one of the more interesting tournaments on
the bi-annual golfing calendar, in-as-much as the players are not competing for
prize money the size of the annual deficit of Argentina, but, rather, just for
the sport of it and the prospect of giving the USA’s traditional “Old Europe”
rivals a drubbing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Released as a special edition, the Captain’s Aqua Terra may
not improve your handicap, but it will enable you to whack up a few divots with
a tad more confidence. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">To me, it adds a
bit of colour to this perfect day or weekend sporting watch and will look great
under the cuffs of a dark navy suit accessorised with a power red tie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All of the customary AT features accompany this red, silver
and blue edition, including a display black that enables you to marvel at the
engineering and finish of the in-house calibre 8500.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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<br />Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-86293897858703653552012-03-29T20:36:00.001-07:002013-02-18T01:39:07.286-08:00Omega De Ville Chronograph Co-Axial Calibre 9300/9301<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='560' height='340' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfPyt5bdLyI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It’s the horological equivalent of a rags to riches story.
From very humble beginnings as a line of blue collar, entry-level watches
promoted in the early 1960s by Omega’s US agent, Norman Morris, the Omega De
Ville collection has risen steadily in status to rival most of its siblings in
the Omega and other high-value brand stables.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">It is fitting that the
new in-house calibre 9300 and 9301 movements (depending on the depth of your
pockets) will purr under a De Ville dial.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The De Ville 18-carat red gold chronograph is classic
‘Veblen’ merchandise and mirrors the ‘riches’ accumulated by anyone able to
afford the top end of this line. Veblen was coined by economist,
Thorstein Bunde, to describe a range of high-end merchandise that is perceived
to be exclusive as long as prices remain high or increase. And, priced at around
29,000 US dollars, the De Ville solid red gold chronograph satisfies most, if
not all, criteria for a bona fide Veblen object: it’s pricey; it will be
produced in comparatively fewer numbers; it houses some exciting twenty-first
century micro-mechanics; it has classic styling and it looks ‘expensive’.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Rolex have appreciated the Veblen effect for decades,
churning out millions of watches with robust, albeit ugly-looking movements priced
at the retail end from 6,000 to 10,000 US dollars (much more these days) and
costing a fraction of that price to produce. The good thing about the De Ville 18k
chronograph is that while huge margins are built into the price it is far, far
from ugly - on the inside or the out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">If you don’t have the spare change to land the red gold
version of this 42mm heavyweight, then the stainless version – either with
strap or stainless steel bracelet - may suit your budget at around the 8300 to
9000 USD mark.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Still Veblen, but at
least there will be some funds left over in the kids’ college accounts that
could be designated for their original purpose!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The styling of this piece defers to watch design of the
nineteen-twenties to forties: big, plump, polished and brushed case body, and
rounded lugs with a long curve, giving an organic, Art Nouveau quality to the
overall design. Roman numeral markers on the dial add a touch of classicism,
and simple, tapered and faceted gold hands and understated sub-dials preserve
the subtlety of this prestige piece.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">A
number of dial combinations in black, silver and blue are available, depending
on the model you choose.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">All of the expected hallmarks of a dress chronograph are
present: twenty-first century two sub-dial movement with silicon balance and
tri-level co-axial escapement with some of the best performance and stability
numbers in the business; </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: OmegaCT-Regular;"><span style="font-size: small;">column wheel
chronograph mechanism visible through three cut-outs on the bridge; </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;">exquisite</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
cosmetic and functional finish of the plates, rotor and bridges; blackened
screws, barrel and balance wheel to add a bit more colour contrast, and an
exhibition case back to remind you of what you are getting for your money. The
18 carat gold version offers an 18 carat gold rotor and balance bridge, with
the stainless model featuring a rhodium-plated rotor and balance bridge. A
further feature of the piece is the ability to change the hour hand without
affecting the minute hand and sweep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">While the De Ville dress chronograph speaks the Veblen lingo
eloquently, it is one of the best, if not <i><b>the</b></i> best, in its class.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-62608318917287332962012-03-27T22:05:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:39:30.230-08:00OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold™ Collection<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Bezels are probably more prone to accidental damage than any
other part of a professional dive watch, and the Swiss watch industry has
devoted a king’s ransom in research and development money to further the quest
to make them more robust.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The use of
ceramics, hard metal innovation, and more recently Omega’s introduction of
liquid metal technology are testament to the pursuit of the indestructible
bezel.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">With the introduction of liquid metal versions on some
Seamaster Planet Ocean editions, Omega is a little further along to track to
the ultimate bezel than its major competitors. Liquid metal set the standard
for professional dive watches, and Omega’s new offering, Ceragold, may well set
it for those who like to keep their head well above water. As with liquid metal
bezels, Omega has pioneered a new method for forming the metal diving scale. It
involves a complicated series of manufacturing steps, described </span><a href="http://www.omegawatches.com/spirit/baselworld/ceragold"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> on the Omega
website. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Ceragold method has the potential (if the Omega design
shop has its wits about it) to be applied to a range of innovative and exciting
applications. Imagine a ceramic Omega dial with Ceragold markers and Omega logo,
or elegant dial designs etched into ceramic and complimented with gold filling using the Ceragold method;
consider the use of Ceragold as an elegant ornamentation technique on bezels
other than dive watches; contemplate Ceragold and ceramic bracelet inserts and
clasps, or case back medallions. The ceramic colour and applications of
Ceragold are only limited by the imagination, and here’s hoping that we see some
original and inventive applications of Ceragold at future Baselworlds. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='560' height='340' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/t7z7hfq0iqE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The new Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold collection is
designed but not meant for subaqueous environments. With prices ranging from
22,500 to 33,000 USD for these eighteen-carat gold beauties, you should not
expect to see one on the wrist of a navy diver. Rather, they will find their homes
in more elevated, rarefied milieus probably well above the twentieth floor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Do not despair,
however, because the professional dive features can be used in other, more
creative ways. Rather than indicating elapsed diving time, the bezel of Ceragold
42 mm White Planet St. Moritz, for example, is an excellent device to check
elapsed time of your high-level presentations, or to ensure your parking meter
doesn’t run out. You can set a specific and acceptable duration for ducking
into the executive toilet to smoke a joint, or check elapsed waiting time at
your favourite restaurant.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Same thing
with the 45.50 mm eighteen-carat red gold Planet Ocean Chronograph powered by
the calibre 9301 (Click </span><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?b2frbczyb70dz90"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for a Watchtime review of the SS Cal 9300 PO).</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The helium escape
valves may come in handy as metaphorical self-management tools if the pressure
gets too much during power meetings or boardroom disagreements!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/Planet_Ocean_42mm_23263422104001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/Planet_Ocean_42mm_23263422104001.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/Planet_Ocean_45mm_chrono_23263465101001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/Planet_Ocean_45mm_chrono_23263465101001.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">These luxury models are powered by Omega’s in-house calibre
8501 and 9301 movements, both of which have a matching eighteen-carat rotor that
is visible through the exhibition case back. Undoubtedly they are beautiful
pieces, the St Moritz conforming to the standards of a jewellery watch, and
while their market will be limited, it’s nice to see them as examples of
innovation in watch materials.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-63615147886839592712012-03-16T20:23:00.002-07:002013-02-18T01:39:51.340-08:00Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” Numbered Edition Chronograph<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/SP64_Speedmaster_LE_First_Omega_in_space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/SP64_Speedmaster_LE_First_Omega_in_space.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/Speedmaster_LE_First_Omega_in_space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/Speedmaster_LE_First_Omega_in_space.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">While there have already been comments bewailing the fact that
the Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” fiftieth anniversary numbered edition is
not the size of the Speedmaster Professional, perhaps said commentators may be somewhat
mollified when they consider the unparalleled value offered</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">by this commemorative piece. Besides, it is
appropriate that a watch that honours Wally Schirra’s choice - two years and five months prior to NASA officially adopting the Speedmaster - to give his CK
2998 Speedmaster some wrist time aboard the Mercury Atlas mission of 1962
is sized as its contemporaries were. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Of the Speedmaster offerings at Baselworld, this is the
purists version. The other two, notwithstanding the allure of the Z – 33, can
be seen as ‘monetisations’ of the Speedmaster’s incredible brand power. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Tracing its genotype back to the classic calibre
321 that powered Schirra’s original Speedie, the calibre 1861 under the bonnet offers
authenticity and great value for money for the USD 5,300.00 price tag.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The hand-wound calibre 1861 is still one of the smallest
chronograph movements on the market and this allows a nice comfortable case
height of 14mm in the Schirra Speedie. The case aesthetics are of the later
period and feature the familiar faceted lugs.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The 1861 is fundamentally the same calibre as that designed by Lemania’s
Albert Piguet in 1942. The main differences between its early predecessors are
that of a column wheel having been replaced by a cam, a steel braking lever replaced
by a more shock-resistant Delrin lever and a change of balance and beat rate. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">For a chronograph movement to have been around
for seventy years with so few modifications is a testament to the brilliance
and execution of its design.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The classic ‘white on black’ lacquered dial, originally inspired
by the instruments on Italian cars of the period, together with the Alpha hands
provides superb readability.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The hour
markers and hour and minute hands are coated with super luminova. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Unlike the original, the Schirra commemorative
Speedmaster has a sapphire crystal to better protect the dial from the bumps
and grinds of contemporary life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">As a numbered edition, special attention has been paid to
the screw-in caseback.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The Seahorse medallion
(the Speedmaster was conceived as part of the Seamaster collection) is deeply
embossed, and around the perimeter of the medallion in raised lettering are the
words “THE FIRST OMEGA IN SPACE” and “OCTOBER 3, 1962”, The numbering is etched
on the case back rim.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The watch comes
with a brown stitched leather strap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There are many reports of the how’s and whys of NASA
choosing the Speedmaster as the official NASA mission watch, and it behooves any
proud owner of a ‘real’ Speedie to know the history of the marque. A good
write-up on the NASA evaluation and testing process can be found </span><a href="http://forums.watchuseek.com/f45/omega-nasa-facebook-article-279809.html"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">A fuller history of this iconic brand can be
found </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Speedmaster"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">. From the inception of the concept, Omega’s design chief, Pierre
Moinat, wanted the Speedie to both stand out from the crowd and appear the
natural choice for a motoring chronograph. He succeeded on both counts, and
Omega is not boasting when it states that the Speedmaster is the “world’s
definitive chronograph”.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The Schirra commemorative Speedmaster will be available
after September 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-86163567727602789082012-03-13T22:44:00.001-07:002013-02-18T01:40:11.789-08:00Basel-world 2012: The Omega Spacemaster Z-33<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/SP69_Speedmaster_Z33_32592437901001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/SP69_Speedmaster_Z33_32592437901001.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUG2yJMolIODBFyZElXHTQ9bFthXsTPpu1OM3f9hxiFeDMQLVhIc6d98ZF4KnRR2IJdVROiewunMHu3neLs8wUxsxsHRFgT3rZlFoFug3wVYVJfWWEzvO8F8AAv8KZP0nBxuisvlyDQDQ/s1600/ScreenHunter_05+Mar.+16+12.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUG2yJMolIODBFyZElXHTQ9bFthXsTPpu1OM3f9hxiFeDMQLVhIc6d98ZF4KnRR2IJdVROiewunMHu3neLs8wUxsxsHRFgT3rZlFoFug3wVYVJfWWEzvO8F8AAv8KZP0nBxuisvlyDQDQ/s400/ScreenHunter_05+Mar.+16+12.35.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ever since Omega somewhat belatedly patented
its ‘Ligne Pilote’ case design in November 2010, watch aficionados knew
something was up. Informed speculation leaned towards an upgraded X33 sitting
in a pilot line case.....and it was right. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Featuring a freshly minted calibre 5566
quartz movement, the Z-33 offers analogue time-telling adjustable at the crown
and a range of digital functions that will be very useful to pilots - even in
these days of iPads and digital paraphernalia that allow pilots to do
practically everything, except perhaps have sex with their chief stewardesses. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Functions
include Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and two other time zones, also allowing
owners to cross the
international date line and accommodate forward and regressive date
changes.</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The chronograph function of the
movement can measure elapsed time from destination, and ten separate flights
can be logged and represented visually </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With four pushers and a crown, the Spacemaster
Z-33 is a complicated piece of kit. If you have problems programming digital
recorders or setting up a new television set, this will really flummox you.
But, with a little practice and a certified membership from MENSA, you should
get the hang of it!</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The design is pure brutalism with a
dark side that will appeal to anyone who nurtures and enjoys their Jungian
shadow. The classic titanium pilot line case, a derivative of the Flightmaster
cases of the late nineteen-sixties and early seventies, </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">features a deep linear adoucissage finish that
radiates from the centre point of the watch and you can almost cut yourself, or
others, with the sharpness of the perimeter edges. The 19.3 mm case is much thicker than the
earlier Flightmaster cases and overall measurements are a whopping 43mm by
53mm. </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The dial is simplicity itself. A deep
charcoal ground is highlighted with white superluminova indices with the outer
ring featuring the classic Flightmaster five-minute configuration. Two mirror
image digital displays with black backgrounds pulse out red characters. </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dagger hands, also coated in superluminova are
skeletonised to allow better visibility of the digital displays.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">A choice of rubber or leather straps is
offered, but the rubber strap with the red outlines, in my opinion, completes the
implicit ‘menace’ of the design story.</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the ultimate electro-mechanical tool watch, and it may well
become a cult piece just as the Omega X-33 has.</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Available only from Omega boutiques, the Z-33 will set you back around
USD 5900.00 and will be available from May, 2012.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh, and for those who may have described, or will
describe, this wonderful piece of ordinance as “fugly’, I simply ask, have you
looked at yourself in the mirror lately?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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<br />Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-52166496431286004412012-03-11T03:46:00.001-07:002013-02-18T01:40:29.889-08:00Omega Speedmaster Racing Chronograph<br />
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<a href="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/SpeedmasterSP73_Racing_Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/SpeedmasterSP73_Racing_Date.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I’m not going to say much about this 40mm, $4800.00 entry-level
Speedmaster, save that it looks racy, sporty, fun and is generally a nice piece of
design. It will certainly hook in the neophytes and those who don’t know their Speedmasters
from their Mixmasters. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Said to honour the Speedmaster’s original purpose, that of
a companion to well heeled petrol-heads who were into car racing, this new "Racing" Speedie comes with a choice of dial colour
combinations including maroon and blue, and you may pick between a standard
bracelet or black rubberised band with colour outlines. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The subdials are
finished in what is described as a “Clous de Paris” pattern. Clou is a French
word used colloquially to refer to carbuncles and boils, and also to nails and
other forms of fastening. I suspect the Omega marketing department had in mind one of the latter definitions, as I can’t imagine they would have us
view the subdials as being finished in the manner of a Parisian carbuncle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s what under the bonnet that doesn’t impress me all that much when lined up against Omega's in-house calibres.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The movement is a Valjoux ebauche worked over by ETA for Omega. Seen in sister brand Longines chronographs with a traditional escapement, the column wheel movement sports Omega co-axial and silicon balance technology. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">It's a 'cheapie' with Omega Speedmaster iconography, and while I can appreciate its positioning as an entree to the brand, I still feel that if </span><span style="font-size: small;">you want a Speedmaster with real moonwatch DNA, then
you have only one movement choice, the bulletproof calibre 1861.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">You'll have to wait until November before this collection reaches Omega boutiques and retailers. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-47288801956949126812012-03-11T00:17:00.002-08:002013-02-18T01:41:25.371-08:00Omega Day-Date Thirtieth Anniversary Constellation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/CO92_Constellation_Day_Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g86/mondodec/CO92_Constellation_Day_Date.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Constellation Day-Date has been a long time returning. The
last fully in-house Constellation movement with the day-date complication was
the calibre 1021, phased out in 1979.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Between now and July, Omega will release various iterations
of the 38 mm case Day-Date Constellation, starting with diamond bezel models that will set
you back between thirteen and thirty-eight thousand dollars and culminating in
the release of the all stainless model with black dial in July, priced at
around $8300 US Dollars. I say “culminating” because I think the black dialled
all stainless Day-Date is a classic in the making.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Under the dial is a modified calibre 8500 movement which Omega
has designated as the calibre 8602 to identify the Date-Date complication.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">This family of ‘in-house’ co-axial calibres
now has five years of history behind it; five years in which no major design or
manufacturing fault has surfaced, </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">a
truly remarkable track record for a new calibre.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Featuring a silicon balance and co-axial
escapement, the series is one of the most beautiful looking new millennium movements
on the market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Constellation Day-Date arrived at Baselworld 2012,
thirty years after Carol Didisheim’s first Manhattan version with the famous griffes
(or claws) created a sensation at Baselworld in 1982. (</span><a href="http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com.au/2010/08/genius-and-serindipity-behind-omega.html"><span style="font-size: small;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for the story
of how the griffes came about).</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I’m
surprised that Omega has not made more of the Didisheim link to today’s
Constellations and </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">acknowledged her
contribution to one of the most enduring designs in contemporary Swiss
watchmaking.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There is a remarkable balance to the dial design that respects
the minimalist approach to Constellation dials. The curved day aperture is
tucked neatly between the eleven and one o’clock markers and the date aperture unobtrusively
replaces the six o’clock marker.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While most men will eschew bezels that have the numerals set
with 116 full-cut diamonds (seen in the picture above), </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">a wait of a mere four months will net you a
silvered or black dialled version of this classic thirty-nine jewel chronometer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-40839884374428426312012-01-14T18:42:00.000-08:002013-02-18T01:41:47.197-08:00Omega’s First Baselworld Release – Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre_KgBdaajAwwCeClvMaTM5I-GrQNx2JXl2iI4clLFGTFPCUNPVpxIMSzvABHXIPEIt63HjgUqFQ5KvgQ0_Q94cAD6q_58TTJdhp8m8nidmyB9UyYJakJDIMNMd6TCYZtvl8MPgTSjxg/s1600/omega-seamaster-GMT-aqua-terra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre_KgBdaajAwwCeClvMaTM5I-GrQNx2JXl2iI4clLFGTFPCUNPVpxIMSzvABHXIPEIt63HjgUqFQ5KvgQ0_Q94cAD6q_58TTJdhp8m8nidmyB9UyYJakJDIMNMd6TCYZtvl8MPgTSjxg/s625/omega-seamaster-GMT-aqua-terra.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">At last! ....an Omega Aqua Terra GMT powered by one of
Omega’s new generation movements. The most
recent AT GMT on offer was the chronograph version powered by the Piguet-Based calibre
3603, and while it had the looks, some argued that it didn't have the right
movement at its heart. To be officially released during Baselworld 2012 in a
matter of weeks, this AT GMT has both: aesthetics uninterrupted by chronograph
sub-dials and a GMT modification built on to Omega’s exclusive calibre 8500
series of co-axials. Designated as the
Omega Co-Axial series 8605/8615 this is the first of OMEGA’s exclusive
‘in-house’ movements to carry the GMT complication. The movement is equipped
with a silicon balance spring and Omega’s confident four-year warranty applies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have waxed lyrical on the ATs dial and case design in
earlier reviews, so you will not have to endure any lapse into purple prose here,
save to reiterate that a GMT complication on a clean dial is so much easier on
the eyes than such complications on chronographs – no fairground busy-ness here,
just outer and inner chapter rings in complete harmony with the circularity of
the dial and the date aperture subtly placed at six o’clock. The GMT register
is tucked neatly into the ambit of the applied markers and the GMT hand,
marginally longer than the hour hand, is outlined in red to make its
twenty-four hour rotation visible but not over-powering. The red touches on the
dark teak dial and GMT hand add just the right measure of sportiness to this
piece without limiting the occasions on which the watch can be worn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All dial furniture is either 18k white or red gold,
depending on the case metal chosen, and the hands and indices are coated with
white Super-Luminova. At 43mm, it’s a big watch and I would have liked to have seen
this 2012 offering measure in at around 39 to 40mm, the size of the new Certina
DSI release at Baselworld this year. Non-Chronograph case sizes, in general, diminished
last year at Baselworld and it will be interesting to see what the trend is in
2012. Ultra thin watches are also making
a comeback (check out the new Rado Thin-Line range) and while clunk and chunk
will no doubt still reign supreme, keep an eye out for what the cutting edge
and style-meisters of watch design are doing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The AT GMT will be available in Stainless Steel, red gold or
two-tone models and can be accessorised by matching bracelets or a choice of black,
brown or blue leather straps. Expect the price of the Stainless version to hover around the USD 8,500 mark.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-8788723801913692232011-12-20T22:52:00.000-08:002013-02-18T01:42:12.926-08:00Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph Co-Axial calibre 9301<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Omega Speedmaster family is one of the most visible
watch collections in the world. While the early antecedents were great space
travellers and accompanied NASA astronauts on their momentous space missions of
the late nineteen-sixties and seventies, some of the more recent progeny that
haven’t carried the authentic moonwatch gene have, in my opinion, let their
illustrious fore-fathers and mothers down.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">I’m pleased to say that the new Speedmaster Co-Axial calibre 9301 model is
not one of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For purists, the only Speedmasters worth embellishing the
wrist are those that are linear descendents of the moon watch (the calibre
321/861/1861 progression), and such tastes are amply catered for with the
limited edition Apollo 15 Anniversary model and the Speedmaster Professional
range. But, for those who hankered for an automatic version that still offered
some historical rub-off, the most recent options have been limited to models
powered by the somewhat effete Piguet-based 33xx and 36xx calibres. The
exception was the more strapping 3212.80.00 calibre1164 date range based on the
famous Valjoux 7750 ‘tracteur, but that was superceded by the sissier calibre
3304 versions.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFmlfhjiXCLQmBDYtK9XqCXpbdt6ONoHQJmFf5aKE3O1r0Q9Y9q3j_zv1aqOtPYv2DCOqZbVCWbtzYj2xiguPJXEmaHS0WNVzO1mw14XMOPKiq7g4ZLxaqYeQcNXqfNuqW89xr1rRObA/s1600/Christmas_2011_Speedmaster_Chrono_Co-Axial_311.63.44.51.01.001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFmlfhjiXCLQmBDYtK9XqCXpbdt6ONoHQJmFf5aKE3O1r0Q9Y9q3j_zv1aqOtPYv2DCOqZbVCWbtzYj2xiguPJXEmaHS0WNVzO1mw14XMOPKiq7g4ZLxaqYeQcNXqfNuqW89xr1rRObA/s640/Christmas_2011_Speedmaster_Chrono_Co-Axial_311.63.44.51.01.001.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Omega</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph Co-Axial calibre
9301 (seen above in the 18k orange gold iteration) adds muscle back into the automatic collection with a new in-house automatic
movement that was designed from the bottom plate up for robustness and accuracy.
This collection pays due homage to the famous design elements of the
Professional – classic black dial, tachymeter and original hands – and blows
the size of the watch out to a weapons-grade 44.25 mm. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Not for the faint-hearted and likely to cause
a back injury to anyone weighing less than 170 pounds, this piece is meant to
be worn with a swagger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps a fat wallet lodged in the right-hand back pocket
will help owners of this new Super-Speedie maintain vertical equilibrium, because
they will certainly need a sizeable stash to pay the $35,000.00 plus for the
platinum version. The more reasonably priced stainless steel version will still
dent the pocketbook at $7,000 dollars plus, with the ‘orange’ gold version
priced in the middle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, what are you getting for your money?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The answer is that you’re paying for twenty-first
century movement that is one of the most technologically advanced machines
currently in production: co-axial escapement, free-sprung balance, innovative
column wheel and vertical clutch arrangement, silicon balance spring, new-age
materials in some of the components, novel two subdial chronograph configuration,
beautifully executed case, an upgraded bracelet that allows better adjustment
when links are removed, a four year warranty and a COSC certified chronometer watch
that promises to deliver outstanding reliability over a long period of time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-57892283700283299222011-07-27T22:07:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:43:09.158-08:00The Omega Seamaster 1948 Co Axial "London 2012" Limited Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6_6fTabSP-DxxErbHeLn0b-M-ieWijVWm1z3Fm__iGxcIL2ryhsONQRa_cYtvGZQ4KePTu2cpBDfyvs30iQvS8haTkgzl2AJnykbWhuJ24ks8XqaFsPwSHGpxrAiro8g4RuqojlAyCI/s1600/Seamaster1948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6_6fTabSP-DxxErbHeLn0b-M-ieWijVWm1z3Fm__iGxcIL2ryhsONQRa_cYtvGZQ4KePTu2cpBDfyvs30iQvS8haTkgzl2AJnykbWhuJ24ks8XqaFsPwSHGpxrAiro8g4RuqojlAyCI/s400/Seamaster1948.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Seamaster 1948 homage caused more than a few ooohs and aaahs amongst Omega devotees at this year's Baselworld watch fair, and, fortunately, for those instant gratificationists who cannot wait for the 2012 opening ceremony and must have one now, this limited edition of nineteen-hundred and forty-eight pieces goes on sale on July 27</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> 2011. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Seamaster 1948 is derivative, rather than an entirely faithful replica, of one of the very first of this line to be released: the calibre 343 RG powered Seamaster chronometer, model 2518.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Seen below, this beefy lugged celebrity is one of the most collectible of the early bullet-proof, “bumper” calibres. And, it is an entirely appropriate choice for the 2012 Olympics, commemorating Omega’s timing of the 1948 London Olympics known as the “Austere Games”. At that time, large parts London were still in ruins; food rationing remained in force, and rubble strewn streets were still a common sight. The 1948 London Olympics was also notable for being the only Olympics where athletes brought their own food and "the Magic Eye", Omega's newly developed photo-finish technology was used for the first time. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOlu4t9Embmzknokbx6d0ue-TQ5Ax4GgSjfT6SYxW8XRIBsj8ZQ3NGNAz2-NUSvHGGlMKS7YkIV_fv3aYvmYxWWW5W2nRZtXmjILEpmrvPWZHFJ4zp9nC7evnKnd_BECi03bKTO7etxY/s1600/Orig+seamaster+cal+343+2518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOlu4t9Embmzknokbx6d0ue-TQ5Ax4GgSjfT6SYxW8XRIBsj8ZQ3NGNAz2-NUSvHGGlMKS7YkIV_fv3aYvmYxWWW5W2nRZtXmjILEpmrvPWZHFJ4zp9nC7evnKnd_BECi03bKTO7etxY/s400/Orig+seamaster+cal+343+2518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In comparing the two pieces, the similarities, rather than slight differences, in design stories become apparent. The applied Arabic numerals at the quarter hour are almost identical, save for the six o’ clock marker that is not present in the original. The faceted arrowhead markers, again, are reasonably accurate facsimiles, the rounded Lance Alpha hands are true to the originals and the chapter ring is the same. The big difference is the size of the sub-seconds dial and the use of a flat opaline surface in place of the domed silvered dial on the 1948 version.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">The seconds sub-dial could not be located lower on the dial because of the 26mm calibre 2202 movement powering this larger commemorative model. However, I would have liked to have seen a replication of the domed dial as it softens the overall styling of the piece. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The case of the Co-Axial is 39mm in diameter, 5mm larger than the vintage version, and while the wide polished bezel and case middle have been reproduced faithfully, the polished lugs on the new version are marginally more curved. An 18 karat London Olympics medallion replaces the original plain case back. Designed by Wolff Olins, this official logo adds collecting provenance to the piece.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBrAQTGJQ4rEIEUMdwInMFmeGKrv7bQBnde5vAaCrCnh3v1En6r4ej9XX-ApAfpB2Ag61kxPd38ZA-R1d4Bm4nQ06L7_HR3qjESA_H05IQwfbNgwoUR1pd1GJrjB0kAzNhyphenhyphendUTqlNp3Y/s1600/Seamaster1948caseback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBrAQTGJQ4rEIEUMdwInMFmeGKrv7bQBnde5vAaCrCnh3v1En6r4ej9XX-ApAfpB2Ag61kxPd38ZA-R1d4Bm4nQ06L7_HR3qjESA_H05IQwfbNgwoUR1pd1GJrjB0kAzNhyphenhyphendUTqlNp3Y/s400/Seamaster1948caseback.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The power plant is, as mentioned above, the exclusive Omega calibre 2202 co-axial. This movement is basically a jewelled-up calibre 2500C with a sub-seconds configuration, a heavily modified version of the ETA calibre 2982. It has appeared in previous museum homage watches such as the Omega Centenary limited edition piece and also provides the power for the De Ville Prestige collection.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Featuring a three-level co-axial escapement and breguet overcoil balance, the movement offers a power reserve of around 48 hours and is chronometer certified.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, does the 48 Co-Axial stand as a worthy successor to previous Seamaster Olympic commemorative watches? I think so. Its classic design certainly stirred the passions of collectors at Baselworld, and while I would have rather seen it come with a domed dial, it needs to be remembered that the watch is a contemporary take on an old favourite. Priced at around $USD 5500.00, it is not cheap for a steel cased, 2500-based Omega, however its limited numbers and Olympic associations almost guarantee its future collectability.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">On aesthetics alone, I think I would take the plunge.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-17372612611203094312011-07-16T20:56:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:43:35.107-08:00Omega Launches the Apollo 15 Speedmaster 40th Anniversary Limited Edition<div align="justify">
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the July 26, 2011, at 09:34:00 am, it will be forty years since the Apollo 15 mission blasted into orbit from the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, in Florida. It was touch and go initially because the second stage of the Saturn V rocket ignited prematurely, nearly setting off as catastrophic event where the exhaust of the first stage engine was fed back into the propulsion system.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezf0Fz4eECTj5zo0jFO4ul11BN7V8RDAyEzqNyxRYZE8slTttcW4bt9XoOr6TFrSprj1D5-I3keWiKHnYnUMo4ZScWVF_xzgl5TzioQj8JNjBASYMmPN3vYeZrjQxNB6tvtstts8x4HM/s1600/patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezf0Fz4eECTj5zo0jFO4ul11BN7V8RDAyEzqNyxRYZE8slTttcW4bt9XoOr6TFrSprj1D5-I3keWiKHnYnUMo4ZScWVF_xzgl5TzioQj8JNjBASYMmPN3vYeZrjQxNB6tvtstts8x4HM/s200/patch.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Also notable was the fact that Apollo 15 was the first of what were described as the “J Missions”, featuring extended stays on the moon for exploration and data collecting. It notched up another first with the moon (rather than world) premiere of the lunar roving vehicle, seen below in the company of lunar module pilot, James Irwin, saluting the US flag - although he could have been waving enthusiastically to his mum back on earth - at the Hadley-Apennine landing site. The mission lasted twelve long days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The circular mission patch showed a stylised rendering of red, white and blue birds flying over the Hadley-Rille section of the lunar surface, which is adjacent to the Appenines Mountains. Encircled by a blue border, the mission and crew member’s names are printed on a white background against an inner red circle. Fashion designer Emilio Pucci designed the patch, but Commander David Scott and crew chose the colour scheme. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A new limited edition Omega Speedmaster commemorates this milestone in the US space program of the seventies by incorporating the colour scheme of the Apollo 15 mission patch into its dial design. The minute index is in blue, white and red, replicating the outer circles of the patch. This colour scheme continues with a blue ring around the small seconds subdial, and white and red rings around the 12-hour and 30-minute counters, adding an edge to the otherwise conservative Speedmaster livery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The case-back identifies its limited edition status and features a nicely executed image of an astronaut hooning about in the lunar rover, echoing many a boy’s fantasy in those days to go dune buggying on the lunar surface. The lunar rover subject on the medallion was chosen to mark the rover's first outing on the moon</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The case design is archetypal Moonwatch, with all the customary features that mark the iconology of the Speedmaster design. The case is generously sized at 42mm, but what makes this, and all others of the moonwatch (Speedmaster Professional) ilk, special is the calibre 1861 movement. This classic hand-wind chronograph traces its DNA back to the incredible aviator chronographs produced by Omega in the early 1930s, with its more direct descendants being the calibre 321, designed by Albert Piguet in 1946, and calibre 861, an upgrade introduced in 1968. It is pure horological history on the wrist, and any serious collector of chronographs has at least one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There have been numerous comments on watch fora about Omega having introduced too many limited edition Speedmasters, but most of that commentary is informed by investment and perhaps exclusivity considerations rather than satisfying a market of collectors who, like in many areas of collecting, want to build limited edition collections and wait eagerly for the next in the series. The Moonwatch limited editions are also created to appeal to the growing number of nostalgists who have developed a renewed interest in memorabilia from America’s pioneering space adventures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, is the price tag of around $7000.00 worth the trouble? For lunatics who claim that the US moon missions never took place and harrangue elderly astronauts for being part of the "conspiracy", of course not! But, I would say yes, particularly for those who like to collect the series, and most certainly for those who wish to have a legend purring away on their wrists.</span><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-33748372578945168072011-05-22T17:56:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:44:14.576-08:00New Omega PLanet Ocean Makes Big Splash on Capri<div align="justify">
<span style="font-size: small;">Omega chose the splendid Mediterranean island of Capri as the venue for its latest press junket to promote the enhanced Planet Ocean collection and the upgrade to in-house calibres 8500 and 9300 with silicon balance springs in all models. Amongst the guests was Buzz Aldrin, whom Omega usually dusts down and wheels out for Speedmaster events, but perhaps Buzz’s suntan was fading and needed a top up. Seems strange that Omega would would seek to water down Aldrin’s association with the venerable Speedie, but, hey, its done it before with Daniel Craig and the De Ville Hour Vision ‘Blue’.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Less curious was the announcement of a partnership with eco-filmmaker and founder of GoodPlanet, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, to “create a film about the Earth's oceans, serving to remind viewers of these natural beauties that cover two-thirds of the planet's surface and to raise awareness of what can be done to protect them.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On the subject of natural beauties, the highlight of the gig was the arrival of a blond mermaid - with her own particularly attractive set of natural beauties - bearing freebee Planet Oceans to members of the gawping press. Hey fellas, don’t forget to write those fawning reviews now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Back to Yann and his project. It is excellent to see Omega building such a strong reputation for good global corporate citizenship. The Solar Impulse partnership, the Orbis project and this new association with GoodPlanet (not to mention the ongoing Buzz Aldrin Life-Support Mission) sets a cracking pace, which other large Swiss watchmakers should follow. Off course, such activities rub off on the brand in a very positive way, but good deeds ARE good deads.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/file/wc56363l3k6rayo/OMEGA_Seamaster_Planet_Ocean_press_kit.pdf"><span style="font-size: small;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for the full press kit</span><br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?b2frbczyb70dz90"><span style="font-size: small;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for a comprehensive review by Watchtime</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You’ve read the book...........and now here’s the movie</span></div>
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-13831073002018104372011-03-23T06:21:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:44:53.065-08:00Omega 2011 Baselworld Releases<div align="justify">
<span style="font-size: small;">Omega has released a Baselworld video to excite the apetites of watch aficionados and Omega collectors. Run the video below and see if you can identify new releases amongst the watches featured. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">One piece you will not see is the new Flightmaster re-release. That release will be left until later this year.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The new </b><b>Seamaster Planet Ocean 45.50 mm Chronograph, calibre 9300.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This newest of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean family is a thick and chunky 45.50 mm in diameter, as is the case with many contemporary professional dive watches. The stainless steel brushed/polished case is offered with either the much-admired matt aluminium orange bezel or the more subdued matt black ceramic option. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Case design varies little from earlier PO chronographs, their visual appeal enhanced by thoughtful attention to the case middle. The sculptural lines of the curved lugs, bevelled and black polished against a brush finished background, provide an impressive frame for the visage of the watch. Quality of case construction is second-to-none with meticulous edge finishing and detailed treatment of unexposed parts. A brushed screw-in case back with a sapphire crystal completes the ensemble. Matching bracelets are available to those looking for the full stainless steel treatment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Of course, the feature that has generated the most comments, and indeed compliments, is the two-register dial with the chronograph sub-dial at 3 o’clock. This act of combining the twelve hour and sixty minute counters unclutters and balances the matt black dial and recalls an earlier period when chronographs routinely sported two sub-dials. While I much prefer broad-arrow hands in non-chronograph watches because of visibility issues, I have to reluctantly admit that they enhance the design narrative of the watch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The calibre 9300 family of chronographs is as yet unproven (a review of the movement appears in </span><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?b2frbczyb70dz90"><span style="font-size: small;">this</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> Watchtime article), and we must look to the calibre 8500 series for hints about the potential of this movement. In its short life span, the calibre 8500 has earned a reputation of being at the vanguard of a generational change of ‘new tech’ production series movements. The employment of new diamond-like carbon coatings on the twin barrels to combat wear, the use of advanced metallurgy, ceramic bearings on the automatic winding system reversers, an innovative gearing system that improves efficiency along the entire gear train, the tri-level co-axial system and Si14 silicon balance all work harmoniously to produce unheard of amplitude deviations that beat competitor movements hands down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The calibre 8500 series of movements are the twenty-first century successors of the best in production watchmaking and are poised to overshadow twentieth-century technology in the likes of the Rolex calibre 3135. Much of the fruits of this impressive renaissance of Omega in-house movements transfers to the new calibre 9300 series. Only time will prove the reliability and robustness of the chronograph module, but investment made in the design and creation of this calibre offers hope that it will live up to modern expectations of how a tool watch should perform. Priced at around $7500 - $7700, depending on the bezel, this new collection represents real value over its predecessors.</span></div>
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With black ceramic bezel</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Titanium Liquidmetal Blue Dial</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Powered by Omega's calibre 8500, this 42mm titanium cased model with liquidmetal bezel has been long awaited by Omega collectors. While going against the trend of smaller cases at Baselworld this year, the blue dial reflects the trend towards less cluttered dials. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The markers, coated with white super-LimiNova and emitting a blue light are a nice size, the bezel is clean, the lines of the case are classic, the blue luminescent broad arrow hands add a little drama to the dial and the overall effect is that of a stylish and balanced design. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> The minute hand emits a green light, as does the dot on the diving bezel. This feature makes it easy for divers to keep track of time at a glance. The new hands treatment is designed to provide better readability in a variety of conditions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The blue rubber strap, while perfectly functional in an underwater setting, adds a measure of urban chic to the overall look of the piece. The watch is also available with a titanium bracelet.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The 37.5mm Planet Ocean White 232.32.42.21.04.001 </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The amazing Hour Vision Skeleton Platinum Limited Edition</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Eighty-eight lucky customers will get to pay around US $48,000.00 for the privilege of owning this limited edition Omega De Ville Hour Vision Skeleton. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">First popularised by Parisian watchmaker, Andre-Charles Caron, in 1760, skeletonised watches are the product of ateliers specialising in the high horological arts, where old style crafts specialists cut, bevel, decorate and polish movements to reveal the inner beauty of their workings. A skeletonised watch requires intensive labour and attention to detail, as the intent is not so much to produce a time-telling instrument as it is to create an aesthetic object that can be appreciated for its beauty and high craftsmanship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Having a long history of creating special pieces, Omega is no stranger to skeletonised watches. In the last two decades we have seen numerous examples offered by Omega, including the skeletonised Speedmaster Apollo in 1994, the Seamaster 50th anniversary model in 1998, moon phase limited edition Speedmasters in 2003 and of recent times the skeletonised central tourbillion models. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A co-axial calibre 8404 with silicon balance spring powers the Hour Vision Skeleton, the base calibre of which is in-house calibre 8500. This model has all the features of the 8500 with the added privilege of being able to peer deep into the mechanism.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Skeletonising has been executed in a contemporary manner, avoiding the flourishes and filigree of the classic craft. The bridges have been severely cut-away and are finished in a strong grain pattern with finely curved bevelling of the edges. The jewels take on the visual effect of nodes and encourage the eye to travel from one point to another and investigate its meaning. The keyless works are a joy to observe in motion as it the silicon spring balance. An 18k gold skeletonised rotor contrasts with the metals of the movement addling a little dazzle to its oscillations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The 41mm case of the Hour Vision Co-Axial Skeleton Platinum Limited Edition is made from near-pure Platinum, and the now-familiar Hour Vision case structure allows the movement to be viewed from the sides as well as back and front. The beautifully rounded style of the case adds a sculptural element to the aesthetics of the piece and at some angles the lug joins appear as though they are piercing through the large rounded bezel.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The calibre 9300 Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This new two-register Speedmaster Co-Axial chronograph is powered by the new calibre 9300/9301series chronograph. The dial has two sub-dials instead of the three normally associated with Speedmaster. This is made possible by the innovative placement of the 12-hour and 60-minute counters in the same sub-dial at 3 o'clock allowing a comfortable and intuitive chronograph reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Three versions of the Speedmaster 44.25mm Co-Axial Chronograph will be offered. Firstly, in stainless steel with bevelled black dial, white transferred elements, and varnished white hands. A choice of black leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet is offered. The second option is 18 carat orange gold with a black ceramic dial and 18 carat dial furniture. The third option is for those with very deep pockets – 950 platinum with black enamel dial and 18 carat gold hands and applied markers. </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;">
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">While heavy hands in PO chronographs create visibility issues, this Speedie is true to a working chronograph's specifications. The starkness of white on black and classic thin hands offer excellent functionality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The stainless steel version will retail in Europe for around the USD 8500 mark. Expect to pay around USD 35000.00 for the platinum.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The long-awaited </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Co-Axial calibre series 9300/9301 </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">in profile</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Despite rumours to the contrary, the new 9300 series has been built from the bottom plate up. It is a 14 lignes column wheel movement, measuring 32.5 mm in width, and while superficially similar in appearance to the calibre 8500 series it has not been piggy-backed off this 29mm diameter movement. It does, however, feature a double barrel power system providing a reserve of sixty hours and is equipped with a tri-level co-axial escapement. The movement has a column wheel transfer and a vertical clutch which Omega developed especially for this series.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The chronometer grade 9300/9301 movements leave the factory for COSC testing having achieved a maximum range of 4 seconds variation in all 6 positions in terms of daily accuracy. They are are finely tuned example of contemporary watchmaking, and while only time will tell if they live up to expectations of robutsness and durability, if their sibling 8500 series calibres are anything to go by then expectations about performance and resilience can be confidently placed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The cosmetic finish of the movement is also similar to that of the 8500, displaying dramatic radial Geneve waves in the now familiar arabesque finish with excellent bevelling of the bridge edges. The 9301 movement is the luxury finish version with rotor and balance cock manufactured from 18 carat gold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This new calibre is manufactured on plant and machinery especially commissioned by Omega and will be exclusive to the brand. The movement measures 7.6mm in depth, which is approximately 1mm thicker than the Rolex calibre 4130. 7.6 mm is a little over 1/4 inch thick, and with clever case design this thickness should not present a problem. The 32.5 mm calibre should be able to accommodate smaller case sizes as trends begin to dictate a move away from the gargantuan styles of the last decade. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The calibre 9300/9301 is fitted with Omega's Si14 silicon technology. There is substantial freedom in the fabrication of balance-springs made of silicon which allows the Si 14’s geometry to be modified for optimal isochronism, the quality of oscillations occurring in equal periods of time. This isochronous quality reduces the amount of deviation in the watch’s accuracy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The new calibre 9300 beats at 4hz or 28,800 bph, which varies from the optimal co-axial rate in the calibre 8500 of 25,200 bph. The Omega technical people earlier explained to me that in respect to the calibre 8500, “We can say generally that the transition to a frequency of 25,200 bph for this type of calibre allows the optimum functioning of our Co-Axial escapement, whether for performance, reliability or long-term accuracy.” It appears that in the larger diameter calibre 9300 with chronograph module the design team has been able to lift the beat rate without compromising performance. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Baselworld Trends</span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This year, a number of makers have been inspired by the Art Deco style of the 1920's and 30's, as well as the marked classicism of the 1950's and 60's, whose simple, elegant lines have made a strong comeback. Notice in many of the current and new Omega lines the strong design reference to the fifties and early sixties in particular.</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As an overall trend, Men's watches have returned to a more reasonable 40 to 43 mm in diameter, which makes it hard to understand why Omega in some instances has opted for 45 mm diameter pieces. Ladies' </span></span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">mini</span></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> timepieces are once again a more fashionable 25 to 30 mm, with the </span></span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">midi</span></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> a more standard size of 34 to 38 mm. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simplicity is also evident in the dials, as demonstrated by the Planet Ocean Titanium Liquidmetal blue dial. Many brands have stripped their dials to bare essentials, but they are still finely worked, with embossed, flat, pierced or even totally openworked versions, as in the limited edition Hour Vision skeleton model. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Arial Narrow", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">While steel and gold remain the favoured materials, some of the most appreciated finishes are PVD- or DLC-treated. Two-tone models, a favourite until now with Anglo-Saxon clients, have slowly gained in popularity. This year's watches are bolder, with bracelets, straps and cases playing an integral part in this contrast of colours between traditional silvered tones and the lustre of pink or yellow gold. Timepieces are also more classical in appearance, with their round cases, though a few feature more artistic shapes in the Art Deco style. More and more companies have fitted their watches with in-house movements, while tourbillons, striking-mechanisms and perpetual calendars remain the most popular complications. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-76586225452370225112011-03-17T03:05:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:45:31.620-08:00Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 44 London Chronograph<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Omega will, again, be the official timekeepers to the next Olympic Games. To commemorate the appointment, the company has released the 44mm Seamaster Aqua Terra London Chronograph. Omega’s association with the modern Olympics is a remarkable achievement and London 2012 will mark the 25th occasion on which the organisation has timed the games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The AT 44 London comes in two models. The ‘terra’ version offers a two-tone 18 karat red gold and stainless steel case complemented by a black leather strap, while the ‘aqua’ version is constructed from stainless steel and accompanied by a fine brushed stainless steel bracelet, the design of which refers back to Omega bracelets of the late nineteen-sixties and seventies.(Click on the picture for a magnified view)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The aesthetics of the case are a delight to observe, thanks to modern case-making precision and methods. The bezel is mirror polished. It’s a perfect foil for the linear adoucissage finish of the inner lugs which are corralled by a broad raised strip of mirror polish sweeping around the entire outer case. As a piece of sculpture, the case is faultless. The abstract London Olympics logo is deeply pressed into the case back, which will please those wanting a memento of the occasion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The dial is a standard chronograph configuration with small seconds sub-dial at 0900, 30 minute recorder at 1500 and the twelve hour sub-dial at 1800. The dial surface retains the popular Aqua Terra ‘teak pattern’ design and is coated in an attractive hue of blue PVD. While I have great affection for the luminous broad arrow and blunted dagger minute and hour hands, I believe they are better placed in non-chronograph dials because they impair visibility of the sub-dials and affect the functional purpose of chronographs. But, hey, who is going to let functionality get in the way of what is, essentially, an excellent piece of design.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN4xlGD4gjRMS-22B0HqGcsy50aeSUYBQiXkltt9D-E3kozVTAxgliyzLbPNiEs03-wDMCjAMJXDOqT_x08X4-APXcwkXNTA0GjSFa5jUy1v8YL6bJ7MPRgKlLwSjb3C8xZbAPtq2Vyc/s1600/Seamaster+Aqua+Terra+44+London1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN4xlGD4gjRMS-22B0HqGcsy50aeSUYBQiXkltt9D-E3kozVTAxgliyzLbPNiEs03-wDMCjAMJXDOqT_x08X4-APXcwkXNTA0GjSFa5jUy1v8YL6bJ7MPRgKlLwSjb3C8xZbAPtq2Vyc/s640/Seamaster+Aqua+Terra+44+London1.JPG" width="464" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The AT London is water resistant to one-hundred and fifty metres and has a self locking crown that screws into the crown tube. The pushers are attractive in their dual finish and rounded lines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The movement? In some ways sadly, a calibre 3313 self winding Piguet manufactured column wheel chronograph powers this piece. Yes, it has all the co-axial fruit and a free sprung balance, but I am not convinced that this series of calibres offers the robustness that one should expect in a tool watch. Granted, there have been a number of design fixes over the years, but the riveted intermediate driving wheels remain a problem for me. If industry scuttlebutt is anything to go by, Omega has recognised the durability issues of this family of calibres and will retire them from their men’s chronograph ranges over time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A good looking watch the Aqua Terra 44 London is, but if I was in the business of purchasing a commemorative London Olympics watch I might just wait until I discover if any commemorative Olympic models will feature the new in-house chronograph calibre 9300 series.</span><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-28281510228051897492011-02-04T17:10:00.000-08:002013-02-18T01:47:05.415-08:00A New Way to Buy a Watch and Not the Seller<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfG_PzStQClHX0ENV5e_QOcVhU3jc1kqpXKjzb_wE3MUMH-0qky_31Qb5bCzpcYL5Sa0CRk-EBlDgiIJMnObQqwJWu87EkH0BycPKFGaMj5sTUVPU51-T6_Jpd1PbE_mEkzbz21sjEVs/s1600/watchXchange_logo_tm1-300x86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfG_PzStQClHX0ENV5e_QOcVhU3jc1kqpXKjzb_wE3MUMH-0qky_31Qb5bCzpcYL5Sa0CRk-EBlDgiIJMnObQqwJWu87EkH0BycPKFGaMj5sTUVPU51-T6_Jpd1PbE_mEkzbz21sjEVs/s1600/watchXchange_logo_tm1-300x86.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It's rare for to me to launch into print to endorse any product or organisation because there is a big responsibility implicit in lending support to the adventures of others. However, when something new and interesting comes along that has the potential to improve the experience and safety of purchasing a watch on the global internet, I’m more than happy to share the news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">WatchXchange, has been launched to provide a more secure marketplace for buyers and sellers of pre-owned watches. Vintage watches will not be part of this enterprise because of the immense difficulties in verifying authenticity over the range of available brands. At this stage the service is available to residents of the USA only with street addresses: post office boxes are disallowed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The buy-sell system will operate by using a “proprietary intermediate transaction process”. What this means is that each individual watch is appraised for authenticity by experienced watch experts and buyers receive “payment protection” on their purchases.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When a deal is done, WatchXchange receives the watch from the seller and inspects it for authenticity and confirms that it has been accurately represented by the seller. If the watch cannot be authenticated or does not match the listing description, it will be returned to the Seller and your payment is refunded. Once confirmed the watch is shipped free by WatchXchange to your door. Sellers pay a “success” and not a listing fee and buyers pay no fees at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Many buyers of recent and pre-owned quality watches are recent graduates of the throw-away watches school and couldn’t tell a balance cock from a stop cock. They are sitting ducks for all sorts of criminal and fraudulent enterprise, but, now, with a respected intermediary coming between them and the vendor to authenticate the watch and handle the money side of things, they don’t have to think of the seller at all once they’ve agreed on price.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For those of us who have bought too many watches in our lifetimes, while we may be able to authenticate the watches we buy, we can now be assured that after we wire the money we won’t receive a registered package that contains a rock in a box!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.perpetuelle.com/HomeWatchXchange.aspx"><span style="font-size: small;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for more information</span></div>
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-76397956412524123122011-01-27T19:22:00.000-08:002013-02-18T01:47:39.071-08:00The Omega De Ville Hour Vision Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUJwhVAp5bWa1BUw7tonkMfMVVZEZbWL6iY76HYD3_BqkQZHawnvGdcuo68E_GpnKDXNeDwJmvRvMVMSMFx0nUWsxbjnAETXU4_CzoMzJIrW8kfR-OfQTmEqkUGuIBcZD2NyHNCn1OW8/s1600/hour+vision+blue+Omega+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUJwhVAp5bWa1BUw7tonkMfMVVZEZbWL6iY76HYD3_BqkQZHawnvGdcuo68E_GpnKDXNeDwJmvRvMVMSMFx0nUWsxbjnAETXU4_CzoMzJIrW8kfR-OfQTmEqkUGuIBcZD2NyHNCn1OW8/s400/hour+vision+blue+Omega+2.jpg" width="453" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslmsFYgDh_9-TjE8Dl4mlZhcALrYJKj4LU5ehoSX09-pYNOWLXmZvmGOd0uNjm8Cy9PKMgoCIKqAt8y7Y5FpGViDe7bLuWYvbfZvsPJSwYHA2-iB0VmI0cv5SfBykWHRfPTzx0elgfPQ/s1600/omegablue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslmsFYgDh_9-TjE8Dl4mlZhcALrYJKj4LU5ehoSX09-pYNOWLXmZvmGOd0uNjm8Cy9PKMgoCIKqAt8y7Y5FpGViDe7bLuWYvbfZvsPJSwYHA2-iB0VmI0cv5SfBykWHRfPTzx0elgfPQ/s400/omegablue.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Omega De Ville Hour Vision family has a newly minted addition, the Hour Vision Blue, which certainly adds a bit of colour to the somewhat dour brown, silver and black dial offerings previously available. While some De Ville dials could be seen as conservative or unremarkable, the convergence of excellent 1950’s derivative design of the 41mm transparent case body, the outstanding beauty and engineering of the calibre 8500 series movement and sophisticated appointments on the dusty blue dial transform this latest iteration of the Hour Vision into something very special.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">With trends dictating more black in today’s fashion than there ever was in Joseph Heller’s humour, this watch can be worn across the day and night without embarrassment. It also compliments the more ‘adventurous’ choices of fabric colour favoured in business wear, such as ash grey, charcoal and navy blue, and holds its own with the camel, beiges, khakis and greys worn casually on the weekend. We are truly so adventurous in our fashion choices these days – aren’t we?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Omega also took the opportunity to associate the release of the Hour Vision Blue with a worthy piece of philanthropism by committing to donate a minimum of a million dollars over four years to the international eye care organisation, ORBIS. This organisation of specialists and medicos operates in more than eighty less-developed countries, offering treatment for a range of poverty-related eye conditions that lead to blindness, and it also trains local doctors in oculoplastic surgery. Couldn’t think of a better cause, so more power to Omega’s elbow for its generosity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">But, did they have to bring Daniel Craig into this? I realise that it’s de rigueur for even minor Hollywood hacks to adopt a charity and be associated with ‘good works’ – it’s considered beneficial for career and celebrity maintenance - but, I find it a curious that Omega would link this woody little British actor with the steroidal scowl to the De Ville collection, particularly after having invested a mozza in Seamaster product association with the Bond character. Anyway, let’s forget the hype, give Omega ten heavenly credits for helping ORBIS, forget about Daniel Craig and focus on this excellent watch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Technically, all the earlier praise of the Hour Vision can be heaped on the Blue. The calibre 8500 power plant features the three-level co-axial upgrade, allowing for autonomous adjustment of the hour hand, an especially nifty feature for those who travel across time zones. The movement is chronometer certified and the case is water resistant to a hundred metres.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The dusty blue dial is finished in the customary ‘sun-brushed’ manner, allowing the light to play beautifully on the four-rimmed raised platform, upon which sit 18 karat white gold facetted markers in the tapered and blunted Hour Vision style. The luminous hands continue the tapered design story with a longer centre sweep reaching out to the edge of the chapter ring. An understated date aperture finishes off this subtle and classic dial design.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The whole combination - stainless steel case, blue dial with white gold dial furniture and black leather strap - gives the Hour Vision collection the depth it needed, and, in the process, gave birth to a true classic.</span><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-205504188066723392011-01-18T05:28:00.000-08:002013-02-18T01:48:18.175-08:00Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BfSirmYime3ETQWYRIVwgbKONDIzzXZavJO9l1yyPRYl7wq1G6hgG3hjGWvq49hLy-iZ5-t7qgAJv5r0MnS75hTxdpx06KrMPl8gkpY9EmL_WoSpOkt0QvBplRy6ivKS_SaF9iuhq-c/s1600/SE104_AquaTerra_231.53.49.10.06.001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BfSirmYime3ETQWYRIVwgbKONDIzzXZavJO9l1yyPRYl7wq1G6hgG3hjGWvq49hLy-iZ5-t7qgAJv5r0MnS75hTxdpx06KrMPl8gkpY9EmL_WoSpOkt0QvBplRy6ivKS_SaF9iuhq-c/s400/SE104_AquaTerra_231.53.49.10.06.001.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL is the perfect accessory for those whose tailoring bears the same label. Making no distinction between walls of muscle or tubs of lard, this AT just cries out to embellish a wrist that would match the circumference of Rush Limbaugh’s head! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Omega literature declares that the XXL has a “bold” 49.2 mm case (‘Bold’ is the current horological euphemism for ‘ridiculous’ or ‘otherwise indescribable’). The case is a dead-ringer of the limited edition Railmaster colossus that shocked, or awed, depending on one’s outlook, the educated watch-buying public a few years ago, only this time it sports the AT livery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That having been said, the Aqua Terra dial, combined with a sub-dial registering seconds, certainly offers a very clean design narrative and exceptional aesthetics, further flattered by brushed, polished and faceted hands with an attractive broad-arrow minute hand. The hands and the sharp arrowhead markers have super-Luminova inserts, which, to me, compromises the beauty of the dial and consigns the piece to a shadow-land of ambiguous identity. When, and where, would one wear this watch? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The power plant is interesting and has a lineage dating back to hunter-cased pocket watches of the nineteen-fifties, and, in fact, was designed for that purpose. The Omega chronometer certified calibre 2211A is sourced from an ETA calibre 6498 ebauche that was originally designed for pocket watches by the August Raymond SA company Unitas. This company was a casualty of what we now describe as the quartz and throwaway watch crisis of the late 1970s and when Ebauches S.A. absorbed Unitas, Valljoux and other manufacturers within ETA S.A and finally came under the umbrella of the Swatch Group, many of the original ebauche names and calibre numbers were retained. The tools and related equipment for the Unitas 6498 hunter pocket watch movement became the property of the Swatch Group.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLU4qH5oUtg_Sa3RAvDbAKOhNcsSo7UMwhCF_NHYPYeWHZBej5QvwX1WvIPHRlVOFzukFl65fm8goCf6iYy8RjXD9AA78vRy1zRUGm_30Qg6R17fMF6kwth8UOPPGo6EPVxFtsOxmsImI/s1600/ScreenHunter_01+Jan.+17+17.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLU4qH5oUtg_Sa3RAvDbAKOhNcsSo7UMwhCF_NHYPYeWHZBej5QvwX1WvIPHRlVOFzukFl65fm8goCf6iYy8RjXD9AA78vRy1zRUGm_30Qg6R17fMF6kwth8UOPPGo6EPVxFtsOxmsImI/s400/ScreenHunter_01+Jan.+17+17.53.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, the calibre 2211A has a glorious history and is of excellent and proven design. (For a nice little 'riff' on this calibre, </span><a href="http://watchmakingblog.com/2008/02/13/eta-6497-6498/"><span style="font-size: small;">click here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">) Even in its more basic ebauche form it is easy to regulate to chronometer specifications. The seventeen jewel hand-wind movement has deep grain snailing on nicely anglaged bridges (which is an interesting departure from the more common Geneva wave design) and functional finish is excellent. This movement is undoubtedly a classic, and while it provides power for many a brand name, including some Panerais, I would have liked to see this 36.6mm movement in a 41mm or 42mm case. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The size of the AT XXL reminds me of the way furniture design went during the Victorian era: from relatively interesting and sophisticated lines and embellishments in the early period to more fruit than on Carmen Miranda’s head in the late period. It seems that human nature dictates that a design trend must be blown out to the point of absurdity before a new counter-trend emerges, and maybe the 49.4mm XXL represents a turning point. But, it still leaves us with the question, who will wear a watch of this size? Japanese sumo wrestlers, steroid-addled body builders, poor little men with a size complex, the criminally obese, for sure, but who else with an ounce of urbanity would touch it?</span><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-75884786472869982412010-09-12T01:49:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:48:50.706-08:00The Evolving Designs of the Omega Constellation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmD2dTbXxbipN2lAefakHumxVVjQ3FnDevdmRtstFxtmZEhuqklyTCgxgKkA2KejyFo9Zl7NydRyMDgfq8iIyXZ4_9wHlGiqfYtiSSNCNFYUBZ7RsnAUbcXRFetgdbOBYta14yQElICs/s1600/Omega+Constellation+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmD2dTbXxbipN2lAefakHumxVVjQ3FnDevdmRtstFxtmZEhuqklyTCgxgKkA2KejyFo9Zl7NydRyMDgfq8iIyXZ4_9wHlGiqfYtiSSNCNFYUBZ7RsnAUbcXRFetgdbOBYta14yQElICs/s400/Omega+Constellation+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Constellation is often derided by the WIS (watch idiot savant) community as ‘dated’. This is particularly the case amongst tool watch devotees and others who favour more aggressive XL sized cases or those who hanker for the beautifully engineered and designed Constellations of the nine-fifties and sixties. But, despite the less than enthusiastic support amongst collectors of contemporary Omega watches, more high-end watch buyers purchase a Constellation than any other Omega series.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If the Omega Constellation collection was a brand in and of itself, it would be the fourth largest selling brand in the world! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The main supporters of the Constellation are women and buyers from the Orient: Japan, India, China and other Tiger economies just love ‘em. ....and it’s all because of the claws. (</span><a href="http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/2010/08/genius-and-serindipity-behind-omega.html"><span style="font-size: small;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for an essay on Carol Didisheim, the creator of this famous design)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The now ornamental claws or “griffes” on the Constellation case are one of the most recognisable watch design features on the globe. Unlike some western cultures, Oriental buyers appear to be more partial to dress and jewellery watches and are often more keenly attentive to the role brands play in communicating rank, wealth and position. In Asia, the distinctive claws of the Omega Constellation summon instant associations of brand eminence, sophistication and exclusivity, which suit the up-and-coming and younger demographics down to a tee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, don’t imagine that Omega will be departing from the classic Constellation design anytime soon. With such strong iconography, the Constellation with its unique claws and bezel is one of the most visible status watches in the oriental market, and its designs and positioning will remain static as long as it continues to enrich Omega’s coffers.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwMe5OhqBJ1Tj3imYxbaUMg9s02zLmXDOIutWZaKOA5_cvaTybiiE4EHRVNGnvT5h1VwYwiBWeas2Ne4WLN27jZOLsn5AJeneOP3iwzeT0eT0Ycp_Nmr-9nfRr9tyUXeA2uPk8ipfugU/s1600/Omega+Constellation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwMe5OhqBJ1Tj3imYxbaUMg9s02zLmXDOIutWZaKOA5_cvaTybiiE4EHRVNGnvT5h1VwYwiBWeas2Ne4WLN27jZOLsn5AJeneOP3iwzeT0eT0Ycp_Nmr-9nfRr9tyUXeA2uPk8ipfugU/s400/Omega+Constellation.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Constellation design has been refreshed on a number of occasions since the advent of the original Manhattan models, the latest of which was just over a year ago. The case size of the mens model was increased to 38mm and the visible bridges and oscillating mass of the movement, decorated with Geneva waves in arabesque, can be seen through the crystal case-back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Shown above is the mens model 123.20.38.21.13.001 in steel and red gold. An attractive and uncluttered brown dial - brushed in a radial fashion that emanates from the Constellation star - is complemented by truncated dagger minute and hour hands and chunky applied red gold hour markers. A larger rounded bezel with engraved roman numerals is anchored by the flatter and enlarged claws, giving the tonneau case a more aggressive and contemporary look. Under the dial is the exclusive Omega calibre 8500 co-axial movement which is proving to be one of the best series movements produced in the new millennium.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Priced at around $8000.00 USD or as little as $6300.00 at some on-line outlets, the new 38mm series Constellation offers a blend of excellent horology and a legendary design story.</span><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-42111546175362914992010-09-11T16:18:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:49:13.504-08:00New In-House Omega Chronograph Movement Launches at Baselworld 2011<div align="justify">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Having alluded earlier this year to a production date of 2011, Steven Urquhart, Omega’s CEO, has confirmed during a series of public statements this month that the long-awaited in-house chronograph movement will make its debut at Baselworld next year . </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The new chronograph mechanism will not piggyback on top of a calibre 8500 series movement, and will be new from the bottom plate up. It will however copy the 8500's double-barrel power system, will incorporate three level coaxial technology and retain the now familiar column wheel configuration. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This new 14 lignes calibre with a power reserve of sixty hours – slated to be called the 9300 and 9301 - will replace the somewhat effete Piguet chronograph movements in all men’s watches. The Piguet 3313 will be enhanced with three-level co-axial technology and will find a home in women’s chronographs. Having once observed that weighing the mighty calibre 1861 against the Piguet chronographs was like comparing a builder’s labourer to a ballet dancer, I applaud the decision to build a more robust men’s chronograph movement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Omega has acknowledged the need for a more sturdy chronograph movement with an emphasis on quality and reliability, the subtext of which is that the Piguet series did not live up to such benchmarks. The decision is yet another signal of Omega’s trajectory towards a manufacturing ethos that gave the brand such an unassailable reputation in production watchmaking in the nineteen-fifties and sixties.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I think that Omega aficionados will have much to anticipate at Baselworld next year.</span><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-84057471087579692482010-06-19T01:00:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:49:49.692-08:00Omega Coaxial Technology<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI-4vcpSlR60uc2itPreTqsX21lXzfC3q8QHr0UOS4T6LbSP4r_1bOpibRKEa6CkE4FW0OKlBXIHdy_mb9LrIBv7uKvllgOMI0SlKL_WV2hTRdUVTDbL8H0V2ZWQJPzRMsdWuwsHuuJU/s1600/visionhour1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI-4vcpSlR60uc2itPreTqsX21lXzfC3q8QHr0UOS4T6LbSP4r_1bOpibRKEa6CkE4FW0OKlBXIHdy_mb9LrIBv7uKvllgOMI0SlKL_WV2hTRdUVTDbL8H0V2ZWQJPzRMsdWuwsHuuJU/s400/visionhour1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Omega's introduction of the Co-Axial escapement in 1999 signaled the beginning of a revolution in innovation of escapement technology. Since this bold move by Omega, other watch companies have garnered the courage and resources to attempt their own improvements on the traditional Swiss lever escapement with varying degrees of success. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">With the introduction of the exclusive Co-Axial calibre 8500 series in 2007, Omega can rightly claim to have achieved an impressive union of escapement design and watchmaking excellence that delivers better chronometric performance than any other 'production' watch movement in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The short video below follows the production process of the formidable calibre 8500 series movements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-20165827694333939722010-06-07T02:16:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:50:15.734-08:00Omega Aqua Terra Jewellery Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHecmAQqAKLyx7_4MZRS-HYY3DQxkTV5kvFSz3xKW-lKKpTYcSOd6P88HxUBORNpgfQD138otNb3MtSUsS2DPpsg5hC4ocsJxLcNeo95dvOwAL_pm3V1MJ8aQTHVxrGUNR47Wa3VTPrE/s1600/Aqua+terra+diamond+with+black+strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHecmAQqAKLyx7_4MZRS-HYY3DQxkTV5kvFSz3xKW-lKKpTYcSOd6P88HxUBORNpgfQD138otNb3MtSUsS2DPpsg5hC4ocsJxLcNeo95dvOwAL_pm3V1MJ8aQTHVxrGUNR47Wa3VTPrE/s400/Aqua+terra+diamond+with+black+strap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">These days there's no such thing, strictly, as an evening watch. The standards of formality have relaxed so markedly that the definition of formal wear has become tortuously ambiguous over the last three decades. It’s almost at the point where you could roll up at Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and bog into the tasting menu wearing little more than designer jeans and a Ploprof on your wrist!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wearing tool watches to black tie events and dress watches to work is commonplace…and in some ways more’s the pity. Men just don’t get as many opportunities anymore to climb into a penguin suit, don a precious metal watch, hang an elegant woman off their arm and mingle with polite society. Not that this new informality is particularly lamentable, but the joys of “dressing up” are few and far between these days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">To add to the ambiguity, watch companies have been transforming tool watches (watches designed and engineered to perform a particular function or in a designated environment) into dress watches and indeed dress watches into tool watches – witness the Omega Constellation Double-Eagle range (Talk about a design code identity crisis). And now the lines are to be blurred further with the release of the Aqua Terra jewellery range. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I’m a great fan of the Omega Aqua Terra collection, both from the aesthetic and horological viewpoint. Since I have waxed lyrically on the case lines and design elements of the AT previously, we will explore other features of this newly released series. To start with, Omega has taken a commonsense approach to case size. Discerning some movement in the market towards cases that do not rival the diameter of Dawn French’s backside, Omega has sized the case sensibly at 38.5mm. It’s hardly small by today's standards, but cleverly positioned in the dead middle of the size-fashion continuum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The dial looks appealing with the Aqua-Terra’s signature teak design finished in black lacquer. The faceted arrow-head markers are dotted with eleven single cut diamonds and there is a brushed 18 Karat gold applied date window at 3 o'clock. The broad arrow minute hand, truncated Dauphine hour hand and arrowhead sweep draw deeply from Omega’s history and the overall effect of dial and hands is that of deliberately understated luxury.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The watch is presented on either a brushed 18 karat gold bracelet with Omega’s patented screw-and-pin system and a safety clasp or a black alligator leather strap with a fold-over clasp. A stainless steel version is also available.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_-birMDdwnmn2gCxjugKjUX4Plr1nkilx3LIcnb5fDNdS_YtTecSg8F0vnmTiZvP2_XPn-LOaeZlCCWRM6HFoUJEsdu2cHo8ZXzMLlhUtb2f1NYX7QffZozNe3wVj-tPzwVSfCYLF-w/s1600/aquaterra+diamond+bezel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_-birMDdwnmn2gCxjugKjUX4Plr1nkilx3LIcnb5fDNdS_YtTecSg8F0vnmTiZvP2_XPn-LOaeZlCCWRM6HFoUJEsdu2cHo8ZXzMLlhUtb2f1NYX7QffZozNe3wVj-tPzwVSfCYLF-w/s400/aquaterra+diamond+bezel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The bezel is paved set with 52 full-cut diamonds and screams money or at least access to an excellent credit line. Overall, when comparing apples with apples, or jewellery watches with jewellery watches, the Aqua Terra has a timeless refinement about it and shapes up very well as an heirloom watch. Couple stylish design with the excellent calibre 8500 series under the dial and you have an aristocratic member of the montre bijoux class of watches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The market niche for this collection? Women for sure, but I can also see half the Chinese Politburo salivating over these watches. A fair number of the more effete varieties of fashionisti would stab each other in the back for one and wealthy dudes with no sexual identity issues will wear them without self-consciousness. And if you add the usual suspects like gansta rappers, hip-hoppers, crack cocaine lords and Ryan Seacrest clones, there will be no shortages of takers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Click on the pictures for magnified view</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">© <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com</span></div>
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-16045109079986048412010-04-03T17:40:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:50:49.681-08:00Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200m White Dial - Another Great White?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uzQpNHuYMZxOcbWXxBgWwEqdWWGSyXvEJZmkwh-K1ko4X_EF8GdzVVDQpBTmpM5VnsKi9Uoc2W_s8ChkD8kgbtWRlSSpKl_fpVyynHx2HGO6kdO7ZNP2yW4je5YY3ZFM9IhTTi51JZk/s1600/Omega+Seamaster+Ploprof+1200+White+Dial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uzQpNHuYMZxOcbWXxBgWwEqdWWGSyXvEJZmkwh-K1ko4X_EF8GdzVVDQpBTmpM5VnsKi9Uoc2W_s8ChkD8kgbtWRlSSpKl_fpVyynHx2HGO6kdO7ZNP2yW4je5YY3ZFM9IhTTi51JZk/s400/Omega+Seamaster+Ploprof+1200+White+Dial.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Omega "Great White" Seamaster GMT Chronometer Ref: 2538.20 was a popular model amongst dive watch aficionados, made more-so after Omega decided to discontinue the line. For those who suffered remorse over not acquiring a Great White while it was in production, the “Greater than Great White” version of the Ploprof 1200m should extinguish any such regrets……at more than double the investment!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Ploprof’s design code is undoubtedly the most distinctive of any dive watch on the market, and the polished, lacquered white dial with applied polished Omega symbol and logo will do much to establish it in the world of fad and fashion. The white Ploprof is still a serious bit of kit for the professional diver, however, its idiosyncratic lines, visual appeal and impressive dimensions of 55m x 48mm x 17.5mm have already ensured its migration to the emaciated wrists of androgynes who walk the catwalks of high fashion, as it has their more beefy brethren who insist time-telling accessories be at least the size of New Hampshire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The watch, sporting a white bi-directional locking bezel with chrome-coated Arabic numerals, snow white dial with super-Lume polished indexes has an over-sized minute hand crafted from orange anodised aluminium and is coated with white Super-Lume for legibility, as are the varnished hour and seconds hands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While the white dial softens some of its aggression, the raw, retro-industrial quality of the Ploprof case design means that the nearest to water many Ploprofs will ever get is a sudden downpour, and that’s fine. For the Ploprof “Greater than Great White” is an amazing piece of hardware that demands a wider audience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For a review of the original re-released Ploprof, </span><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?45q3935160s07wb"><span style="font-size: small;">click here</span></a><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6129638650596097065.post-81694634301426314542010-03-22T14:34:00.000-07:002013-02-18T01:51:17.175-08:00Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz “35th Anniversary”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQA6oQJcDCJK5xUjIlpyKkDCAbuF95oW3ui6HKQbxVk1ptS_XfIoFtArUM6FJIGkXMXEaTanSDanYny1LI9Xg3mTELBZSQdlJqZuwuOlq08QPc3lP27XKssEvCpqQHZUUVDFmqfqyETg/s1600-h/soyus1.JPG"><img alt="Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz “35th Anniversary”" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451575587442534802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQA6oQJcDCJK5xUjIlpyKkDCAbuF95oW3ui6HKQbxVk1ptS_XfIoFtArUM6FJIGkXMXEaTanSDanYny1LI9Xg3mTELBZSQdlJqZuwuOlq08QPc3lP27XKssEvCpqQHZUUVDFmqfqyETg/s400/soyus1.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 357px;" width="357" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSywsJF201zTzXF2YUM98Rrl5hgdkI95rh1UjQxAeX0ueMG4ZjCIv1gidBwbkCletTTkE2sVg4bL_m_3sgsScxd3Q4N-yv72-TLoHNTMXqgPPGN83qB40vr8-e38AsjXx6xyEZGADBNI0/s1600-h/soyus2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451575513405312786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSywsJF201zTzXF2YUM98Rrl5hgdkI95rh1UjQxAeX0ueMG4ZjCIv1gidBwbkCletTTkE2sVg4bL_m_3sgsScxd3Q4N-yv72-TLoHNTMXqgPPGN83qB40vr8-e38AsjXx6xyEZGADBNI0/s400/soyus2.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 374px;" width="374" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVTWsDTBef5ivEbKGQYBn9WUd_3HQzKmNlbc7t8haiDNt3PUHmNzYnKKdfXTe97rGKtb0opX4h80_vNC2MO5xNDoOgmZeYaQ37tsVwFlsjSEd0FFgwu5kopwBu1ETV-cxfmT6Z35RP3g/s1600-h/apollo-soyuz.jpg"><img alt="Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo-Soyuz “35th Anniversary”" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451575382564368834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVTWsDTBef5ivEbKGQYBn9WUd_3HQzKmNlbc7t8haiDNt3PUHmNzYnKKdfXTe97rGKtb0opX4h80_vNC2MO5xNDoOgmZeYaQ37tsVwFlsjSEd0FFgwu5kopwBu1ETV-cxfmT6Z35RP3g/s400/apollo-soyuz.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Above: Deke Slayton and Aleksey Leonov meet in space. © NASA</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On July 17, 1975, the unimaginable happened: two Cold War-rivals met in space. The timing was propitious as both super-powers were suffering the debilitating effects of their belligerency down on planet earth. It was a perfect distraction for Americans reeling from the US military defeat in Vietnam, the worsening US economy and the unceremonious dumping of arch-villain Richard Nixon as President. It also provided a useful diversion to the Soviets, suffering under the crushing Brezhnev regime and the privations of a bleak and oppressive one-party state.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project saw astronauts Tom Stafford, Donald K. "Deke" Slayton and Vance Brand in an Apollo command and service module docking with a Soyuz capsule manned by Russian cosmonauts Aleksey Leonov and Valeriy Kubasov. This historic ‘coupling’ ushered in a new era of cooperative ventures between two countries that once were fierce rivals in the "space race." As Tom Stafford remarked, the Apollo-Soyuz mission "showed the whole world that if the Soviet Union and America could work together in space, they could work together on the Earth." And so, while the effluxion of time has muted the significance of this important event, it was a very big deal at the time. Big enough indeed for Omega to mark the occasion with a limited edition Speedmaster release at Basel 2010.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The OMEGA Apollo-Soyuz “35th Anniversary” Speedmaster Professional is like any other Professional with the exception of its unusual dial. In a limited edition release of 500 pieces, it is powered by the indestructible hand-wind calibre 1861, a direct descendant of the Moon Watch. (</span><a href="http://omega.watchprosite.com/show-nblog.post/ti-364597/"><span style="font-size: small;">click here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for an excellent review of the 1861 by Jack Forster)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The dial was produced from a meteorite (Omega has not revealed where or when the object was found) that hurtled through the earth’s atmosphere and survived high-speed impact with the terrestrial surface. The meteorite’s unusual structure is the result of its very high temperature when it enters the Earth’s atmosphere, followed by a period of cooling. The dial is a single piece cut from the meteorite; accordingly, because no two pieces of the meteorite are exactly alike, each watch in this limited edition is absolutely unique.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The black colour of the meteorite dial is the result of a surface oxidation process. The silvery seconds hand and chronograph counters appear in the meteorite’s natural colour. In the flesh, this is a stunning looking piece and may well turn out to be eminently collectible because of its limited numbers and one-off dial treatment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Click on the above pictures for high-res images and for an incredible resource on Speedmasters </span><a href="http://www.speedmaster-mission.net/"><span style="font-size: small;">click here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> for jean-Michel's Speedmaster-Mission.</span><br />
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Desmondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14148245572518221306noreply@blogger.com