In anticipation of the highly-awaited 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona, OMEGA offers a horological homage to the defending champions, Emirates Team New Zealand. The esteemed watchmaker unveils the Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black ETNZ Edition, a timely blend of craftsmanship and sportsmanship. With the clock ticking down to the main event, this OMEGA Seamaster pays tribute to a team and a tournament deeply etched in the annals of sailing history.
The narrative of time and tide is beautifully intertwined in the heart of the watchmaking world. OMEGA’s recent release is no exception. This unique watch, presented during a special event at the preliminary Regatta in Vilanova, stands as a testament to both OMEGA’s watchmaking prowess and Emirates Team New Zealand’s sailing excellence.
The Auckland-based crew, known for their indomitable spirit, is gearing up to retain the world’s oldest sporting trophy. OMEGA, encapsulating this fervor, took cues from the sail of the ETNZ logo, crafting a remarkable America’s Cup collectable.
Raynald Aeschlimann, OMEGA’s President and CEO, couldn’t contain his admiration for both the timepiece and the sailing crew behind its inspiration. He mentioned, “Much like our friends from Emirates Team New Zealand, a year races by fast, so the time is right to show our true colours. Our race-ready watch looks as good as it performs and is a fitting tribute to the talented crew and the country they represent.”
OMEGA’s dedication to detail shines through in the OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean’s design. The 45.5 mm timepiece elegantly marries the profound black of the abyss with the turquoise reminiscent of Emirates Team New Zealand’s vibrant logo. With a black ceramic case offset by a unidirectional bezel in brushed black ceramic, the watch ensures its wearer stands out. The bezel’s white enamel diving scale, punctuated by a triangle-framed dot at 12, boasts of the luminescent properties of white Super-LumiNova, glowing a soft green in darkness.
The ceramic dial, matte and exquisite, carries an intricate COUNTDOWN INDICATOR at 3 o’clock, symbolic of the pre-race protocol. Turquoise touches, reflecting the Emirates Team New Zealand logo, adorn the indicator’s hand, subdial ring, minute track, number 12, and central seconds chronograph hand, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
In a heartwarming nod to the kiwi crew, the NAIAD LOCK caseback proudly displays the Emirates Team New Zealand logo, complete with a turquoise fern and pristine white lettering. Yet, the allure of the watch isn’t merely skin deep. Ticking inside is OMEGA’s Master Chronometer Calibre 9900, a paragon of precision and reliability.
What adds to the allure is the flexibility offered. The watch dons a black and turquoise structured rubber strap, but OMEGA provides two additional NATO straps and an extra rubber one, each color-coordinated to perfection. Ensuring the watch’s safety while off the high seas, a special presentation box, inspired by the Emirates Team New Zealand logo, accompanies it.
Beyond the artistry of this particular timepiece, OMEGA’s alliance with Emirates Team New Zealand goes deeper. A partnership that began in 1995, the watchmaker has stood by the team through the crests and troughs of many a wave. The forthcoming 37th edition will mark OMEGA’s fourth stint as the Official Timekeeper, having undertaken the role in 2000, 2003, and 2021. As the sailing titans prepare to battle on the water, OMEGA remains steadfast in its commitment to chronicle their journey.
© Photos: OMEGA
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