Fresh off a grandstand showing as the official timekeeper for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Swiss luxury watchmaker OMEGA is venturing back into the sporting arena. From August 22 to October 27, the Biel-based maison will reprise its role as timekeeper for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, and to celebrate, it has unveiled a dazzling and durable new timepiece.
Similar to its predecessors, the new Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup 42mm pays homage to the oldest international sporting trophy in the world, complete with subtle nautical nods and historical tidbits. The 42mm stainless steel piece features a stunning blue ceramic unidirectional bezel with a regatta scale, comprised of two five-minute pre-start sections and a START section with a regatta-inspired flag.
These sailing-inspired elements are reprised on the dial, where OMEGA has laser-engraved waves on the white ceramic matte face, a reference to the original timekeeper’s tribute first released in 1993. Even the official America’s Cup trophy makes an appearance, referenced through the central seconds hand, which cops a trophy counterweight in the same blue as the Barcelona logo. The complete logo, with “Auld Mug” and B for Barcelona, is also on the sapphire crystal caseback, which provides an unimpeded look at the Seamaster’s incredible co-axial master chronometer calibre 8806.
A highly-accurate movement capable of producing 55 hours of power reserve, the calibre 8806 is among the maison’s most revered innovations. According to OMEGA, it has been certified master chronometer, a designation reserved for timepieces that meet the strict standards for precision, performance, and magnetic resistance set by the independent Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
For OMEGA, the latest timepiece isn’t just a stunning new addition to its already coveted Seamaster 300m lineup, it’s a flawless continuation of the brand’s storied connection to the America’s Cup. A partnership that dates all the back to 1995, OMEGA has bore witness to the iconic race’s unique revival, which has been transformed in recent years by a bold new format. Situated around Port Vell and along the beach to Port Olímpic, the 2024 edition is being touted as “one of the most intense America’s Cups in the event’s 174-year history”.
This time around, OMEGA’s role within the America’s Cup format has expanded slightly. In addition to the standard regatta race, the brand is now responsible for two new top-level competitions – The Puig Women’s America’s Cup, which makes its debut in 2024, and the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup, an opportunity for emerging crews to prove their worth on the waves. According to OMEGA CEO and president Raynald Aeschlimann, fulfilling timekeeping duties for the America’s Cup is core to the brand’s DNA, showcasing its prowess both on and off the water.
“It’s a huge thrill to see the OMEGA name and logo on some of the sails of these cutting-edge boats,” Aeschlimann said. “I’m proud to say, we’ve earned our place on the water, having served with distinction at three previous editions of the America’s Cup. We’re honoured to be tasked with measuring every microsecond of this historical boat race, and the exciting new races under the America’s Cup banner.”
The 2024 OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup 42mm is priced at AUD$10,800 and is available through the brand’s official online boutique and in-stores. The watch is presented in a commemorative blue box with red stitching and comes with either a stainless-steel bracelet or a blue rubber strap fixed with OMEGA’s patented Quick-Change system. The 2024 America’s Cup officially kicks off in Barcelona, Spain from August 22 to October 27.
OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup
- Brand: OMEGA
- Model: OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup
- Reference: Ref. 210.30.42.20.04.002
- Movement: Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806
- Diameter: 42mm
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Water-Resistance: 300 metres
- Price: AUD$10,800
