Comments:
Looks like a great time!
and so sorry I missed the opporunity to crash the party..
great photos of the new releases Dr. No!
Any thoughts on the Dark Side of the Moon? how was it in the metal?
nice coverage!
In a limited sense, I like these types of watches . . .
. . . objectively, but when I strap them on my wrist, they feel misplaced subjectively. One of the rare exceptions was the titanium Mission Hills Constellation from several years back, but even that was a little too intense for my own tastes.
The limitation, of course, is a matter of self-perception, and not of the watch, which really is the ultimate incarnation of the Moon Watch, being made of a space-age material. I really don't appreciate chronographs as a complication in general, and there are really very few that I'd feel comfortable owning long-term. I've had several, but they all left my possession for one reason or another; I would have to think long and hard about getting another one.
The most interesting development from Omega . . .
. . . from a purely personal perspective was the introduction of Annual Calendar models well suited for smaller wrists. The new Aqua Terra Annual Calendars combine truly useful complications with aesthetic grace, and at reasonable cost, too - the best of all worlds.
Let's start with the larger version, an Aqua Terra Annual blue dial in the full size 43.5 mm case, by itself . . .
. . . and now, on my wrist . . .
. . . and again, from a closer perspective.
This AT is the same size as the initial version I reviewed three years ago. Truth be told, it was barely comfortable aesthetically with a grey dial then, and this blazingly more obvious blue dial is over the edge. As much as I admire this AC on its own merits, I would never consider owning one - it's just that much too large for my tastes.
Well, The Powers That Be have heard the call. Introducing the Aqua Terra Annual Calendar . . .
[18K yellow gold AT AC]
. . . in a 38.5 mm case, tailored for those of us . . .
. . . with slender wrists. This, I could do.
Suggested retail for a steel model is US $8400 with bracelet, or $8300 with strap. An instantaneous annual calendar . . .
. . . at a relatively affordable price has much to recommend, in my humble opinion.
Very interesting development, Art
The original 43mm Aqua Terra Annual Calendar was to me, not only too large in diameter, but too thick as well. I thought that the DeVille Annual Calendar was much more attractive for that reason. With this new 38.5 mm case, the Aqua Terra becomes very attractive. What are your thought regarding the thickness of the AT Annual?
It is a little thicker than usual . . .
. . . for a watch of this size, such as the Glashütte Senator Sixties, so it does impart an atypical sense of presence. The 'wrist space' occupied by the 38.5 mm case is less, but I suspect the height is identical. The elegance of fit gained by reducing the diameter is somewhat offset by the altered proportions, so it's not an ideal solution to the problem.
Great event Art!
Good to see you and Kurt again finally. Thanks for putting it together. Really enjoyed bar#1. And being a Seamaster guy, the ETNZ was the hit of the show for me.
Meanwhile my key take away? The rubber strap for my Speedmaster.
We'll be doing another g-t-g soon . . .
. . . in the coming months, Kev, when the new AT makes an appearance in So Cal.
In the meantime, enjoy the new look . . .
. . . of your Speedy GMT!
Best,
Art
Panem et circenses, Omega trampolining
Great reporting Art!
Many thanks for sharing your visit of the Topanga Mall Omega boutique.
But after so many somersaults from Omega, as exemplified by your great review of a good part the troops, I am left completely dizzy, wandering without any sense of direction. Here is the recipe for short term economic success and long term damage of the image of the brand:
1/ "Do as many as possible less than subtle references to the brand's great past
2/ throw in the self-proclaimed saving new co-axial movement. (sound of trumpets, very loud) Well in fact the movements are good but that is not enough!
3/ give a good doze of modern graphic refinement (Fat/ obese also called oversize, wow-factor decorative gimmicks, also called impress-your-neighbour/ in-your face gimmicks) This affects the design of case, dial, hands, pushers, etc. but It can also be found in a name fx. Seamaster Diver ETNZ (sic)
4/ call every creation a Limited Edition and find a Hollywood star/ a great guy/ 6 pack athlete as patrons (I think these are called Ambassadors, your Highness)
4/ put in the blender, shake and stir it well and
Hey Presto! here we have the new fantastic line of Omega watches. Or not?
Omega has for me lost all form of credibility. A snake biting its own tail. Lack of flair, lack of class. Mostly tacky. A parody of itself.
Of all the models that you present, only maybe the minor version of the Seamaster with the simile timber decked dial finds credit to my eyes.
Sorry for sounding discordant , as a true lover of Omega's rich past I am simply speaking my mind and my lack of emotional transfer for the latest offerings.
The same, alas, can be said of another favorite brand of mine, Longines... A vary pale shadow of what it once was.
Omega, Longines... SWATCH Group, what have you done?
Real inventiveness and creativity is luckily to be found elsewhere these days. It can be seen many places, even in Swatch (the watches) but for me especially in small independents, from the top all the way down to the lowest price range.
You still have the Omega Tourbillon Central.
And The Ploprof Re Edition is not bad, either.
Good to see you back here!
Best, my friend.
Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-08-30 19:42:19 This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-08-31 04:19:43
Good to see you back here!
Best, my friend.
Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-08-30 19:42:19 This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-08-31 04:19:43
It's a curious form of great reporting . . .
. . . that fails to persuade.
Criticism, even devastating criticism, is welcome, of course. I'm left wondering, though, precisely what path Omega should have taken to gain your approval.
Cordially,
Art