OMEGA pays its tribute by releasing two Limited Edition models in the spirit of the 1948 classics since its the 70th Anniversary of the Seamaster this 2018.
Though both watches stay true to the original post-war design, the Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds and the Seamaster 1948 Central Second are powered by calibres which are very much a product of the 21st century. Driven by Master Chronometer movements 8804 and 8806 respectively, these watches have been battle-tested at the watch industry’s highest level.
A stainless steel case, polished bezel, opaline silvery domed dial and polished crown, embossed with vintage Ω are common to both watches; but a closer look at the diamond polished 18K white gold hands reveals subtle differences between the two.
On the Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds, the hour and domed minute hand are in leaf style, while the Central Second is graced with Dauphine style hour and minute hands filled with white SuperLumiNova.
The Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds includes a small seconds indication at 6 o’clock and is presented on a brown leather strap with a polished-brushed stainless steel buckle. The strap of the Central Second model is blue-grey leather. Like the original straps, both buckles include a vintage OMEGA logo.
The caseback of each watch features an oriented and patented OMEGA “NAIAD LOCK”, engraved with SEAMASTER, LIMITED EDITION, the Limited Edition number and “NAIAD LOCK”. As a further tribute to the many aviators and mariners who have placed their trust in OMEGA’s timepieces, the flat sapphire crystal itself is laser engraved and lacquered by hand with a 70th Anniversary logo, a Chris Craft boat and Gloster Meteor aircraft, the first jet plane used by the Royal Air Force. Present day adventurers can also rely on the integrity of the Seamaster, as the new models are water-resistant to 6bar/60m/200ft.
Both watches are beautifully presented in their own special collector’s box, made of soft brown leather. In each box, the watch is kept upright but easily moveable thanks to a magnetic floor, while a spare NATO strap in the original Admiralty grey colour, leather strap and strap changing tool are also included. Each model is limited to 1,948 pieces.
