Sunday Morning Showdown: Omega Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026 Vs. Chopard L.U.C XPS
Good morning, dear Fratelli. It’s Sunday again, which means we’re pitting two watches against each other. This week, Daan defends the recently released Omega Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026. In the other corner, it’s Thomas with the Chopard L.U.C XPS ref. 61948-5001. That’s right; after the battle of the integrated-bracelet sports watches last week, get ready to wear your dressier attire for this week’s battle. But will it be as close again?
In the previous installment of Sunday Morning Showdown, we pitted two of the most iconic sports watches against each other. Let’s first examine how that went, and then we’ll turn the show over to Daan and Thomas.
Last week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…
As said, last week, we asked you to choose between two very well-known integrated-bracelet sports watches. We organized a face-off between the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 16202 and the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222. It was Genta versus Hysek — the master against the apprentice, so to speak. But also, it was the octagonal bezel of the Royal Oak against the notched bezel of the 222. Well, in the end, it seems like it was tough to choose between these two heavyweights. We certainly didn’t expect it to be so close, but we ended up with a 50-50 score. Even your comments were pretty balanced this time. Let’s see what happens during this week’s matchup of gold dress watches.
Daan: The Omega Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026
When the new Omega Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026 came out, I had the honor to write the introduction article for it. At that point, I hadn’t seen the watch in person yet, but I already got quite excited based on the press material alone. Admittedly, it isn’t a completely new Seamaster. Of course, it’s heavily inspired by the first 35mm Olympic Seamaster from 1956. Then, in 2008, there was a 37mm re-edition of that watch for the Beijing Olympic Games. However, I applaud the Omega designers for making this such a clean special edition of the Seamaster.
We see a lot of re-editions here at Fratello. Many times, they’re well done, but also very often, something is off. I feel the new Omega Seamaster for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games is a very respectable re-edition. Sure, you can still prefer the vintage versions. However, you certainly don’t have to be ashamed to see your modern version right next to those vintage ones at a local get-together.
Only an Olympic watch when you want it to be
The first thing I truly appreciate about this new Seamaster is that only the case back reminds you that it’s a special edition for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. The previous versions had an emblem or logo on the dial. Of course, you buy a limited/special-edition watch for a reason. But in my eyes, the best limited editions are the ones that stand out the least among the rest of the collection. That’s exactly what the new Seamaster does so well.
If you look at this watch standing between the other heritage models on the Omega website, there’s nothing that tells you it celebrates the Olympic Games. Omega even had to place a small “Milano Cortina 2026” banner next to it so people know. That’s what I think is so great about it: this watch is only a special edition when you want it to be. Whenever you feel like it, just turn it around, and you’ll have your golden medallion. Would I have rather had a see-through case back? Maybe yes, but that medallion is certainly something I can live with.
A no-fuss dial, thank you
Then we get to the pristine and polished snow-white Grand Feu enamel dial. It would’ve been so easy to ruin it with an unnecessary date window or an inappropriate logo, for example. However, the designers kept it as clean as possible and did exactly the right thing. This way, you can thoroughly appreciate the glossy dial, the sculptured hour markers, and the applied logo. Also, the minute track and Seamaster logo weren’t simply printed on the dial but, rather, applied using the Petit Feu enameling technique.
A few days after I wrote the introduction article, the watch arrived at the office. I immediately noticed the attention to detail mentioned above when I picked up the new Seamaster. I also appreciate its 37mm size, although a 35mm case would’ve also been fine for me. Nevertheless, I understand that that’s not a very common size in today’s world. It’s certainly a lot better than the 40mm diameter of your L.U.C XPS, Thomas.
However, I am a bit jealous of your micro-rotor-driven movement and the watch’s mere 7.2mm thickness, Thomas. But still, if I had to choose, I’d go for the right size, and in this case, that’s the 37mm Seamaster for me.
Thomas: Chopard L.U.C XPS ref. 161948-5001
Thank you, Daan! Before I defend my candidate, I should probably state our watches’ prices. They aren’t just similar in concept and appearance, but also a mere €100 divides these two. The Omega comes in at €21,400, while the L.U.C demands €21,300 of your hard-earned cash.
So, why would I say you should put that money toward the L.U.C rather than the Seamaster 37mm Cortina Milano? Well, it’s for a whole host of reasons, to be honest. In fact, the only thing the Seamaster has over the XPS is, indeed, its smaller case. A 40mm one is indeed a bit too big for this style, as you can see from Chopard’s press photos.
Other than size, though, I think the Chopard just offers so much more. Let me divide my points between the technical and the aesthetic and outline both for you.
The XPS over the Cortina Milano from a design perspective
When we look at the XPS and the Cortina Milano, we see two very different design philosophies. Basically, the Omega offers vintage charm in an upsized straight-reissue format. Your watch is a pure 1950s design rebuilt today. The XPS, on the other hand, takes a classic style and evolves it to form a modern look rooted in history.
Look at those characteristic L.U.C hands, for instance, or the subtle sunburst originating from the logo rather than the dial’s center. Such little details bridge the gap between modern and vintage, providing this watch with relevance in 2025. If, 100 years from now, people look back; the XPS will represent our time, while the Omega will be seen as posing as something older.
Granted, the XPS isn’t perfect. We already agreed that it is too large. The sub-dial’s position confirms this. It sits right up against the dial’s center, leaving a cluttered and unbalanced line from the numerals at 12 via the logo, hand stack, and sub-dial to the 6 o’clock marker.
The XPS over the Cortina Milano from a technical perspective
I understand your jealousy of the Chopard’s micro-rotor movement, Daan. Watches like these deserve high-end, hand-finished calibers. The XPS has such a caliber with a beautiful layout to boot. Naturally, Chopard puts it on display behind sapphire.
The Omega houses the very capable caliber 8807. However, it feels completely out of place in this style of watch. The caliber is ultra-modern with an aesthetic to match. I like it but not in a watch of this style. Even if it sits under an all-gold case back, the split personality still shows. Just look at the techy, modern font describing the movement’s features and the watch’s water resistance on the case back. Like the entire caliber itself, they present a massive style breach.
As a result, the L.U.C XPS feels much more coherent and thoughtful than the Seamaster 37mm Cortina Milano 2026.
Cast your vote!
There you have it — two classy gold automatic watches vying for your vote! Which would you choose? Cast your vote, and share your motivations in the comments section below. Oh, and have a lovely Sunday!
