Ornatus-Mundi reports on OMEGA's presentation of the environmental film 'Planet Ocean' in Vienna, highlighting the brand's commitment to corporate social responsibility. This event underscores OMEGA's historical connection to marine environments through its dive watches, extending its influence beyond horology to global conservation efforts.
On 28 January 2013 OMEGA in cooperation with Universal Pictures presented the film Planet Ocean in Vienna.
The venue of the presentation was aptly chosen, the Museum of Natural History of Vienna. It was built in 1889 (as the Imperial Natural History Museum) and is today considered as one of the important museums of the world, and the earliest collections of artifacts were begun over 250 years ago.
For today's occasion, the museum slightly changed its classicist livery...
... clearly feeling a bit 'blue' this night:
Theme of the evening of course were the earth's water resources, and in particular the ocean. On nicely set up displays visitors could admire ocean's beauty and inform themselves on the ocean's economical importancs and on its most imminent threats.
Oh, did you notice? That was a blue that really trickled my frenzy! Let's get closer:
... and closer: a Blue Curaçao long drink (probably too chemical in appearance for me, I stayed with Champagne ,-)):
BTW, watches were there as well, but they clearly stood in the second row:
Guest were abound and created a lively atmosphere.
After the cocktails we were invited to walk upstairs for the presentation of the film. A great occasion to admire the Museum's inner architecture:
We had to pass a great section of marine exhibits on the way to the auditorium. Look, well-known watch journalist Alexander Linz was greeted by a fierce animal - I just wonder why they know each other?
Preceding the film presentation was a fascinating panel discussion on the topic of marine protection.
OMEGA invited a top-class panel to discuss the situation of the oceans. They offered an impressive account for the importance of the oceans for our economic activities, the climate and our food supply, and gave very practical suggestions on how everybody could contribute to the protection of the oceans, notably its fish stocks.
From left to right: Dr. Frank E. Zachos, director of the collection of mammals of the Museum of Natural History, Dr. Daniel Abed-Navandi, vice-direktor of Vienna's House of the Se (a public aquarium), Dr. Michael Stachowitsch, Researches and lecturer at the University of Vienna and Prof. Dr. Jörg Ott, emeritus director of the Department of Marine Biology at the University of Vienna.
The film itself was realised with support from OMEGA and directed by the French film maker and environmental activists Yann Arthus Bertrand and Michael Pitiot. Several other eminent air- and underwater camera operators, oceanographs and biologists contributed to this film. It was awarded the First Price at last year's Blue Ocean Festival in Monterey.
Although Mr Bertrand could not be present at the evening he sent the following message to the audience:
„Ladies and gentlemen – thank you very much for coming. I am sorry that I can’t be there tonight myself. I just wanted to say a few words about this film. First of all my documentary PLANET OCEAN is not a moral charge and we are not here to give lessons to anyone. We are talking about responsibility and common sense, not guilt. We must simply respect the life around us. Whatever we do, we will always impact on things around us, but we have to try and reduce what we do to nature. Everything on this planet only has a limited capacity, so we must learn to manage this. The resources of the oceans are not endless, so we have to be careful. Please enjoy this documentary and immerse yourself into the wonderful world of the oceans and PLANET OCEAN.“
As a teaser, here is the trailer for the film:
Left to right: Dr. Michael Stachowitsch, Prof. Dr. Jörg Ott, Dr. Daniel Abed-Navandi, Rudolf Semrad (president Swatch Group Austria), Dr. Frank E. Zachos and the moderator of the evening, Roman Rafreider from Austrian Television.
Further notable guests were: Maria Fojtl, Division Manager OMEGA Austria, Sabine Pümpel (project leader creative industries at the Austrian Economic Service), Rudolf Semrad and Mirna Jukic (Olympic bronze medal in the 100 m breaststroke 2008), left to right:
Overall, I'd like to congratulate OMEGA for this effort. A well-received and equally well-done work in support of one of our most important and endangered resources!
This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-02-15 00:18:00
Key Points from the Discussion
Omega's involvement in marine conservation through the 'Planet Ocean' film aligns perfectly with their historical connection to watches designed for marine environments, showcasing corporate responsibility.
The event was well-executed, with a dramatic location, elegant attendees, and a clear focus on the environmental message, effectively captured by the author's photography.
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The Discussion
DR
Dr No
Feb 14, 2013
. . . for this display of corporate responsibility. It's a natural fit for Omega, considering their historical connection with watches intended for a marine environment. What puzzles me is how you managed to abstain from a sample of the blue beverage! Seems like a wholly appropriate libation ;-) . . .
AM
amanico
Feb 14, 2013
Thanks for sharing it with us! Best. Nicolas
DR
DrStrong
Feb 15, 2013
what an amazing place by the way, wow !
DX
dxboon
Feb 18, 2013
It looks like an amazing night! The pictures you got tell the story -- dramatic location, elegant attendees, and nice watches. Thanks for the report! Cheers, Daos
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