Omega Vintage Watches Collection Overview

Subexplorer · 2023-02-23T22:17:10Z

Discover the Venetian inspiration behind the iconic Omega Seamaster hippocampus logo. Subexplorer reveals the fascinating history of this enduring symbol.

Subexplorer

WPS member · Omega forum

42 replies3235 views13 photos

Subexplorer's post offers a fascinating look into the unexpected origins of one of Omega's most recognizable symbols: the Seamaster hippocampus logo. He shares how a family trip to Venice sparked a deeper dive into the historical connection between the city's iconic gondola adornments and the legendary watch line. This piece explores the rich narrative behind the Seamaster's design, revealing how a detail from Venetian culture became an enduring horological emblem.

42 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

Hello dear friends!!

I wish to share these pictures my daughter sent me from Venice while spending a few days holiday in that Magical City.

She knows both my passion for Omega watches and also the story of how the popular gondola adornment (present in about 95% of gondolas) was the inspiration around 1956 for the design of the logo of the “Seamaster” line.

The Omega designer of this logo visited Venice in the mid 1960’s on occasion of the opening of an Omega boutique and observed the beautiful gondolas adornment and returned home with an example of them and a bright idea in his mind.

Though the Seamaster line was launched in 1948 the logo was first used in the casebacks in 1957 when the launching of the trilogy Seamaster, Railmaster, Speedmaster.

Being the Speedmaster part of the Seamaster line in those early times the Sea Horse is present in their casebacks since then. As a matter of fact in catalogs of that era it reads: “know the new Speedmaster/Seamaster chronograph”.

No doubt this logo is one of the most beautiful and most well known symbol among all watch brands.

Best cordial regards

Abel

Key Points from the Discussion

The Seamaster logo's inspiration, the 'ferro' or prow ornament of a Venetian gondola, is a widely recognized symbol, with approximately 95% of gondolas featuring this specific design.
The Seamaster line was introduced in 1948, but the hippocampus logo first appeared on casebacks in 1957, coinciding with the launch of the Seamaster, Railmaster, and Speedmaster trilogy.
Early Omega catalogs sometimes referred to the Speedmaster as part of the Seamaster line, evidenced by the presence of the hippocampus on Speedmaster casebacks from that era.
A contributor noted that despite recent media reports of dry canals in Venice, their personal visit just a week prior showed the city's waterways to be perfectly normal, suggesting potential media sensationalism.
Another collector shared their personal tradition of adding Italian-themed details, such as a tricolore, to their watches, including a Seamaster, inspired by the aesthetic of Italy.

The Discussion

AuHavrePro

Feb 23, 2023

Nice.

I just read how some of the canals in the city had completely dried-up....

Subexplorer

Feb 23, 2023

Hello InHavenPro! Thank you! I have seen …

… a post in IG too, showing gondolas grounded in dry canals . My daughter was in Venice about a week ago and didn’t see that. As a matter of fact these shots were taken during a little trip aboard one of them. Cheers! Abel

xxn

Feb 24, 2023

I read the same too

but the strange thing I was just there last week and it seemed perfectly fine throughout the town. Media sensationalism if you ask me.

AuHavrePro

Feb 24, 2023

Wouldn't surprise me!

Subexplorer

Feb 24, 2023

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing your own experience. Best, Abel

amanico

Feb 23, 2023

Spot on! Superb pictures, amigo Abel. Gracias a tu hija por compartirlas.

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Omega forum with 42 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

Related Articles