Omega devises a genuine tool with the new Seamaster Regatta for the 37th America’s Cup
Zach Blass- Omega debuts a 46.75mm, grade 5 titanium Seamaster Regatta, an entirely new model, with a brand new 5701 quartz calibre for the 37th America’s Cup.
- The Seamaster Regatta belongs to the same family as the Speedmaster X-33, its ana-digi functionalities enabling it to serve as a genuine tool.
- Its features include a moonphase indicator, chronograph, sailing logbook, temperature gauge, accelerometer, three alarms, and a regatta race function.
Watch collectors often get lost in the romance of mechanical watchmaking, deciding we need a dive watch on our wrist for when we (never) journey down into the depths of the ocean. Once upon a time, mechanical wristwatches were the best and only tools for the job, but anyone who is familiar with diving and sailing in the modern era knows just how surrounded by computers and other electronic technologies these individuals are. The America’s Cup is arguably the most prestigious sailing event in the world, the oldest international competition still operating in any sport – held since its founding in 1851. Not only do various sailing teams assemble for the festivities, but also numerous watchmakers that each present their America’s Cup edition watches you can spot on the sailors they sponsor. Omega, however, has the crowning title of Official Timekeeper of the America’s Cup. And this year, for the Cup’s 37th edition, it’s taking the role very seriously with a brand new model – the Omega Seamaster Regatta America’s Cup Edition – presenting itself as a genuine tool watch.
Omega’s President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann explains: “Our new Seamaster Regatta belongs to the same family of watches as the Speedmaster X-33. It’s essentially a multifunctional tool that you can wear on your wrist. As its name makes clear, this is the perfect timepiece for sailors, and the timing is right for its release. The great boat race in Barcelona is sure to inspire sailors all over the world, and this watch is all about meeting their needs.”
Not to be dismissive of its past America’s Cup Editions, but while these mechanical watches got the job done, they can’t offer the same level of functionality and reliability as this new Seamaster Regatta. Like the Speedmaster X-33, it blends an analogue time display with a wide range of digital functions. With this model being equipped with Omega’s new multifunctional quartz calibre 5701, the complications, if you will, have been entirely tailored for what sailors need during the competition – a moonphase indicator, chronograph, sailing logbook, temperature gauge, accelerometer, three alarms, and, of course, a regatta race function.
Omega has even gone so far as to incorporate a third dimension to the calibre, beyond analogue and digital displays, also including audible functionality that can provide sailors with sound cues. While out at sea, you would think sounds from a watch would be hard to hear, but Omega has this covered with a wave-patterned caseback that Omega states was designed along the principles of Helmholtz resonance. This resonating cavity is said to increase the volume of the functional alarms.
This new model and calibre are packaged within an aptly large grade 5 titanium case, the 46.75mm diameter making the watch legible yet lightweight on the wrist. Of course, legibility is paramount in order to be able to quickly glance at and ascertain information during competition. The LCD display opts for black text on a white-grey backdrop to ensure optimal visibility, and the display can also be backlit for legibility in darkness. Omega further explains that the Diver 300M-inspired hours, minutes, and central seconds hands can be cleared from the display when in backlit mode to increase the legibility of the digital readouts. Surrounding the case and dial display are four pushers tied to the various functionalities, one in red and three in blue, all of which are rubber-coated for ease of use. Even the crown has been given a sandblasted finish to aid in gripability as well.
To match the colour of the polished ceramic bezel ring and three of the pushers, the Omega Seamaster Regatta is presented on a blue rubber strap that can be easily swapped out thanks to Omega’s patented Quick-Change system. I highly doubt, however, that competing sailors will play strap monster during the race – but it is a welcome touch for civilian consumers.
While the Omega Seamaster Regatta may not stir up fancy from quartz snobs nor those with smaller wrists, it’s clearly a purpose-driven wristwatch that has a tunnel vision focus on being the best and most functional wearable regatta timer it can be. I highly doubt Omega anticipates this new Seamaster to be its bestseller, but I do imagine those who love to sail will find the Regatta an attractive piece of kit to add to their arsenal.
Omega Seamaster Regatta America’s Cup Edition pricing and availability
The Omega Seamaster Regatta America’s Cup Edition is available now for purchase. Price: US$7,400, CHF 6,500
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Seamaster Regatta America’s Cup |
| Reference | 216.92.46.79.10.001 |
| Case Dimensions | 46.75mm (D) x 14.89mm (T) x 48.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Grade 5 titanium |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Blue with digital LCD display |
| Strap | Integrated blue rubber with titanium clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 5701 quartz, in-house |
| Power Reserve | 31 months |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, UTC, perpetual calendar, dual time zones, moon phase, three alarms, chronographs, tachymeter, telemeter, pulsometer, timer, regatta countdown timer, sailing logbook, temperature (ºC/ºF), accelerometer. |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | US$7,400 CHF 6,500 |