Luxurious, precise, durable, historic, aquatic
In the storied history of competitive sailing, the America’s Cup stands out as a pinnacle. Established as the longest-running sporting competition, its legacy dates back to the 17th century. This is a game of precision, a dance on water, where the difference between victory and defeat is measured in seconds. This world demands tools crafted with precision and intent. Enter the Omega Seamaster ETNZ Edition for the 37th America’s Cup.
From its inception, the Seamaster Planet Ocean has been a force to be reckoned with. This particular rendition, designed in collaboration with Emirates Team New Zealand, is an exemplary piece that radiates quality and innovation. The matte black ceramic case and dial shine in contrast to vibrant turquoise accents, inspired by the sail of the Emirates Team New Zealand logo. One glance at the regatta dial, and the turquoise at the 12 o’clock marker, reveals a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.
Sailing, in its competitive essence, doesn’t allow for a standing start grid or rapid accelerations, unlike other races. Instead, it requires a peculiar dance of trying to get as close to the starting line without crossing it until the whistle blows. For this delicate dance, you need a specialized tool. The regatta chronograph complication, which features a countdown dial, is Omega's solution to this challenge, offering precision timing to accommodate the nuances of this sport.
And for those keen-eyed enthusiasts who appreciate fine details, the gradient white-to-turquoise central seconds hand offers a delightful homage: an America's Cup trophy counterweight, celebrating the prestigious history of the competition. The matte ceramic dial is also an ode to the pre-race protocol, sporting a COUNTDOWN INDICATOR with a flagged START.
The rear of this magnificent timepiece offers its own narrative. The NAIAD LOCK caseback proudly sports the Emirates Team New Zealand logo with its distinctive turquoise fern sail. It's not just an emblem but a symbol of the enduring partnership and shared history between Omega and the kiwi crew.
But don't be fooled by its beautiful exterior. Underneath, the Seamaster houses the Omega in-house caliber 9900 automatic movement, a powerhouse with a 60-hour power reserve. Omega's Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900 isn't just a title; it represents a badge of honor, having withstood rigorous tests to earn its name.
The unidirectional bezel in black ceramic, with its white enamel diving scale, complements the timepiece's core purpose. And when darkness falls, the white Super-LumiNova ensures the wearer doesn't miss a beat.
With 600m water resistance, this watch is built not just for show but for the deep dives, a testimony to its robustness and reliability. The rubber strap in black, accentuated by turquoise stitching, wraps around the wrist with promise, and if one wishes to switch it up, there are three more straps to choose from.
Finally, its presentation box, black with turquoise elements, is an additional nod to the collaboration, capturing the elegance and history shared between Omega and Emirates Team New Zealand.
While its price tag of $13,300 might seem a premium, it’s a fair ask for a watch that tells more than time – it tells a story, represents history, and embodies the spirit of competitive sailing. In my opinion, it's more than a timepiece; it's an heirloom for the aficionado, a testament to Omega's commitment to excellence, and an emblem of the enduring spirit of the America’s Cup. This is not just a watch; it's an experience, a story waiting to be worn and told.
Pros:
- Deep Dive Capability: With a 600m water resistance, it's suitable for deep-sea diving and extreme water activities.
- Precision and Functionality: The regatta chronograph complication is tailored to the specific needs of competitive sailing.
- Durable Material: The matte black ceramic case ensures resistance against scratches and corrosion.
- Striking Design: Inspired by the Emirates Team New Zealand logo, its turquoise accents give it a unique aesthetic appeal.
- High-quality Movement: Contains Omega’s in-house caliber 9900 automatic movement, ensuring reliability and precision.
- Long Power Reserve: A power reserve of 60 hours allows extended use without the need for winding.
- Versatile Strap Options: Comes with a total of four straps, offering flexibility in styling and wear.
- Night Visibility: White Super-LumiNova on the bezel ensures easy readability in the dark.
- Commemorative Design Elements: From the America's Cup trophy counterweight to the Emirates Team New Zealand logo, the watch tells a rich historical story.
Cons:
- Price: Priced at $13,300, it's a significant investment and might be out of reach for many potential buyers.
- Size: At 45.5mm in diameter, the watch might be too large or overwhelming for individuals with smaller wrists.
- Specialized Use: The regatta timing feature is specialized for competitive sailing and might not be of value to non-sailors.
- Weight: Ceramic, while durable, can add to the watch's weight, potentially making it cumbersome for everyday wear.
- Limited Edition: Being a special edition might make servicing and finding replacement parts more challenging in the future.
$13,300