Omega’s 1957 classics released as anniversary editions at Baselworld 2017
The Seamaster, Railmaster and Speedmaster have been rolled out looking exactly as they did when launched 60 years ago, but with modern updates
There’s no better excuse for a celebration than an anniversary – and at Omega, it has three.
This year, the brand celebrates the 60th anniversary of its launch in 1957 of three sports watches that would go on to become classics: the Seamaster 300, the Railmaster and the Speedmaster.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Omega rolled out three special anniversary edition timepieces that can be bought either as individual pieces, or as a collector’s limited edition Trilogy set. Each individual watch is limited to 3,557 pieces, while the Trilogy is limited to 557 sets.
The historic timepieces were revived using – for the first time by Omega – a unique digital scanning technology to accurately reproduce the original designs and dimensions while allowing a little breathing room for modern updates.
The new Seamaster 300 is based on the CK2913 and features a black aluminium bezel and the original Naïad sign on the crown, a logo that denoted remarkable water resistance in 1957. Inside the 39mm case ticks the Omega Master Chronometer calibre 8806.
Part of the appeal of the Speedmaster heritage – apart from its having been the first watch on the moon, worn by Buzz Aldrin – is that it was the first to feature the tachymeter scale on the bezel instead of on the dial. Racing drivers found this feature useful – and the watch soon acquired a cult following. This year, Omega reproduced the original font to match the scale of the original tachymeter. It is driven by the calibre 1861.
Another highlight from Omega was the Seamaster Planet Ocean “Big Blue”, which combines the perks of a GMT and diver’s watch. The “Big Blue” marks the first time the brand has fashioned a case directly from a single block of ceramic. Ceramic is six times harder than steel and is resistant to scratches and discolouration.
