Team Omega's Olympic Watches - Tokyo Olympics 2020
Despite everything that’s stood in its way, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has finally managed to go ahead, even with COVID-19 cases still soaring in the capital.
But isn’t that Olympic spirit summed up in a nutshell? To defy all odds? This year we have seen some incredible feats at the Games so far. Self-coached Australian cyclist, Anna Kiesenhofer completely shocked and shut down sceptics by winning Gold in the Women’s Road Race. 13-year-old Momiji Nishiya became one of the youngest ever Gold medal winners at after bagging a medal for Japan in the first Women’s Street Skateboarding event. And of course, let’s not forget our home-grown Tom Daley who finally won the Gold that he deserved!
Whilst there have been many shocks this year one thing has remained as clockwork as ever 😉 yes you guessed it, Omega is once again the official timekeeper of the competition. This means that the Swiss watchmaker will be supplying all the event’s watches and technical timekeeping apparatus. But most importantly for us, Omega have released two new limited edition Olympic watches to mark the occasion.
So why don’t we have a look at these new pieces and take a trip back through time to see what other limited edition Games pieces Omega have produced. On your marks, get set, go!
Tokyo 2020
Watch #1 Seamaster Planet Ocean 522.33.40.20.04.001
The first limited edition piece in Omega’s team this year is a stunning all-white Seamaster, limited to 2020 pieces. This 39.5mm watch features a polished white ceramic dial that has been decorated with a standout red-tipped central second’s hand, said to represent the Japanese flag. The bezel is composed of white ceramic, topped by a Liquidmetal™ diving scale and another standout red focal point; the 20 past marker.
The watch is presented on a white leather strap and sports an attractive exhibition caseback, exposing the beautiful Master Chronometer Calibe 8800 movement inside before being topped off by the Tokyo 2020 logo.
Packaging wise, the watch comes in an Olympic themed presentation box with an additional stainless steel bracelet and grey NATO strap.
Watch #2 Seamaster Aqua Terra 522.12.41.21.03.001
The second limited edition member of Team Omega is this blue Aqua Terra that is also limited 2020 pieces.
This 41mm timepiece features a polished blue ceramic dial that has been laser-engraved to feature the Tokyo 2020 Harmonized Checkered Emblem.
Encapsuled by a smart, stainless steel bezel and case the watch is topped by yet another logo adorned exhibition case back displaying the intricacies of the Master Chronometer Calibre 8900 inside
The watch is presented on a blue rubber strap and comes with an additional stainless steel bracelet inside the Olympic presentation box.
PyeongChang 2018
In 2018 Omega brought out two cool timepieces to commemorate the winter Games in South Korea.
Watch #1 Seamaster Planet Ocean 522.32.44.21.03.001
Retailing at £5930, only 2018 of these pieces were made. The colour scheming of this watch was inspired by the South Korean flag, encased in stainless steel.
The dial is made from blue polished ceramic which is further elevated by a set of rhodium-plated indexes and Liquidmetal™ minute scale. At 43.5mm, the watch features a unidirectional bezel that has been glammed up with red rubber quarter décor.
As for the caseback we again have the exhibition style, showcasing the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900 movement, topped off with the PyeongChang 2018 logo.
The watch comes on a blue and red rubber strap but can be swapped to the additional stainless steel bracelet that is included in the presentation box.
Watch #2 Seamaster Aqua Terra 522.10.42.21.03.001
Like its teammate, this Aqua Terra was also limited to 2018 pieces but retailed slightly cheaper at £4910.
The 41mm timepiece uses the same deep blue colour scheming on the dial but this time has the addition of the Olympic coloured PyeongChang 2018 wording inscribed into the minute track. Fun feature here, notice how the “2018” inscription is perfectly aligned with the 20 and 18 minute indexes. A unique coincidence.
Again, with a logo adorned transparent caseback we can see the beautiful Master Co-axial 8500 movement working away.
Rio 2016
Back for the summer Olympics in Brazil, Omega released three hot new pieces.
Watch #1 Seamaster Diver 522.30.41.20.01.001
Inspired by the sidewalks of Copacabana beach, the black dial of this watch features a transferred wave pattern. The watch also includes a polished black ceramic bezel ring, equipped with a diving scale that takes on the colours of the Olympic rings.
This time the Co-Axial Calibre 2500 movement is hidden by a solid stainless steel caseback that is engraved with the Rio 2016 logo. Presented on a stainless steel strap, this 41mm watch was limited to 3016 pieces and retailed at £3750.
Watch #2 Seamaster Bullhead 522.12.43.50.04.001
Retailing at a whopping £7410 this hefty timepiece was limited to only 315 pieces. Of all of the Olympic watches that Omega ever released, this one is my personal favourite as it is just so unique and fun looking.
The striking white dial features an inner rotating bezel that’s decorated with Olympic ring coloured numerals, and is presented on an eye catching blue leather strap that is decorated with black, yellow, green and red stitching.
Again, this watch has a full stainless steel caseback, engraved with the Rio logo hiding the inner workings of the Calibre 3113 movement.
Watch #3 Speedmaster Mark II 522.10.43.50.01.001
Throwing a Speedmaster into the mix, this 42.4mm x 46.2mm watch was limited to only 2016 pieces. The only one out of the three watches who’s limit number matched the Olympic year.
The watch retailed at £5000 and is said to have been inspired by the feelings evoked by the glory and triumph that come with a place on the Olympic podium. This inspiration is nicely portrayed by sub-dials that stand out against the matt black dial displaying their bronze, silver and gold accents.
The stunning transparent tachymeter scale on the sapphire crystal is illuminated by a fluorescent ring below that has been treated by Super-LumiNova, giving the watch bags of personality.
The watch is powered by a Co-Axial Calibre 3330 movement that is hidden by a steel, Rio engraved caseback and is then presented on an attractive brushed/polished stainless steel bracelet.
Sochi 2014
For the 2014 Winter Games in Russia, Omega gave us two winter warmers.
Watch #1 Seamaster Planet Ocean 522.30.46.21.01.001
Inspired by the colours of the Russian Federation flag, the red and blue accents of the diving scale really are what makes this watch pop against the rest of the simplistic black pallet. Measuring in at 45.5mm, this piece features a unidirectional diving bezel and is presented on a stainless steel bracelet. Again, as with all of the earlier models we see an enclosed stainless steel caseback engraved with the Sochi logo.
The piece originally retailed at £4170 and was limited to, yea you guessed it, 2014 pieces.
Watch #2 Specialities Sochi Petrogad 522.53.33.20.02.001
This unique watch, belonging to Omega’s Museum Collection, was again inspired by the Russian flag. This we can see reflected by the use of red, white and blue on the tonneau shaped dial.
It is also said to recall that of an historical Omega watch that was specially produced for a prominent Russian leader in 1915.
Composed of 18K yellow gold, this piece was strictly limited to 100 pieces and retailed at a colossal £15,750. The watch is presented on a smart burgundy leather strap and completed by a flush, 18K yellow gold screw down case back engraved with the Sochi logo.
London 2012
The 2012 Games was a memorable one for Omega as it marked some momentous milestones for the brand’s history. Not only was it the 80th anniversary since Omega was first appointed as the first official timekeeper for the Olympics but it was also the 15th anniversary of their appearance as official timekeeper.
Therefore it was no shock that the brand wanted to put out some incredible watches to mark the occasion! And with this we saw the arrival of five new watches.
For the first limited edition timepiece, Omega released two variations.
Both 44mm variations had their steel case back (which housed the Co-Axial Calibre 3313 movement) engraved with the London logo. As well as this they both had the same blue Teak Concept patterned dial.
However, these watches differ where composition is concerned as the first watch is composed of a brushed/polished steel construction throughout. Even the bracelet is 100% steel. Whereas it’s bicoloured teammate features an 18K red gold bezel, integrated on a dark blue leather strap.
The pieces also varied in price, with the steel version retailing at £4860 and the gold version retailing at £6870.
Again the same theme is repeated here with the variation of two different pieces, this time however reigning in at a smaller 34mm diameter with no sub-dials present. Also, instead of being rose gold the 522.23.34.20.03.001 model is coated in yellow gold.
These smaller Seamaster’s are powered by the Co-Axial Calibre 8520 movement and reign in slightly cheaper than their opponents at approximately £4000 and £5200.
Watch #5 Seamaster 1948 London 2012 522.23.39.20.02.001
Probably the most stand out piece of the 2012 collection was this sublime 39mm Seamaster that was created to represent the link between London’s 1948 hosting of the Games and the then-current 2012 hosting.
This attractive watch was limited to only 1948 pieces and featured a timeless, classic design aided by the white dial and smart black leather strap. To give the watch a modern twist Omega made use of a medallion stamped 18K yellow gold caseback to protect the Co-Axial Calibre 2202 underneath.
Vancouver 2010
Watch #1 Seamaster Vancouver 212.30.41.20.04.001
For the 2010 winter Games hosted in Canada Omega released a limited edition Seamaster that was limited to 2010 pieces.
Powered by a Calibre 2500 movement, this cold wintery looking white diver was really warmed up by its fiery maple-leaf inspired red bezel. In addition, the watch featured an Olympic ring counterweight on the sweeping seconds hand, along with the Vancouver stamped caseback.
Beijing 2008
The summer Olympics in China was a special one for Omega as they released their Olympic Times Collection to pay special tribute to the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and to Omega’s flawless contributions to the art and science of sports timekeeping.
The watches in the Timeless Collection are inspired by the chronographs used in Omega’s first Olympic Games in 1932, held in Los Angeles.
Each of the watches in the Timeless Collection feature an engraved Olympic rings caseback with the inscription “Official Timekeeper” to further defy Omega’s bond with the Olympic Games.
So let's take a look at the collection.
Watch #1 Speedmaster Broad Arrow 5 Counter 321.30.44.52.01.001 321.33.44.52.01.001 321.53.44.52.01.002 321.53.44.52.01.001
One of the most notable and memorable pieces from the Beijing Timeless Collection is this ground-breaking Speedmaster that features a unique five counter chronograph; the first to ever be displayed on the dial of a mechanical watch.
Formed in the iconic style of the Olympic rings, the functions include a small seconds counter, a 7 day chronograph recorder, a day indicator, a 12 hour chronograph recorder and a 30 minute chronograph recorder.
There is no doubt that this innovative piece truly represents Omega’s ability to develop some of the most important timing equipment in sporting history.
The watch is powered by a Calibre 3888 movement and retailed at £5240. However, this price did significantly increase to £18,565 and £17,250 where the red gold and yellow gold versions were concerned.
Watch #2 Speedmaster Date
3516.20.00
Next up in the Timeless Collection was the Speedmaster Date which makes great use of the red and blue accents against the white dial, along with the Olympic ring counterweight. Powered by a Calibre 1152 movement this 39mm originally retailed at £1800.
Fun fact: this watch is a play on the original version of this watch the “Los Angeles 1932 3513.20”.
Watch #3 Speedmaster Broad Arrow
321.10.42.50.04.001
3557.50
Another Broad Arrow, but this time only three sub-dials as opposed to five. This watch came in two variations, black and white. I personally prefer the black version as I think the colour scheming works a lot better. These watches give nod to the original version of this watch, Both retailed at £4480 but feature two different movements. The white version is powered by a Calibre 3313 whilst the black one has a Calibre 3303, meaning an additional power reserve of 55 hours compared to 52. Fun fact: these watches give nod to the original version of this watch the “Melbourne 1956 3556.50”.
Watch #4 Seamaster Planet Ocean 222.32.46.50.01.001
Powered by a Co-Axial Calibre 3313, this 45.4mm Planet Ocean originally retailed at £4630. Having a similar design to the rest of the Timeless Collection, this is the only one of the collection that was presented on a black rubber strap.
Fun fact: this watch is an homage to the original version of this watch the “London 1948 2894.51.91”.
Watch #5 De Ville 422.13.41.50.04.001
Five and counting. I absolutely love the design of the dial on this piece. The oversized, chronoscope sub dials really do give the watch a timeless, classic look.
The watch is powered by a Co-Axial Calibre 3202 and measures in at 41mm, with an original RRP of £4480.
Fun fact: this watch was a majorly adapted version of the original watch, the “Rome 1960 4841.20.32”.
Finally in the Timeless Collection we have the addition of two ladies watches (a De Ville and a Speedmaster)which seem to have had more effort put into them than the men’s watches. Both feature Olympic coloured numerals that really pop out over the mother of pearl dial, and are both presented on white leather straps.
The 35mm De Ville has the addition of a diamond encrusted bezel and a more powerful Calibre 3313 movement, costing an RRP of £7540. Whereas the 35.5mm Speedy is powered by a Calibre 3220 and cost a lot less at £2200.
Watch #8 Seamaster Aqua Terra 221.10.42.40.01.001 221.20.42.40.01.001
If you’re still with us, and still interested that is, Omega did bring out ANOTHER two Beijing wristwatches. This time a steel and bi-metal watch that were both limited to 2008 pieces.
These ones, unlike the Timeless Collection, actually featured the official Beijing Olympic logo engraved onto the back of the caseback.
And there we have it! A lovely bit of Omega Olympic history there for you. Unfortunately our stamina has ran out with this one (it really is a rabbit hole). In the words of every Olympian athlete out there, we have given it our best shot and gotten over that finish line with 110%. Now it's time to recover and we will see you all again in 2022 for the Beijing Winter Games.