Captivating hues, an exciting new alloy and throwback tweaks steal the show.

So, one of the biggest Swiss horological giants has dropped its latest 2021 novelties, and there is certainly a lot to unpack. New models were unveiled across Omega's Seamaster, Constellation and De Ville Trésor collections - all offering something special to bolster the iconic statures of these core product lines. At the same time, the new watches make a unified statement of Omega's mechanical ambition and future direction, with every new model bearing the Master Chronometer certification and five-year warranty.

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Seamaster Surprises
The Seamaster 300 collection dominated the show. The indelible line of dive watches that was launched in 1957 returns this year with a distinct throwback vibe, slimmer silhouettes and, of course, Master Chronometer upgrades. Aesthetically, the most eye-catching tweak comes in the form of a sandwiched dial (Super-LumiNova base under an openworked top plate) with vintage open Arabic numerals at the quarter hour markers that recall old Seamaster models from the 1960s. The vintage-inspired dials are framed by redesigned bezels that are thinner and crafted from anodised-treated aluminium for increased rigidity.

Omega Seamaster 300 in steel

The 41mm Seamaster 300 are offered in steel with a choice of blue or black dial with bracelet or leather strap options. The version that collectors will be getting hyped for, however, is the one encased in Omega’s new proprietary, patent-pending alloy, Bronze Gold.

Omega Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold

The Seamaster 300 Bronze Gold not only plays up its nautical allusions well (bronze was traditionally a vital material for nautical exploration, used in items such as boat propellers and diving helmets), it is also darn beautiful, emanating a soft gilded sheen. Ostensibly, unlike regular bronze, Omega’s Bronze Gold is highly corrosion-resistant and promises to age well, retaining a gorgeous patina over a long time.

Another standout from the Seamaster range is the Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black, a watch with a moniker that doesn’t leave anything to the imagination. On first impression, the timepiece has echoes of the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Black Black from 2018. In truth, apart from a stylish monochromatic countenance, the Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black offers a different, more decorative and teched-up take on the Black Black theme.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black

Clad in black ceramic, the 43.5mm watch’s cool mystique is accentuated by impressive legibility, thanks to Omega’s designers’ smart amalgamation of polished, matte and textured surfaces on the case and dial. The work on the dial is especially impressive, with every detail laser-ablated in positive relief to endow the markers, wave patterns and logo three-dimensionality and contrast. Elsewhere, the same positive relief style is replicated on the scale of the unidirectional bezel.

Dressed To Impress
As for dress watches, Omega launches new De Ville Trésor models for men, as well as new 34mm offerings in the Constellation and Seamaster Aqua Terra collection for women. For us, the colourful and vivacious options stand out the most.

The slim and elegant De Ville Trésor line, which is equipped with hand-wound Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements, are ideal gentlemanly accoutrements that scream to be paired with a bespoke suit. The 40mm watches are anchored by dials displaying simple and sublime geometry, featuring thin baton hands and markers and, depending on the model, a power reserve sub-dial at 12 o’clock balanced with seconds sub-dial at six o’clock, or just the latter with the Omega logo at the top. The ‘obvious’ choice for a collection such as this would perhaps be the model in yellow gold with silver dial – something safe and unerringly classic. That said, we also spied an option in 18K Sedna Gold with a burgundy dial that is just as sophisticated, but dominates the wrist with way more boldness and presence.

Omega De Ville Trésor in Sedna gold with burgundy dial

Similarly, the women’s watches that caught our attention are those that exude unapologetic flamboyance. The Constellation collection, recognised by its signature claws on the bezel and half-moon facets at the lugs, welcomes a range of Small Seconds models in 34mm this year, the inclusion of the said display endowing the watches with a distinctive look. The dials feature intersecting minutes track and seconds sub-dial perimeters that give an appearance of quirkiness with asymmetry and the illusion of off-centered time display. The references run the gamut from ultra-feminine models in white mother-of-pearl dial, to a glitzy variant in Sedna gold with burgundy dial set with incremental diamond hour markers, along with more stones on the minute track, sub-dial and bezel. No prizes for guessing which stole our hearts.

Omega Constellation Small Seconds in Sedna gold with red dial and diamonds

On the topic of flashy creations, the 34mm Seamaster Aqua Terra brought the house down with a dazzling bevy of gem-set beauties. Offered in bi-coloured Sedna gold and steel, the watches rock stunning dials that are etched with intricate wave patterns in bling-y beige or vibrant pink, festooned with marquise-cut diamond hour markers for the former, and marquise-cut ruby hour markers for the latter. Admittedly, the combination of pink and red takes getting used to - but it sure will elicit second looks. And like the rest of the new 2021 creations, the glamour and lavishness of the Seamaster Aqua Terra belie its mechanical competence, powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra in Sedna gold and steel with diamonds and rubies

Last but not least, fans of the Speedmaster ‘Moonwatch’, who are still enjoying the Master Chronometer upgrades from earlier this year featuring four references that house the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, get a nice little surprise in the form of new NASA-themed Velcro straps. Available in black, white and silver, the 20mm straps bear NASA’s famous planet logo. With such an array of novelties to choose from, a new strap – which fits almost any Speedmaster – might not be a bad place to start as you ponder.

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