Omega's 2022 Novelties Explained

In what will likely be the watchmaking industry's return to full-scale pre-COVID tradeshows, events, and other luxuries that we have missed, Omega has kicked 2022 off with the launch of a wide-ranging selection of novelties that will indeed have something for everyone. From an entirely new collection to updated classics and even modernized aesthetics, this latest selection of updates leaves no stone unturned. So, just what have Omega treated us to?

The Experimental Ultra Deep is Here

Originally debuting in 2019 as a prototype watch that was strapped to the outside of a submersible vessel sent to the bottom of the Mariana Trench (sound familiar, perhaps?), the Omega Ultra Deep was a 55mm behemoth that we all felt would eventually make its way into regular production. Well, that time is here, and so Omega has launched the Ultra Deep as a new collection within the Seamaster Planet Ocean family with a selection of variants to choose from

Water-resistant to a frankly gargantuan depth of 6000m, the 45.5mm Ultra Deep is available in seven variants across two metals, titanium or "O-Megasteel," with a selection of rubber straps, NATO straps, or metal bracelets. With slight differences in the case construction for each metal, the O-Mega steel variants feature traditional crown guards, while the titanium model, priced at $12,300, lacks them. Available with ceramic bezels as standard, this latest addition has undoubtedly given the Rolex Deep-Sea a run for its money as the most hardcore dive watch on the market.

The New Speedmaster '57

With so many brands re-releasing or redesigning modern interpretations of their classic models, it is certainly no surprise that Omega has decided to make some new changes to their '57 Speedmaster collection. Itself already a modern interpretation of the 1957 Speedmaster; these latest models further modernize the collection with an array of new dials and a new Master Chronometer-certified, manually wound movement, the cal. 9906.

This new movement has also had practical implications for the '57 Speedmaster as Omega was able to update the design into a smaller, thinner package. It now measures 0.59mm thinner and 40.5mm in diameter, which is a full millimeter smaller than before. While it might seem like an insignificant change, these are steps in the right direction for Omega and the enthusiasts who weren't fans of the '57 Speedmaster's size. As we all know in the industry, half a millimeter in the metal is certainly a lot more than one might think.

Alongside these practical changes, the '57 Speedmaster has four new dial variants, a familiar black dial and beige faux-patina lume, and three more in stunning shades of blue, green, and a striking red.

Aqua Terra Takes on the Oyster Perpetual

While Rolex has dominated the horological landscape for years now, the general consensus has always been that Omega are their closest rivals. While Rolex may have widened that gap in recent years, Omega's novelties this year are clearly designed to challenge that development, with the new Aqua Terra models the clearest example of that.

Launching ten new dial variants across two new case sizes, 38mm and 34mm, Omega has taken a direct swipe at Rolex's bright new Oyster Perpetuals. Produced using new CVD technology, these ten dials are pretty stunning, and we cannot wait to see them paired with our Horus Straps. Ranging from "Saffron" and "Terracotta" to "Bay Green' and "Sandstone," these dials are meant to represent the transition between the two states of nature that the Aqua Terra collection represents: Aqua, for water, and Terra, for earth.

Speedmaster Updates Continue

With the Speedmaster '57 seeing a slew of updates, it would only be right that the Speedmaster Professional, the watch that went to the Moon, gets some updates too. While the model was overhauled very substantially last year, these latest additions refine the collection and expand upon what is already an incredibly strong corner of Omega's offerings.

Offered in a new material, the Speedy is now offered in an 18kt yellow gold alloy that is called "Moonshine gold." Paired with a green dial when on its bracelet or a champagne and black dial when on its black leather strap, this latest model is quite the beauty. In another addition to an already established collection, Omega has launched a new green dial and bezel Seamaster Diver 300m that looks suspiciously like another green on green dive watch from another brand that is known for dive watches.

The Constellation's Time to Shine

Closing out what has been a very impressive showing from Omega, they have decided to update the Constellation collection and release an array of models across multiple case sizes. Announced alongside a range of 28mm and 29mm models, marketed to women, Omega released a 41mm version with a bright white dial with contrasting blue dial furniture and a blue bezel. On a blue leather strap, it lives alongside some other leather-strapped models mixing in gold case elements and some enticing dial executions ranging from green to red and grey.

For more, see here: Omega.com