With the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro just around the corner, Omega will once again take center stage. Having served as the official timekeeper of every Olympics since 1936, the luxury watch manufacturer is an integral part of the event and all eyes will be on their timings when Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis-Hill and co. cross the finish line.
Given that the success of the event relies almost entirely on them doing their job to perfection, Omega could have been forgiven for focusing entirely on the pure timekeeping element. Instead, the company has decided to celebrate its participation through the release of three new limited edition 2016 Olympic Games timepieces.
1. Omega Seamaster Diver 300M “Rio 2016”
The first of the three limited edition models is a stunning version of the Seamaster Diver 300M, which has a retail price of $4,900. The timepiece features a 41mm stainless steel case, a co-axial chronometer, a date display window and is able to provide water resistance for up to 300 meters (1,000 feet) below the surface.
Visually, the Rio 2016 model is primarily defined by the colored numbers on its bezel, which match the colors of the Olympic rings. In addition, it has a black dial with a wavy line pattern, which is said to symbolize the famous mosaic pattern on the pavement of the 4km long Copacabana beach promenade in Rio.
2. Omega Seamaster Bullhead “Rio 2016”
Another limited edition Seamaster model comes in the form of the Bullhead Rio 2016, which has a distinctly vintage appeal. As you would expect, it retains the trademark ‘bullhead’ case shape, distinctive inner bezel and features both 30-minute and 60 second sub-dials at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions, respectively.
The stainless steel case is complimented by a blue leather strap, while both the numerals on the inner bezel and the stitching on the strap are in the four colors of the Olympic rings. In total, just 316 versions of this model will be released to the public and it will retail at around $9,600.
3. Omega Speedmaster Mark II “Rio 2016”
Finally, the Rio 2016 range is completed with the release of a limited edition version of the Speedmaster Mark II. This particular model is said to be inspired by the 1969 Speedmaster, meaning that once again it has a vintage aesthetic. It is also slightly larger than the Seamaster 300M, with a case size measuring 42.5mm in diameter.
While the two other models feature the bright colors of the Olympic rings, this model pays tribute in a more understated way, by surrounding the three sub-dials with gold, silver and bronze; the colors of the Olympic medals athletes compete for. Moreover, the Speedmaster Mark II Rio 2016 is the first ever Omega timepiece to feature a luminescent tachymetre scale. In total, 2,016 versions of this model will be released, retailing at $6,500.
