The culmination of superb technology! Omega Seamaster: The gorgeous and robust Summer Blue Collection

Like gentlemen and ladies gathering at a banquet in accordance with a designated summer blue dress code, 11 new models in seven models made a spectacular debut to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Seamaster. Each model features a different gradation of light and shade that expresses its water resistance, but beneath its refreshing appearance lies the lineage of a robust diver's model. We will reveal the true nature of each model, focusing on the advanced finishing techniques that Omega has cultivated in recent years.

Water resistance from 150m to 6000m expressed in gradations

　The collection's eight styles, coordinated in matching summer blues, are arranged in order of waterproofing. The water pressure increases as you move towards the bottom of the ocean, creating a beautiful gradation of blue that deepens.

Common SPEC items
①Material ②Diameter ③Thickness ④Lug spacing ⑤Approximate total weight ⑥Caliber number ⑦Number of jewels ⑧Frequency ⑨Power reserve ⑩Presence or absence of helium escape valve

　The Seamaster is Omega's core collection and has the longest history, but the first model, released in 1948, the 100th anniversary of the company's founding, was only water resistant enough for everyday use and had the feel of a dress watch. Omega, which had pioneered waterproof watches with the release of the Marine 16 years earlier, finally transformed the Seamaster into a fully waterproof watch with the 1957 Seamaster 300. It featured all the essential elements of a modern diver's watch, including a screw-down crown and case back, a rotating bezel, and luminous hour and minute hands and indexes.

　The Seamaster, which gained fame as a watch for military and marine adventurers, has continued to evolve, releasing a variety of models with innovative technology, design, and higher water resistance one after another. It has been adopted as the official equipment for deep-sea exploration, supported legendary yacht races and divers, and was immensely popular when it was used as James Bond's secret weapon in the spy movie "007" series.

　This commemorative collection celebrating this glorious 75th anniversary features a truly spectacular lineup of watches, ranging in water resistance from 150m to 6000m. The common thread between them is "summer blue," which Omega says "evokes a perfect day spent on the endless ocean." From the sun-brushed "Aqua Terra" representing the dazzling sun to the dark world of the "Ultra Deep," water resistance is expressed through a gradation of shades. Of course, the Master Chronometer, which includes ultra-magnetic resistance, is also common, but there are differences in the compatibility with helium-based saturation diving. The four models up to the "Seamaster 300" are not suitable for saturation diving, while the "Diver 300M," "Planet Ocean," and "Ploprof" are compatible with helium escape valves. The "Ultra Deep," on the other hand, boasts a robust exterior that can withstand internal and external pressures, allowing for saturation diving without an escape valve.

　While the movement, case, and bracelet follow the specifications of the regular model, the design variations linked to the functionality bring depth to the collection. And above all, this summer blue color has a strong power to captivate anyone who sees it at a glance.

The Summer Blue Collection: A Collection of Superb Craftsmanship

　The Seamaster boasts not only water resistance and robustness backed by numerous legends, but also super antimagnetic properties and high precision certified by Master Chronometer. The Summer Blue collection makes you want to take it to a tropical island right away, but here we will take a deep look at the exterior technology.

　The Ultra Deep, boasting the strongest water resistance in the Summer Blue collection, features the deepest and most profound gradation. Furthermore, the dial features a depiction of the Mariana Trench, where Omega holds the world diving record. What's remarkable is how the visual depth perfectly captures the mystery of the deep sea. This special manufacturing process begins with a single press to create a seafloor topography on a brass base. The surface is then microblasted, blue PVD-coated, and lacquered to create a gradation from the periphery to the center. Next, a secret signature is transferred using UV ink, and a large amount of lacquer is poured in. A hole is drilled in the center of the dial, which is then left to dry slowly and polished to a completely flat finish. Finally, the Summer Blue water resistance notation and logo are printed on the dial. The 12 indexes are finished in black PVD, and the Arabic numerals are matte lacquered on an 18K white gold base. Finally, Summer Blue Super-LumiNova is hand-painted.

　Apparently, the thickness of the large amount of lacquer poured in reaches 0.8mm (!).

It's no wonder that the production site describes it as a "sea of ​​lacquer." However, such an elaborate process is only possible for a special edition. It would be impossible to use it on a regular model because it is so difficult and expensive, and because it is a new technique, it has not yet been industrialized.

　Omega has undoubtedly been a leader in improving the quality of dials in the watch industry in recent years. They have used many techniques to improve color reproduction with PVD and CVD, layered lacquer to create a luxurious feel, and laser processing ceramics and titanium, among others. The Summer Blue collection can be said to be the culmination of these advanced technologies.

High-quality exterior finish that cannot be replicated by other companies

　In the 1950s, Omega wanted to create an iconic Seamaster. The criteria were to express maritime tradition, refined style, and resilience. The designer was inspired by a trip to Venice: the Neptune Seahorse on either side of a gondola, a symbol of Venice.

　The caseback motif common to the Summer Blue collection depicts a dramatic scene of Poseidon, the god of the sea, sailing across the ocean accompanied by two seahorses of different eras. It's a completely new design, begun by an Omega designer in pencil. The Ploprof and Ultra Deep models feature flat laser processing to withstand pressure in the deep sea, but the other models feature the same design, but the medallions are stamped using a stamping tool. After pressing, the medallions are polished to the very edge of the design, creating a truly impressive finish. While much of the process is manual, medallion craftsmen are becoming less common in Switzerland, and high-quality pieces like this one are valuable in terms of passing on their know-how and techniques to future generations. Incidentally, the tilt of the design must be within a tolerance of 45 degrees to the left or right after screwing in.

　Since the 2010s, Omega has dramatically improved the quality of its exteriors, including its dials. With new technologies being developed almost every year, the variety and finish of its dials now seem to be at the forefront of the Swiss watch industry.

　This industry-leading technology is fully on display in the Summer Blue Collection. The meticulous attention to detail is evident in the mirrored finish applied to the sides of the indices and the matching of the color of the calendar disc to the dial. This is a truly luxurious display of exquisite craftsmanship, befitting the 75th anniversary.