Omega's long history of divers' watches began in 1932, with the first commercially-available Marine model housed in a patented double case.
Tested in Lake Geneva, the timepiece surpassed any watch before by going as deep as 73m. After even more stringent laboratory tests carried out over five years, the Marine became completely waterproof to a depth of 135m.
This year the Marine's 90th anniversary coincides with another milestone. Omega has released the game-changing Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep collection, after introducing the high-performance professional divers' watch in 2019.
In April of that year, three Ultra Deep watches accompanied explorer Victor Vescovo on a mission to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. Originally recorded as 10,925m, the depth was later updated to 10,935m -- the deepest any human or watch has ever dived.
Two of the Ultra Deep watches were attached to the submersible's robotic arm, while another was strapped to a data-gathering unit known as a Lander. Thanks to their ingenious build and design, all three watches completed the 12-hour dive without a problem and surfaced completely unscathed.
The Swiss brand took dive watch technology to the new level in developing the Ultra Deep. To survive the toughest conditions, its indestructible features include a case completely machined out of forged grade 5 titanium, robust "Manta Lugs" that provide an innovative way of securing the watch, and a sapphire face with a conical loadbearing design inspired by a submersible's viewport.
The technology has been transferred to the Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep collection, whose seven variations are sized at 45.5mm and water-resistant to 6,000m.
Crafted in sand-blasted and forged grade 5 titanium, the first version boasts a brushed ceramic bezel with a Liquidmetal diving scale, along with the distinctive "Manta Lugs" and streamlined asymmetrical case that are reminiscent of the original Ultra Deep.
Beneath the protuberant and domed sapphire crystal, the black ceramised grade 5 titanium dial is designed with cyan Arabic numerals, seconds hand with white to cyan gradient as well as hour and minute hands plus indexes, coated with white Super-LumiNova.
The grade 5 titanium caseback features a black laser-engraved Sonar emblem, centred by the iconic Omega Mega Seahorse as well as "DIVER'S WATCH 6000m FOR SATURATION DIVING" that reaffirms its underwater credentials.
In cyan and black, the striped Nato strap is made from polyamide yarn, sourced from 100% recycled fishing nets.
The other six versions differ with the case in O-Megasteel -- an alloy that is stronger, whiter and shinier than stainless steel. It also offers exceptional resistance to corrosion for a longer-lasting appearance. A new crown guard is integrated to the watch's case, assuring protection when in deep water.
The ceramic bezel is dressed in blue, black or orange matched with a white or gradient dial that transitions from blue to black or from grey to black.
The grade 5 titanium caseback also bears the same laser-engraved Sonar emblem and wording as the full titanium model.
The markings "FOR SATURATION DIVING" are included to meet the ISO 6425 standard, which is certified by Switzerland's independent testing body METAS.
Driven by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8912, Ultra Deep watches are also Master Chronometer certified, assuring the highest standard of precision, performance and magnetic-resistance.
Time, deconstructed
Launched in 1999, Omega's Co-Axial Escapement allows for less friction and lubrication along with greater reliability due to its smaller contact surfaces. The mechanism works as a sculptural wonder in a cinematic landscape portrayed in Omega's new campaign titled "Looks Magical, Works Beautifully".
The futuristic backdrops are actually defined as "watch-scapes" that reflect on Omega's association with Moon landings, deep-sea adventures and sports timekeeping along with precision horology. Even Snoopy makes an appearance, as the famous cartoon beagle has links to Omega's role in the safe return of Apollo 13.
Calibres are turned into dream-like worlds, fantastically showing the inner workings of Co-Axial movements in the campaign, whose centrepiece is a visually-compelling movie, complemented by print media and window displays.
