It's not because the Olympic Winter Games don't have the same media outreach than the Summer Olympics Games that Omega wasn't going to celebrate this event. The brand from Bienne has testified of its role as Official Timekeeper of the PyeongChang Olympic Games thanks to three commemorative watches. But it did a lot more. Indeed, it took the opportunity to recall that its involvement with the Olympic Games began in 1932 at the Los Angeles Games when it came to California with 30 split-seconds chronographs. This allocation seems modest in comparison with the huge logistics now in place at each edition of the Games. But it doesn't matter: the relationship between Omega and the Olympic Games had just begun.

The Seamaster Olympic Games red:




In fact, Omega recalls this long-standing relationship in two ways. The first through a Seamaster Olympic Games collection, a limited edition of 2032 pieces per dial color. The second through an Olympic Games set which gathers 5 Seamaster that can't be sold separately and available in 100 copies. The common point between these two celebrations: the watches are decorated according to the colors of the Olympic rings.

Of course, we can be surprised by the fact that Omega presents in 2018 watches, which, logically, should have been released in 2032. But in 2032, it's a long way from now, and why not take advantage of an Olympic year to carry out this important communication operation: the Olympic Games are at the heart of Omega's strategy and the brand intends to repeat it every two years. Let us not forget that the Olympic Games will continue to anchor themselves in Asia because after Pyeongchang, the next Games will take place in Tokyo (Summer 2020) and Beijing (Winter 2022). Omega can't miss such opportunity  to address a continent that is strategic for its development. Finally, let's not forget that Omega's contract with the IOC runs until 2032 and its renewal in 2017, which is very important for Omega and more broadly for the Swatch Group, deserves these limited series.

The caliber 8800:




The separately available Seamaster are inspired by a split-second chronograph used at the Innsbruck and Munich Games in 1976. It is the reason why they are characterized by their black central zone which highlights very clearly the peripheral graduation. The five versions are distinguished by their touches of color that use the same colors as those of the Olympic rings (black, yellow, green, red and blue, each one symbolizing a continent). It is obviously the color of the strap which is the most eye-catching. The differences on the dial are more subtle but clearly noticeable: the Seamaster inscription, the peripheral circle, the rings and the second hand follow the same color code than the strap. In this context, the black version appears to be much more sober than the four others.




I love the execution of the dial with its domed shape, the deliciously outdated hands and the special role of the peripheral circle that divides it into three segments of twenty seconds to use more simply the watch as a pulsometer. I regret however the presence of the date window that breaks a little the inspiration of these Seamaster and that seems useless in this "neo-retro" context. But we all know the story: for some brands, it is unthinkable to release a watch with a strategic commercial scope without any date display.

The Olympic Games set:



The Seamaster of the Limited Edition set:





The 39.5mm diameter of the steel case gives to these Seamaster harmonious proportions. They appear as balanced and even if the date window is too close to the dial center, the fact that being located in the black area of ​​the dial makes it well integrated into the overall aesthetic.

The Seamaster Olympic Games movement is the Master Chronometer caliber 8800 with a 55-hour power reserve and a 3.5hz frequency. It is a proven movement whose variations are very widely used by Omega. Its presentation is neat and its visual rendering is pleasant considering its contemporary architecture. However, I would have liked a little bigger contrast between the winding mass and the movement itself. The touch of color is provided by the peripheral ring on which are written all the editions of the Olympic Games which have marked or will mark the history of Omega. So Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 are already written ... but not the 2032 Games for an obvious reason: they are not assigned yet. Too bad for the symbolic significance of the 100 year milestone.





The Seamaster Olympic Games are nice watches  because they manage to be very serious and casual at the same time. Their sporty character is present but the quality of the execution and their style after all elegant confirm their versatility. Please note that the waterproofness reaches 60 meters.

However, I would like to express a little frustration. Because in the end it is the Seamaster watches available in the Limited Edition set that I prefer. And those are not available separately. There is no choice but to buy the set of five watches. Too bad because I particularly appreciated the white dial with railway minute track, the beautiful blackened hands whose color changes depending on the light, the absence of date window ...



Inspired by a split-second watch used at the 1948 London Games, the Seamaster watches of the set, whatever their colors, turn out to be very attractive. They have the same size than the Seamaster Olympic Games (39.5mm), the same presentation of the movement (the caliber 8806 is the same than the 8800 but without the date window) but they have the "je ne sais quoi", the little something which make the additional interest. They are, to tell the truth, more refined and I can feel it.





In the end, I wonder if Omega took the right decision to release this set. As much as I find it logical that the Seamaster Olympic Games can be presented during an Olympic year, I find it far too premature to present a set which celebrates a 100 year milestone with 14 years in advance. Behind this remark, I express my regret that I can't purchase individually the Seamaster watches of the set because I find them particularly successful. Too bad ... Fortunately, the Seamaster Olympic Games available in 2032 pieces per color are also attractive. But I was those of the set, I had trouble to consider the others. Abundance of goods may harm.





The Seamaster Olympic Games are available individually at a price of 5,000 euros in France.
The Seamaster Olympic Games Set is available at a price of 27,500 euros.

Thanks to the team of the Omega boutique of the Champs-Elysées.

Pros:
+ a serious and qualitative execution
+ the play of colors on the dials
+ the efficiency of the movements and their Master Chronometer certification
+ the harmonious proportions

Cons:
- the watches of the set are the most attractive what generates frustration... at least to me
- I would prefer the Seamaster Olympic Games without the date window