Introducing: The New Omega Seamaster Regatta
Omega has a longstanding relationship with the America’s Cup, and marking this year’s race is the new Seamaster Regatta. More than ever before, Omega took the opportunity to develop a purposeful watch for sailors. This watch, regarded as an instrument, just like the X-33 collection, uses an analog and digital display.
37th America’s Cup
The launch of this watch took place in Barcelona, where the 37th edition of the America’s Cup is happening. As Omega President and CEO Raynald Aeschliman explained, “Our new Seamaster Regatta belongs to the same family of watches as the Speedmaster X-33. It’s essentially a multifunctional tool that you can wear on your wrist. As its name makes clear, this is the perfect timepiece for sailors, and the timing is right for its release. The great boat race in Barcelona is sure to inspire sailors all over the world, and this watch is all about meeting their needs.”
The Seamaster Regatta on the wrist
Let’s have a closer look at the new Omega Seamaster Regatta and discover what it can do for sailors. First of all, it’s a regatta timer, meaning that sailors can use it to time the exact start of the race thanks to a countdown function. We explained it here before. But it also has a normal chronograph function, a moonphase indicator, a sailing logbook, a temperature gauge, an accelerometer, three alarms, and, of course, the time.
This watch is not for everyone, but for those who are sailors or have an interest in sailing, it’s a very interesting and functional watch. It is, as Omega indicates, an instrument rather than a watch. I was surprised to see how well it wears on my 18.5cm wrist. The skeletonized dial (with a wave pattern) leaves much room for the LCD screen. The regatta countdown time is programmable (as it can differ per competition), and at 3 o’clock, you will find the moonphase indicator.
Grade 5 titanium 300M-style case
All this technology sits inside a 46.75mm Grade 5 titanium case with four pushers and a crown to operate it. One pusher is red, while the others are blue, and all have been cast in rubber. The crown has a sandblasted finish, and just like the Speedmaster X-33 models, turning and pushing it allows the wearer to navigate and access all the watch’s functions. Omega ensures the Seamaster Regatta is incredibly easy to operate, making it as useful as possible for sailors.
The mid-case with its movement and LCD screen
Caliber 5701
A watch with loads of functions also needs a proper dial (or screen) to make it work. On the Seamaster Regatta, we find an LCD with black markings on a white-gray background. The hands should remind you of the famous Seamaster 300M model, but they can also be cleared from the dial when in backlit mode to increase readability.
Inside is Omega’s caliber 5701. According to Omega, it’s the company’s most accurate quartz movement ever made. This multifunctional quartz movement offers all the necessary sailing functions. As written above, it also has three alarms to ensure the sailor is aware of certain events. Omega achieved a loud alarm by using a resonating cavity in the case back (Helmholtz resonance). All functions are listed in the specifications below the article.
On the case back, we find the famous Seamaster “wave” pattern too. There also the embossed 37th America’s Cup logo and the engraved words “Seamaster Regatta” and “37th America’s Cup.”
In addition, to match the blue pushers and polished blue ceramic bezel insert, Omega delivers this watch on an integrated blue, white, or red rubber strap.
The Seamaster Regatta will cost CHF 6,500 (excluding VAT). More information is available via the official Omega website.
Below the article, you will find all specifications of this new Omega Seamaster Regatta watch. Let us know what you think of this multifunction digital watch for sailors in the comments below.
