First Look – the 2021 Editions of the Omega Globemaster Annual Calendar

Omega is primarily identified for 2 important and historic collections: the Speedmaster and the Seamaster. For greater than half a century, these two fashions have dominated the present on the Biel-based model, giving it its iconic standing. However, Omega has way more to supply than these two sports activities watches. In truth, there’s a group that’s much more enduring, and that’s the Constellation. Constructed as a extra elegant and extra refined vary of fashions, it even features a fairly complicated and satisfying calendar watch, the Globemaster Annual Calendar. Three new editions have been launched a few weeks in the past, and at present we take a look at two of those new, luxurious and vibrant additions to the Globemaster lineup. 

Though the aura of the Velocity- and Seamaster collections is unbeatable, there’s one assortment at Omega that’s much more enduring, and that’s the Constellation. Born within the late Nineteen Forties, method earlier than the 2 different sports activities collections have been even imagined, the Constellation was the expression of Omega’s want for precision and mechanical refinement, as attested by the presence on the casebacks of a medallion that includes the Observatory of Geneva topped by a constellation of eight stars. Launched as a gown watch with ultra-precise actions, the gathering gained reputation within the early Fifties with the introduction of the so-called pie-pan dials, a particular and emblematic ingredient of the gathering. By the mid-Sixties, the Constellation modified drastically, going for built-in designs and quartz actions, ultimately giving rise to the Constellation Manhattan household. You may learn our in-depth historic article right here for extra particulars on the evolution of the Omega Constellation.

After some years within the background, the watch returned to its authentic idea in 2015 with the launch of the Globemaster sub-collection – a watch that was, by design and vocation, a strong tribute to the unique Constellation idea, because it was additionally the watch to deal with the model new Grasp Chronometer certification. Initially offered in 2015 as a time-and-date watch, with an hour hand that may be set independently, the next yr, the model launched a mannequin with a extremely fascinating annual calendar complication. At present, the Constellation household pays tribute to those two sides of the historical past of the gathering, with watches displaying built-in designs and these ultra-precise, complicated and opulent Globemaster fashions.

The Globemaster Annual Calendar is, with the Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer, one of the crucial complicated fashions in Omega’s assortment – except the high-end Tourbillon watch. Omega, identical to Rolex, isn’t a model that does haute complication watches only for the sake of demonstrating its superiority. Figuring out the energy of its R&D division, Omega may simply construct way more complicated fashions, however that isn’t its vocation. This explains why, for its Globemaster assortment, the model went for an annual calendar somewhat than a perpetual calendar. Probably the most sensible issues of the business, because it solely requires one correction a yr for the calendar indication and isn’t overly complicated, it’s additionally a lot simpler to make use of and extra dependable.

The entire idea behind the Annual Calendar complication, an invention of Patek Philippe in 1996, is to supply an intermediate answer between the too easy and never very sensible full calendar (requiring 5 corrections a yr) and the overly complicated, usually fragile perpetual calendar. An annual calendar solely requires to be adjusted on the finish of February, because it takes under consideration months with 30 or 31 days. And that may be achieved with minimal modifications in comparison with a conventional full calendar.

As talked about, the Globemaster is the closest trendy expression of the unique Constellation idea. As such, it was launched as a watch targeted on precision and displayed a number of design parts that pay tribute to the early-Fifties fashions, together with the pie-pan dials or the medallion on the caseback. But, when the model offered the Globemaster Annual Calendar, it made a powerful impression, primarily as a result of stunning month inscriptions on the dial, which after some years have lastly been nicely accepted.

This yr, and with out a lot altering the unique recipe of the preliminary Globemaster Annual Calendar, Omega launched three new variations. Vibrant and/or product of luxurious supplies, these add a contemporary, barely bolder but in addition nice look to this assortment. First is a metal model with inexperienced dial (not photographed right here), then there’s a two-tone mannequin with a metal case, 18k Sedna gold bezel and crown and a daring burgundy dial and strap – a mixture that really works within the metallic, with appeal and heat, though it received’t be for everybody.

The final of those three new fashions is solely product of 18k Sedna gold, which incorporates the dial, the fingers, and the utilized markers. It’s worn on a shiny alligator strap. At first, you would think about this mix to be barely excessive, however, really, when dealing with and strapping the watch on, it’s way more refined than anticipated. Positive, it’s a full gold watch, however as a result of comparatively muted tone of Sedna gold, to the usage of brushed surfaces nearly all over the place (on the case and the dial), this version of the Globemaster Annual Calendar brings an expensive however not ostentatious look with a number of reflections, depth and altering colors in a nice dégradé of pink gold tones.

For the remaining, these new editions stay equivalent to the earlier variations. They measure 41mm in diameter and 14.5mm in peak, the latter being a bit too pronounced for our style. With its straight traces, its mixture of brushed surfaces with a cultured and fluted bezel, and a sure heft, the watch is elegant with out being too formal. The dial has the standard pie-pan design, which has been cleverly used to show the month indication. One specificity of the gold version, in addition to having a strong gold dial, is to function black onyx inserts for the utilized indexes, and for the primary time, additionally for the hours and minutes fingers.

Turning the watch over, we are able to see the calibre 8922 or 8923 (the latter used for the gold mannequin, with a gold bridge and rotor). Mechanically equivalent, we’re speaking about in-house automated Grasp-Chronometer engines with the entire model’s expertise: anti-magnetic silicon elements, double barrel, Co-Axial escapement. The motion is partially seen below a sapphire caseback, with the emblematic medallion that includes the Observatory of Geneva.

Availability & Worth

These three new editions of the Omega Globemaster Annual Calendar are launched as a part of the everlasting assortment and at the moment are out there for orders. The steel-green mannequin (130.33.41.22.10.001) retails for EUR 8,300, the two-tone burgundy model (130.23.41.22.11.001) for EUR 11,100 and the complete Sedna gold model (130.53.41.22.99.002) for EUR 30,600.

For extra particulars, please go to omegawatches.com.