Omega 2013 Collection So Cal Hands-On

Dr No · 2013-08-24T11:22:07Z

Explore the 2013 Omega collection with Dr No and fellow collectors. See hands-on impressions of the new Aqua Terra, Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, and Seamaster models.

Dr No

WPS member · Omega forum

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Dr No chronicles a gathering of Omega enthusiasts in Southern California, where local aficionados explored the 2013 Omega collection at the Topanga Mall boutique. The article captures the community spirit, detailing the journey, camaraderie, and the diverse range of new models that captivated the collectors' attention.

. . . last week, so half a dozen local aficionados met up at the Topanga Mall Omega boutique to experience first-hand the latest models from Bienne. It was Tuesday last, but fortunately, that happened to be Kevster's day off, so he drove (actually, rode) across the breadth of our Southland community to meet up with mrsnak . . .

[mrsnak on the left, Kevster on the right]

. . . and myself in Ventura, a trip that must've taken close to two hours from his home in the southeastern end of Los Angeles County. That's dedication!

First stop was at the second best bar in the Southland, where we stopped so that Kev could catch his breath and sooth his throat. (He's got pics, which will be shared with us later.) Next stop was mrsnak's residence, where the celebration continued, and then we headed off to Social Tap . . .

. . . a tavern near Chez Snak. Beer . . .

[mrsnak's Speedy Mk IV, my '60 Connie, Kev's Speedmaster GMT]

. . . passed thru our kidneys, and Mexican cuisine . . .

[grilled fish tacos]

[steak nachos]

[tri-tip tacos]

. . . filled our bellies. And then, off we went due east for the Omega boutique in Woodland Hills.

Key Points from the Discussion

The 2013 Omega collection, while showcasing new models, is criticized for relying heavily on historical references and an 'impress-y' aesthetic, potentially damaging the brand's long-term image despite short-term economic success.
The new Aqua Terra Annual Calendar models, particularly those suited for smaller wrists, were a highlight, offering useful complications, aesthetic grace, and reasonable cost.
The 'Dark Side of the Moon' Speedmaster, crafted entirely in ceramic, represents the ultimate incarnation of the Moon Watch due to its space-age material, though its large size and chronograph complication may not appeal to all.
The Emirates Team New Zealand Seamaster, a limited edition chronograph with a yacht racing countdown timer, was noted for its exceptional design and implementation, housed in a 44mm case with an Omega Calibre 3330 co-axial movement.
The new Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT chronograph, available in various materials like titanium, two-tone, and solid yellow gold, offers significant wrist presence and a comfortable feel despite its thickness.

The Discussion

amanico

Aug 24, 2013

Makes me want to go there! Best, Nicolas

Dr No

Aug 24, 2013

. . . gets the immediate attention of snak and Kev. A close-up, you say? How's this? The E mirates T eam N ew Z ealand Seamaster, officially known as the Seamaster Diver ETNZ, is a limited edition SM chronograph with a countdown timer intended for yacht racing. This is the model that has garnered attention from one of my colleagues as exceptionally well designed and implemented. As usual these days, it's housed in a large 44 mm case, and fitted with an Omega cal 3330 co-axial escapement movement

Dr No

Aug 24, 2013

. . . are de rigueur ;-) . . .

Dr No

Aug 24, 2013

. . . with the grave moniker . . . . . . "Dark Side of the Moon". This Speedmaster has been rendered entirely in ceramic, including the dial, bezel, pushers, crown, and buckle. One detail that can't be seen in these images is the printing of the chemical designation for the ceramic compound, ZrO 2 , zirconium dioxide, below Speedmaster on the dial; the grey print most likely doesn't provide a stark enough relief with respect to the dial for it to appear in a photo from my point-and-shoot Cannon.

Dr No

Aug 24, 2013

. . . chronograph in three dial variations. Let's start with the black waffle dial, au naturel . . . . . . and in situ. This model had terrific wrist presence, even considering my predilection for Omega in general and vintage shaped cases in particular. This watch is lusciously thick, and while large, not overbearing. It felt comfortable on my slender wrist, which usually bears substantially smaller vintage models.

Dr No

Aug 24, 2013

. . . at least one vintage Seamaster cal 861 chrono, to the best of my recollection. This was the consensus favorite in terms of legibility between the three.

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