Omega celebrates 75 years of the Seamaster with 11 new “Summer Blue” models across the collection (Live Video & Pics!)
Zach Blass- A gradient of 11 new “Summer Blue” configurations for the 75th anniversary of the Seamaster that darken as the depth rating increases
- Each model has a commemorative caseback with the signature Poseidon, trident, and two seahorses motif
- The previously discontinued Ploprof returns to the catalogue with a new resized monobloc case
There are countless brands and references available for purchase in the watch marketplace today, but only a select few have developed iconic status. The Omega Seamaster is one such fixture, a watch that by no means requires you to be a down-the-rabbit-hole watch nerd to have heard of it. Whether it’s through its intertwinement with James Bond, watch spots on internationally known figures like US President Joe Biden and Prince William in the UK and more, the Seamaster is one of the watches you immediately think of not only when asked about dive watches, but also watches overall. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Omega’s staple Seamaster collection, and over these 75 years the collection has grown and evolved with various branches of complications, aesthetics, colours, and materials. But, today, it is all about 11 new watches in one unified colour: “Summer Blue”.
Omega explains regarding the new colour: “Omega’s Summer Blue evokes a pristine ocean on a perfect day. A natural choice of colour for a watch linked to exploration – produced by a brand committed to ocean conservation. The beautiful hue forms the base layer of almost all the dials in the commemorative collection. Layers of varnish, carefully applied or free flowing depending on the required effect, provide the sense of depth.”
To the eye, “Summer Blue” appears to have a rich blue base, yet a sunburst effect that washes the colour out creating a fume effect that conveys the sun piercing through the ocean. The interesting thing, however, is that the Seamaster range has a depth rating anywhere between 150m and 6000m. So if you look at the new configurations, the deeper the depth rating, the darker the blue gets within the “Summer Blue” gradient mimicking the darker tones as you go closer and closer to the ocean floor – thereby emphasising darker blue tones with less of a washed-out effect so to speak.
If you’re an exhibitionist, at least in regard to casebacks, you may not be thrilled to learn that these new anniversary watches have solid rather than sapphire casebacks. This is because Omega has elected to use the real estate for a commemorative engraved/etched caseback with the Seamaster’s historic and signature motif of Poseidon holding his trident and two seahorses. Omega writes in their press release: “In the 1950s, OMEGA set out to create a symbol that would represent the entire Seamaster collection. It needed to exude the collection’s seafaring heritage, refined style, and robust spirit. Designer Jean-Pierre Borle found the inspiration on a trip to Venice: the sculpted representations of Neptune’s Seahorse on each side of the city’s iconic gondolas. Every watch detailed has a striking commemorative caseback. The Seamaster logo, depicting a trident-bearing Poseidon and two seahorses: OMEGA’s 1956 original and the brand’s current design.”
But, enough context, let’s explore the new watches.
Editor’s note: These photos were taken by Time+Tide founder Andrew McUtchen on the ground at the launch event in Mykonos on his iPhone. For the best visual look at the new range, definitely scroll back up to our video where Andrew dives into the 11 new configurations across 8 models.
Aqua Terra
Omega has introduced three new stainless steel configurations of the Aqua Terra with the “Summer Blue” makeover: an Aqua Terra 38mm with rounded indices and date window, and two Aqua Terra 41mm watches (one on a dial matching rubber strap and the other on a case-matching bracelet).
Technically speaking, from a dimensions and calibre standpoint, everything remains the same as its peers within the current catalogue. The only new elements at play are the commemorative caseback and the “Summer Blue” dials, which at the 150m depth rating are the brightest of the new anniversary “Summer Blue” range.
| Brand | Omega | Omega |
| Model | Aqua Terra 38mm Summer Blue | Aqua Terra 41mm Summer Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 12.2mm (T) x 45mm (L2L) | 41mm (D) x 13.2mm (T) x 47.9mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 150m (screw-down crown) | 150m (screw-down crown) |
| Dial | Summer Blue | Summer Blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet or summer blue rubber strap |
| Movement | Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8900 (METAS) | Co-Axial Master Chronometer 8900 (METAS) |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now | Now |
| Price | CHF 6,100 | CHF 5,600 (rubber strap) / CHF 5,800 (stainless steel) |
Aqua Terra Worldtimer
The same can be said for the new Aqua Terra Worldtimer as well. It is every bit the same as its predeccesor in steel, but, again, with a “Summer Blue” makeover. It really can only be distinguished from its steel/blue dial predecessor, and be fully appreciated, when seen ‘in the metal’.
“Summer Blue” offers a wider gradient of blue hues than the standard blue dial, giving this Aqua Terra Worldtimer an even more dynamic and eye-catching look. As this also represents the surface of the collection from a depth rating perspective (150m), the dial remains on the brighter side within the range. The new Aqua Terra Worldtimer “Summer Blue” is available in two configurations, either outfitted on a steel bracelet or a dial-matching rubber strap.
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer GMT Worldtimer 43mm Summer Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 14.1mm (T) x 50mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 150m (screw-down crown) |
| Dial | Summer Blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet or structured rubber strap with case-matching folding clasp |
| Movement | In-house automatic co-axial calibre 8398 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, worldtimer, METAS-certified |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | Stainless steel: CHF 8,700, US$9,900 (strap) / CHF8,900, US$10,100 (bracelet) |
Seamaster 300
As we approach the 300-metre depth rating range within the lineup, the gradient becomes clearer as there is a much more immediately visible fume effect of sorts. Within the central medallion of the Seamaster 300 “Summer Blue”, you can easily spot the washing of the blue that emulates sunlight fighting its way down to the depths of the ocean.
Perhaps the subtlest, yet boldest to the trained eye, switch-up is the usage of “Summer Blue” hues for enamel within the timing bezel as well as the lume for the hands, indices and bezel. Dare I say a tad Tiffany in blue, what it ultimately creates is a pseudo-iron effect that makes it seem like the lume is shining even in daylight. You would think adjacent tone on tone would be less legible, but it actually is very easy for the eye to discern.
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Seamaster 300 Summer Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 13.9mm (T) x 48mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 300m (screw-down crown) |
| Dial | Summer Blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Movement | Co-Axial 8912 Master Chronometer (METAS) |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 6,500 |
Seamaster 300M Diver
Whereas the heritage-driven Seamaster 300 has a more grained and matte texture to its dial, the Seamaster 300M Diver here conveys its 300-metre “Summer Blue” hue in a vastly different way. This is due to the fact the 300M Diver has a polished ceramic dial with the laser-etched wave pattern. The polished surface not only evokes the “Summer Blue” fume effect. It also offers more of a sunburst effect to its surface as well.
In my opinion, this adds more drama and flair to the “Summer Blue” hue and better conveys the reflective nature of sunlight piercing through the ocean. In regard to configurations, this new 300M Diver “Summer Blue” can be purchased on either a steel bracelet or a bezel-matching rubber strap.
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Seamaster Diver 300M Summer Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 13.6mm (T) x 49.9mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 300m (screw-down crown) |
| Dial | Summer Blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet or Summer Blue structured rubber strap |
| Movement | Co-Axial 8800 Master Chronometer (METAS) |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 5,200, US$5,900 (rubber strap) / CHF 5,500, US$6,300 (bracelet) |
Planet Ocean 600M
Diving deeper to the 600 metres of the Planet Ocean, the “Summer Blue” utilised here is ever so subtly darker, perhaps more noticeably so in terms of the bezel, The “Summer Blue” enamel just pops that much more with its subtly tad-darker backdrop.
Again, the novelty here is limited to the new “Summer Blue” makeover. The dimension set and calibre remain the same. But, the Planet Ocean carries a distinct vertical brushing to its dial that really gives the “Summer Blue” a sort of denim effect in appearance.
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Panet Ocean 600M Summer Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 39.52mm (D) x 14.2mm (T) x 45.6mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 600m (screw-down crown) |
| Dial | Summer Blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Movement | Co-Axial 8800 Master Chronometer (METAS) |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 6,500, US$7,400 |
Ploprof
From a technical perspective, the new “Summer Blue” Ploprof offers the most novelty. This relaunch of the Ploprof not only brings the discontinued until now model back into catalogue, but also a retrospective redesign of the case. The big technical change here is that the case has been brought back to the dimensions of the ’70s era original models, with a 55mm diameter and 45mm case length lug-to-lug (down from 48mm lug-to-lug). While a very wide watch, the lug-to-lug length is shorter than the 300 and 300M divers. So, even with its big presence, it is actually going to flare, or wing out less, on smaller wrists than the more typical models. Other technical highlights include the usage of O-mega steel (which was previously limited to the Ultra Deep) and the return to a monobloc construction (a one-piece case versus multiple).
Doubling down in depth with a 1,200m water-resistance rating, the darkening of the “Summer Blue” is not subtle. It is immediately clear looking at the dial, bezel, and rubber strap that we are deeper in the ocean, with less light, and therefore a darkened blue gradient where the darker outer borders of the fume dial take up more real estate (and the faded blue centre now taking up less real estate).
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Ploprof Summer Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 55mm (D) x 15.5mm (T) x 45mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | O-MEGASTEEL |
| Water Resistance | 1200m (screw-down crown) |
| Dial | Summer Blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | Rubber strap |
| Movement | Co-Axial 8912 Master Chronometer (METAS) |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 12,500, US$14,300 |
Planet Ocean Ultra Deep 6000M
Being the deepest diver within the Seamaster range, the aesthetic of the “Summer Blue” Ultra Deep is the darkest of the eleven new configurations – with very little gradient effect to the dial. That being said, the “Summer Blue” enamel timing scale and the “Summer Blue” luminous coatings found on the watch really pop out against the darkest backdrop in the collection.
The dial also carries a distinct texture. Omega explains: “Its pattern is an exact representation of the Challenger Deep mapped by the Five Deeps team using almost one million sonar points. Its lacquered finish, produced by letting an ocean of lacquer flow across the dial, has a beautiful sense of depth.”
While the Ultra Deep is the most serious means-business diver within the Seamaster range with its 6000m depth rating, Omega decided to flex their playful side with a hidden Easter egg on the dial. Charged by sunlight, and visible in dark settings, you will find the words “Omega was here!” with a curved line pointing to the spot and depth of their world record dive of 10,935m and showing the Western, Central and Eastern Pools. Were such hand-written and sketched elements always visible it would be a bit much. The subtle inclusion of the message, only visible in darkness, is a fun cheeky discovery in darker depths that does not mess with the aesthetic in daylight. It’s well executed in my book.
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Panet Ocean Ultra Deep 6000M Summer Blue |
| Case Dimensions | 45.5mm (D) x 18.1mm (T) x 51.9mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | O-MEGASTEEL |
| Water Resistance | 6000m (screw-down crown) |
| Dial | Summer Blue |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Strap | O-MEGASTEEL bracelet w/ foldover clasp with comfort setting and diver extension |
| Movement | Co-Axial 8912 Master Chronometer (METAS) |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | CHF 11,400, US$12,000 |
This is just a surface view of the new Seamaster “Summer Blue” range. Stay tuned for more in-depth, deeper-diving coverage soon.