Fans of the replica omega Seamaster 300m ��Moonwatch�� will love this sexy take on the legendary timepiece: the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. True to its name, the bold watch features a matte black ceramic case and a black Cordura strap. Small pops of colour enter in the form of red and white details against the black zirconium oxide ceramic dial. Inside you��ll find the in-house made replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow movement, and emblazoned across the back is an engraving of the special piece��s Pink Floyd-esque name. The earliest incarnations of the diving watch came on the scene in the 19th century, when one-off pieces called ��Explorer��s Watches�� were custom-made for specific customers. By the early 20th century, similar watches were industrially produced for military and commercial distribution to explorers, navies, and professional divers. Omega http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow-gmt.html SA is credited as the creator of the world��s first diving watch intended for the masses in 1932: the Omega ��Marine.�� Panerai was next to take up the trend, offering ��Radiomir�� underwater timepieces in 1936 following a request for a luminous underwater watch made by the Royal Italian Navy. 1953 saw the release of Lip-Blancpain��s Fifty Fathoms waterproof watch, which was issued in small quantities to the military in several countries and went on to become a star of the silver screen. Then the world changed for good in 1954, when the development of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, known as scuba, coincided with the introduction of the Rolex Submariner at that year��s Basel Watch Fair. Professional diving organizations began to spring up throughout the 60s, creating a need for more robust timepieces that could handle diving operations at greater depths. Innovation hasn��t stopped since, and today some dive watches have ratings as deep as 12,000 metres. The earliest incarnations of the diving watch came on the scene in the 19th century, when one-off pieces called ��Explorer��s Watches�� were custom-made for specific customers. By the early 20th century, similar watches were industrially produced for military and commercial distribution to explorers, navies, and professional divers. Omega SA is credited as the creator of the world��s first diving watch intended for the masses in 1932: the Omega ��Marine.�� Panerai was next to take up the trend, offering ��Radiomir�� underwater timepieces in 1936 following a request for a luminous underwater watch made by the Royal Italian Navy. 1953 saw the release of Lip-Blancpain��s Fifty Fathoms waterproof watch, which was issued in small quantities to the military in several countries and went on to become a star of the silver screen. Then the world changed for good in 1954, when the development of a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, known as scuba, coincided with the introduction of the Rolex Submariner at that year��s Basel Watch Fair. Professional diving organizations began to spring up throughout the 60s, creating a need for more robust timepieces that could handle diving operations at greater depths. Innovation hasn��t stopped since, and today some dive watches have ratings as deep as 12,000 metres.

We've mentioned the quartz revolution a few times in the past, and we've shown you some pretty strange watches from some the biggest replica omega Seamaster 300m watch houses in the world that have used the crystal to make their pieces tick. But what about the very first quartz movement, the one that really changed the game? We are talking of course about the Beta 21 quartz movement, which was developed by a cooperative research laboratory Centre Electronique Horloger (CEH), that consisted of some pretty big watch brands. And by pretty big, we mean the absolte biggest; replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow, Patek Philippe, Omega, JLC, and 12 others (yes 16 brands co-financed the project, think we'd EVER seen that today?) The Beta 21 was most famously used in http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow-gmt.html, otherwise known as Rolex's ONLY limited edition watch. They only made 1000 of these watches, they were numbered on the back, and they are supremely rare and valuable (and we of course have featured one for sale). While the Rolex may receive the most attention (what else is new?), any of the original Beta 21-powered watches are true collectors items, and we have found a great one today. It is an Omega Constellation Electroquartz F8192. This watch is circa the very early 1970s and is rather exceptional. The case is made of solid 18K gold, 200oz to be specific. It features an assymetrical design and a unique date window at 6 o'clock. It is being sold for $6750, which many would consider a lot for a quartz watch. Then again, this is one of the very first quartz watches ever made and when you consider the price of the Rolex 5100, you realize this aint that bad. Also, this watch becomes even more attractive when you realize that despite its quartz powered movement, this bad bay is as smooth as any automatic on the market. Wait, what? The original quartz movement doesn't tick? That is correct, the Beta 21 uses a movement that ticks at such a high frequency, the second hand actually sweeps along fluidly. Don't believe us? Check out the video below of the Rolex 5100 featuring the same Beta 21 movement.

We don't feature pocket watches much on Hodinkee. In fact, there are only two that come to mind. The first is this amazing deck chronometre from Zenith, and the second is actually another Zenith, this time owned by Gandhi. However, you have to give respect where respect is due, and to the Omega http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow-gmt.html Pocket Watch we're about to tell you about, massive respect is due. Sure it's an old replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow Watch and sure it's an Omega, BFD, right? Well it's not just old, it's very old. 109 years old to be exact, circa the very first year of the 20th century. This is probably the first time we are 100% confident in saying this watch is older than literally every single person reading this website. So it's old, but it also comes engraved with 6 medallions and the words "Grand Prix Paris 1900". This is where the replica omega Seamaster 300m watch gets really interesting. The Grand Prix of Paris in this year was actually part of the Exposition Universelle, or World's Fair. This was more than just your average world's fair, it was an extravaganza of artistic, societal, and athletic growth. After all, the second Olympic games (ever) were part of this 6 month event. What else went down at the Exposition Universelle? Well, let's see. It saw the introduction of the escalator and the talking movie. It saw Campbell's soup with that gold medal that it STILL uses on its label, and it was the first Olympic games where women were allowed to compete (in some cases on multi-national teams). It was a pretty revolutionary six months in Paris. So this Omega pocket watch celebrates all that, but we're not done yet. This watch is co-branded, much like the Tiffany & Co. Rolexes we often feature. It is signed by an old jeweler named K.Nudsen, which was a prominent shop in Kristania, Norway. Now here's a Hodinkee challenge: Find Kristania on a map. You can't. It doesn't exist anymore. Kristania was renamed "Oslo" in 1925. So this watch is engraved with what many describe as the most important cultural event in the modern era AND with a city that no longer exists. And it's an Omega. This watch is beyond cool.

This Omega http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-seamaster-300m-chronograph.html is a true oddity. Look at this thing. It is quite possibly the ugliest watch we have ever featured on Hodinkee. But, this is one ugly watch that deserves our attention. It is an replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT , short for Plongeuer Professionnel, or Professional Diver in French. This watch, actually known for being not the best looking in Omega's lineup, was released in 1968 in a limited run aimed at the most intense of divers. This watch was developed with oil research firm Comex (think Rolex), and a man by the name of Jacques Cousteau. Considered to be 'super water resistant', this watch was the predecessor, and inspiration for the Rolex Sea Dweller. This replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow watch is a massive 45mm, especially for a 30 year old watch. It is considered new old stock, in that it has really never been worn since new. This watch was just cleaned and features all original everything. What we love about this watch is that Omega makes no bones about it being ugly (take a look at the original ad campaign to the right). Its ugliness does have a purpose, as it was the only watch able to withstand depths of 600m until the Sea Dweller came along. Take a look at what the development team put this watch through: The cases were routinely hydrostatically tested to 60ATM and shock tested (500g weight dropped onto a running watch from 25cm). In one test the watch was taken down to 1370m using hydrostatic pressure and it was reported that it only stopped at that 'depth' as the crystal had deformed to the extent that it was resting on the seconds hand, so stopping the watch from running. Interestingly, this failure can be partially attributed to the design of the case sealing, which whilst superior for the advertised 600m rating, would not be correctly designed if going beyond 1370m. What is interesting is that a perceived problem with helium infiltration led Comex to pursue development of a super water resistant watch with Rolex, eventually leading to Sea Dweller (which was rated to 610m, 10m deeper than the PloProf, what jerks they are at Rolex). However, it was later proven that the PloProf was more watertight than a submarine. This watch was extremely popular with professional divers, but its retail price was double the price of the Rolex Submariner, and thusly never gained acceptance with leisurely divers. Because of this, these watches are very rare and definitely represents a unique opportunity to own a great piece of diving watch history. It is being offered for $9950, which we think is fair.

The rear of thisreplica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow watch has a curious phrase that I've never seen on a timepiece before. According to Omega it is something they've never placed on a case before either. A promise of "World Premiere" appears on the case back of this dive watch adjacent to the limited edition number. It suggests to the world that there is something inherently special that one has never seen before in a timepiece. True enough, this is replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT's way of celebrating the first watch in the world to have an orange ceramic bezel, and it happens to be in a limited edition sport watch made of solid 950 platinum. The "Word Premiere" is orange colored ceramic, and until now we've never seen it used on a watch. Omega actually produced some fun images of its platinum and orange http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-seamaster-300m-chronograph.html with orange fruit that you can see here. So why is this a big deal? To make a long story short, ceramic is very difficult to produce in colors other than white or black and some dark colors such as blue and brown. Light colors present incredible problems because when ceramic is formed during a sintering process, the color tends to go away during the baking process. Omega, as well as brands like Rolex, are working tirelessly to improve not only the production techniques used to create ceramic watch parts, but also the colors they are produced in. Last year Hublot released the first watch with red ceramic - though they haven't followed up with any production models since. They did however prove it could be done. With Omega offering orange ceramic, the only remaining color to be successfully produced in a zirconium oxide (ceramic mostly used in watch making) is yellow. But that we can leave for another "World Premiere." Omega has been struggling to make orange ceramic a possibility for over five years now. In 2011 I recall speaking with top people at the brand who expressed how difficult it was. So until now, all Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean timepieces with orange bezels continued to use the older colored aluminum technology while models with black or blue bezels used ceramic. It isn't clear when Omega first began to use ceramic bezels for most of its Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean watches but it was several years ago. The issue of course that was presented to Omega as well as brands like Rolex was the mass production of ceramic parts. Now in 2014 the industrial processes are much more sophisticated, but it is still a very time consuming and expensive process. I say this because while it may be true ceramic itself does not require precious materials, the process of inventing how to make it can be precious indeed. The reason Omega has produced only eight pieces of this limited edition Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is because the orange bezels currently take a lot of work. Having said that, unlike Hublot or other brands with concept technology in a limited edition watch, they claim that orange ceramic bezels will become a regular part of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean watch collection soon. Further, the orange ceramic bezel on the watch isn't just orange ceramic, but uses the brand's Liquid Metal technology.

Watch Shootout: http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow.html Ingenieur 40mm 3239 vs. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500 So, why the Aqua Terra? Well, first of all, these watches come from manufacturers with roughly the same pedigree and both are part of a larger group: Richemont for Omega and Swatch for Omega. Second, these watches were both created and are indeed perceived as go-anywhere, do-anything watches, also often referred to as beach-to-boardroom. Third, their MSRPs are in the same ballpark, with the Omega maybe 15% more expensive. Fourth, they are also quite similar in size. The replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT has a 1.5mm smaller measured diameter, but it also has crown guards, which make the wrist presence almost identical. That is except for the thickness, but more on that later. The particular AT in this comparison is the Captain's Watch. Ideally, it should have been the standard white dial version, but I currently don't own one of those. I will not, as others do, give grades to the different aspects of these replica omega Seamaster 300m as cumulated scores may have some indicative value, but everyone's weighting of these aspects is different, so even if someone were to agree with my assessments, their final score may be quite different. I will, however, pronounce a winner under each heading, however presumptuous that may sound - for both your benefit and my delight. Honestly, I only included this heading because all comprehensive watch reviews start with the packaging and I didn't want to short-change you, Dear Reader. I have little to say other than both packages are up to their respective companies' standards for their cheap(er), non-limited editions. They both serve their purpose in providing ample protection during shipping and offer a measure of presentation while in the home. Imitation leather on cardboard for Omega and synthetic-coated wood for Omega, but Omega's box is a touch more classy and feels sturdier, although I presume that under heavy stress none would perform significantly better than the other. You get the compulsory booklets and warranty card, but no COSC chronometer certificate. Omega only provides one on request, while Omega's own quality standards exceed those of the august Contr?le Officiel Suisse des Chronom��tres, hence they have not a single officially certified chronometer and even fewer Officially Certified Superlative Chronometers, whatever "superlative" may mean. Sorry, I just couldn't resist the temptation. It is safe to say that both watch cases build on their respective companies' rich history, but that's almost the only thing they have in common. The Omega case has the company's exquisitely proportioned signature lyre lugs. The alternating brushed and polished surfaces are well balanced, complement the case just right and the quality of the finish and attention is excellent for this price category and about as good as you can get on a (relatively speaking) mass-produced watch. The fairly thick sapphire crystal is slightly convex and rounds out the top of the watch in class, offering an undistorted view of the dial at literally any angle. The double-sided anti-reflective coating is top of the class, you have to turn the watch around quite a lot to even see some reflection and under some angles it the makes the crystal disappear altogether. There are also no color hues to it. The see-through case back has a slightly raised flat sapphire crystal, giving a good view of the adequately finished movement. Omega has even labeled the two spring barrels as "BARREL ONE" and "BARREL TWO" hammering home the message. There are three reasons why I generally like see-through case backs. First, they provide some welcome entertainment on those occasions when you find yourself idly waiting without anything to read. Second, I found that the silky smoothness of the crystal is more pleasant to the wrist than almost any metal. Third, on an automatic watch it is the perfect visual aid should you want to explain to the uninitiated what an automatic movement is.

In the days before Baselworld 2014, replica omega Seamaster 300m began a teaser campaign via social media to get fans guessing what their new dive watch was going to be. One of the last images Omega released of what would be the new Seamaster 300 was of the case with a darkened dial. Less than an hour after it was published online Omega fans quickly used Photoshop to determine what the dial of this new historically-themed, yet ultra modern dive watch collection would be. The new replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT fits in to Omega's already crowded collection of dive watches as a direct visual emulation of the classic Omega Seamaster 300 watch from the 1950s. Omega is typically inspired by models from its "museum collection" in the interest of perpetuating core style codes and the visual DNA that has brought the brand to where it is today. At the same time Omega is invested in pushing forward with innovating new ways of building mechanical watches. Together these distinct goals coalesce to create timepieces that always offer a lot to talk about. In a sense many http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow.html timepieces have been inspired by the Seamaster watches from the 1950s. The highly successful Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is one of them, but the Omega Seamaster 300 is more directly visually related to the classic. Such is part of the charm; being able to own something that looks like it was from the past, but is in actuality totally modern in materials and construction. Some people will shriek upon my next statement but this is how I like to enjoy "vintage watches" best. Meaning that rather than actually dealing with the hassles of a vintage watch, I prefer to own one that is visually similar to a traditional timepiece, only from today. Clearly many have had the same idea as myself, which is why the re-issuing of classic references has been so popular over the last few years. With Omega at least they don't re-release a watch without trying to fundamentally improve on the original. The modern Omega Seamaster 300 watch has features that the original could only have dreamed about�Cand for some there is something really cool about that. At the same time, if can be a bit strange to experience a timepiece with so many interesting modern features that visually is a nod to the past. It makes sense for knowledgeable watch lovers such as myself, but for the mainstream I can understand why they would not look at a timepiece so faithfully trying to look retro and assume it has some cool technology inside of it.

Say the name "http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow.html" and you'll be met with an extensive range of emotion. Some might respond with trepidation, implying the Cosmic was a simple product built by Omega in the 1960s and 70s. They'd be right, but the Cosmics of that generation (which you can see here) were in fact named for one of the Biel-based firm's most impressive replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT watches, the so-called Cosmic Moonphase of the 1940s and 50s (see one with a Persian dial here). These watches were not only legitimate moonphase watches but also triple calendars, most of which were made in gold. They were, at the time, the absolute pinnacle of Omega watchmaking. To this day, Omega doesn't make much that is more impressive than the early Cosmics, and that is why we're so excited about the one we've found today. Coming from our friends Matthew Bain Inc. down in Miami is an original replica omega Seamaster 300m in New Old Stock condition. How new old stock? Well, it still has its half-century old tags on it its half-century old alligator strap and buckle. Made of 14k yellow gold and in a tank style, this Cosmic is about as good and complicated vintage Omega as you're going to find on the market today. Take a look at the completely untouched dial and case, along with the great fading on the dial. The movement inside this vintage Cosmic is Omega's 17 jewel, copper colored manually wound caliber 381. For more details on this incredible new old stock triple calendar moonphase Omega Cosmic. We get a lot of people asking us about inexpensive vintage Omegas they find on eBay. We're talking watches that are selling for around $300, look like they're brand new, but have a smaller case and thus are proclaimed to be circa the 1950s or 1960s. Today we are here to give you a little tip to utilize when buying a vintage Omega.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of visiting replica omega Seamaster 300m's renovated museum space across the street from the brand's headquarters in Biel, Switzerland. Omega has a history that stretches back to 1848 and the museum tells the story of one generation to the next with great pride and impeccable curation. With a brand that conjures images of James Bond, Astronauts and the Olympics, it's easy to overlook its modest founder and historic manufacturing abilities. The museum handles the task well though, devoting space and attention to each chapter in the company's evolution. In the museum you will see some of the most important replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT ever made - the watches that made it into outerspace, those that were part of the Alaska project, those that were issued by the British military, and even a few from COMEX. From the outside, the museum would be easy to miss were it not for a small sign behind a bush showing the http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow.html's original logo. The ground floor serves as a lunch room for headquarter employees, the only hint at the museum upstairs is a replica moon rover under the stairs. Once upstairs however, the space opens up to three areas, one for the company's beginnings and manufacturing abilities, one for historical models and the last for modern examples. Browsing the collection yields a few surprises and untold stories, thanks to the museum's highly knowledgable manager, Brandon Thomas. One pleasant surprise was a 1947 tourbillon movement, which is in fact the very first tourbillon movement ever made for a wrist watch. Also on full display are their advancements made in precision timing devices, many made specifically for use at the Olympic games. From the pool mounted pads for timing the swimmers, to the cameras that put the timing line right on the TV, each has a place of its own. After a spot of lunch with Omega President, Stephen Urquhart (who was surprisingly candid about the brands aspirations and future plans), we were allowed access to a portion of the museum collection for handling and photographing. See a selection of my photographs after the break. If you're an Omega fan, you will appreciate the experience that Omega has created with their new museum. All but the most hardened of experts will find the visit educational and insightful to the vast history of Omega. Next time you find yourself in Switzerland, put this place on your "must see" list. Remember those unsigned single button chronographs from Breitling and Omega we showed you a few months back? How about the Omega signed RAF single button chronograph we found way back when? Good, because we've found another one hitting the block at the upcoming Bonhams auction on Dec. 14th in London.

Last week, Christie��s held an online auction to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Goldfinger, the third Bond film, which first hit theaters in 1964. With all proceeds going to the NSPCC, online bidders spared no expense in snatching up iconic James Bond memorabilia. http://www.speedroc.com/replica-omega-speedmaster-broad-arrow-gmt.html provided a contribution of their own to the auction, a piece unique Seamaster Aqua Terra covered in 18k gold. Pre-auction estimates on the watch were 12,000-18,000 CHF. The final realized price? 106,000 CHF. Bond has had an replica omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow strapped to his wrist since 1995��s GoldenEye, and Omega has been known to produce limited-edition watches to celebrate the partnership, such as this Planet Ocean. While that one may have been ��limited�� to 5007 pieces, the Goldfinger Aqua Terra is truly unique, as in one of a kind, created specifically for this auction. A few details set this Aqua Terra apart from the others, including a rather unusual dial. Among the most memorable scenes of Goldfinger is actress Shirley Eaton covered in gold (paint). It��s a short but powerful image, ultimately appearing in magazines and posters for the movie. replica omega Seamaster 300m makes no mention of this being inspiration for the dial, but the organic, loose leaf effect is certainly reminiscent of the iconic scene. In reality, it is 18k gold under the sapphire crystal. The gold theme continues throughout the watch, with an 18k gold case (38.5 mm), bracelet, and engraved winding rotor visible through the exhibition case back. Even the hands are made of gold, including the ��007�� counterweight on the seconds hand. Further still, the design of the display case for the watch was inspired by the U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, a location central to the plot of the film. Inside the special Aqua Terra beats an Omega Master Co-Axial caliber 8501. It is the only element of the watch devoid of gold, other than the rotating weight. It is a >15,000 Gauss watch, like the one we showed you here, and is built to chronometer spec. So there is a level of practicality retained, should the new owner decide to wear the watch daily.