With so many mechanical complications on offer in any number of dazzling configurations, it’s easy to get lost in the majesty of watchmaking. More often than not, function takes a back seat to form, with aesthetics becoming increasingly important among the industry’s most discerning buyers. But every so often, a watchmaker creates a timepiece that is so jarringly practical that it shudders us back to reality. The new OMEGA Seamaster Regatta is one of those watches.
Released to mark the launch of the 37th America’s Cup Sailing Race, which recently kicked off in Barcelona, the new OMEGA timepiece is a remarkably versatile (and somewhat unexpected) delight. Across the brash and brutalist dial, you’ll find both analogue and digital displays in a unique configuration that looks endearingly maximalist. Everywhere you look, there is something to be seen and some function to be admired.
According to OMEGA, the latest timepiece features a moonphase indicator, a chronograph, a sailing logbook, a temperature gauge, an accelerometer, three alarms, and a regatta race function. With so many functions on offer, it’s no surprise that the new Regatta takes up some serious wrist real estate, coming in at a whopping 46.75mm in diameter, however, it’s what OMEGA has done with the design that makes it so interesting.
The watch features an LCD display with black markings on a white-grey background to show its digital readings, while the Diver 300M-inspired hour, minute, and central seconds hands can be cleared from the display when in backlit mode. This helps to improve legibility when in use, giving the wearer a little more control over personalisation with the data provided. Navigating through the different functions is a bit of a task in itself, with OMEGA adorning this new timepiece with four pushers; one in red and three in blue. There is also a sandblasted crown with a laser-engraved OMEGA logo operated with push-and turn actions for further use.
Powered by the quartz calibre 5701 movement, the new OMEGA Seamster Regatta is designed to hold up under extreme pressure, boasting a battery life of 30 months. That being said, I can’t but think that AUD$12,300 for a quartz-powered timepiece is a little steep, however, you are also paying the heritage, which OMEGA is not shy about plugging.
The latest timepiece speaks to the brand’s long and storied connection to the America’s Cup. This relationship first started in 1995 when the Swiss watchmaker supported Emirates Team New Zealand, which at that time was led by the legendary sailor Sir Peter Blake. For the 2024 edition, OMEGA has slipped effortlessly into the official timekeeper role, an honour it held in 2000, 2003, and 2021.
With the new timepiece, you’ll see some subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to this connection throughout, including a raised back embossed with the distinctive 37th America’s Cup logo and engraved with the words SEAMASTER REGATTA and 37th AMERICA’S CUP. The caseback even features a wave pattern designed according to the principles of “Helmholtz resonance”.
“Our new Seamaster Regatta belongs to the same family of watches as the Speedmaster X33,” OMEGA president and CEO Mr. Raynald Aeschlimann said. “It’s essentially a multifunctional tool that you can wear on your wrist. As its name makes clear, this is the perfect timepiece for sailors, and the timing is right for its release. The great boat race in Barcelona is sure to inspire sailors all over the world, and this watch is all about meeting their needs.”
The new OMEGA Seamaster Regatta America’s Cup is available in boutiques and online from September 2024. Priced at AUD$12,300, it is presented on an integrated blue rubber strap fixed with OMEGA’s patented Quick-Change system and delivered in a matching commemorative blue box with red stitching.
OMEGA Seamaster Regatta America’s Cup Ref. 216.92.46.79.10.001
- Brand: OMEGA
- Model: Seamaster Regatta America’s Cup
- Reference: Ref. 216.92.46.79.10.001
- Diameter: 46.75mm
- Thickness: 15.6mm
- Movement: OMEGA 5701 quartz
- Battery Life: 30 months
- Price: AUD$12,300
