Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Limited Edition
I am not the experienced sailor that our editor Gerard is, but steering one of the racing boats in 2018 is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.
It was a home game for us when the Volvo Ocean Race was held in Scheveningen in The Netherlands. Omega had a little surprise for us, that we could join one of the boats entering the harbor of Scheveningen. I often feel lucky that I am doing this job at Fratello. It makes it possible to visit places and do things I would otherwise never have done.
America’s Cup Limited Edition
Around 20 years ago, I just started watch collecting. I remember Omega releasing their special Seamaster 300M America’s Cup, with white gold bezel. I still have the official press folder (printed, with actual pictures of the watch). That watch made quite an impression on me. A little variation on the 300M “Bond”, but different enough to be awesome.
There is a lot to do about the America’s Cup, people talk about it, media report on it. There is nothing like it. To me, it is like the moon
Since 1995
The America’s Cup dates back to 1851. It is a match race, like boxing, one against one, but then sailing. The remarkable contest is notorious for its rules: the winner (the ‘Defender’) decides the venue for the next edition, three years later, plus most of the rules of engagement. So, the winner has a clear advantage at the start. The combination of state-of-the-art boats, the harsh conditions, and the visible wear on the men all add to the attraction of this great event. Omega has been involved in the America’s Cup since 1995.
Raynald Aeschlimann, President & CEO of Omega SA once said: “The America’s Cup is like the Olympic Games or great golf tournaments: it doesn’t come around every week or every day. It is THE event. There is a lot to do about it, people talk about it, media report on it. There is nothing like it. To me, it is like the moon”.
For the 36th edition of this cup, Omega is again the official timekeeper. This edition will take place in 2021 in New Zeeland. Our contributor Paul Dezentjé wrote a very cool article on Omega and the America’s Cup in our Seamaster 300M Magazine. This magazine is available for (free) download here.
Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Limited Edition
Omega has a number of watches dedicated to the America’s Cup. In this article, you will find an overview of all models so far. For the 36th edition of the America’s Cup, Omega introduces this Seamaster Planet Ocean Limited Edition. Limited to 2021 pieces, commemorating the year of the 36th edition.
that’s the perfect size of the Planet Ocean
Although I am not particularly a fan of the Planet Ocean collection myself, I do like the color scheme on this new model. The watch, Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Limited Edition ref. 215.32.43.21.04.001, has a steel case with a diameter of 43.5mm. For me, that’s the perfect size of the Planet Ocean. It also comes on a very comfortable blue rubber strap with details in matching colors.
Colorful Dial
Perhaps because I am Dutch, but I guess the French will feel the same for example, the colors are to my liking! Red, white and blue. Of course, these also match the logo of the competition. On the dial, you will also find the “36th America’s Cup” wording. An interesting detail is that the counterweight of the second hand has the America’s Cup logo. Take note of the minute’s hand, instead of white Super-LumiNova, you will find a red filling. Omega has an eye for details.
Ceramic Countdown
Also pretty cool is the ceramic blue bezel with white and red parts in liquid ceramic that mark the countdown function for racing. As you can see, there’s a 5-minute countdown. Five minutes before the race starts, there’s a horn that blows the countdown signal. From that moment, there are only five minutes left before the start shot will sound. The skipper must make sure that he does not cross the starting line before this shot. With the tough and sometimes barely controllable forces of natures, the lining up of the sailing ship isn’t an easy task.
Caliber 8900
Inside the Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup LE you will find Omega’s caliber 8900. Speaking from my own experience (there’s one in my Globemaster), this movement is very accurate. Of course, it is, because of the Master Chronometer certification. More strict than the regular Chronometer specification (-4/+6) with its average daily deviation between 0 and +5 seconds. This movement also has an independent hour hand, making it an easy travel companion. Omega’s Master Chronometer certified watches are also anti-magnetic up to 15,000 gauss and have a Co-Axial escapement and silicon balance spring. All this also leads to a warranty of 5 years and a longer service interval period. The caliber 8900 is visible through a sapphire case back with a special America’s Cup logo. On the case back you will also find the unique number of your limited edition.
Availability and Price
The Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup limited edition ref. 215.32.43.21.04.001 comes in a special box. The box looks very similar to the Seamaster Ploprof 1200M box, but in America’s Cup colors. The price of this Planet Ocean will be €6700 (CHF6500 Swiss Francs). Omega’s new Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup LE is hitting the boutiques as of now.
More information via Omega online (you will also find the price for your country or local currency).
