OMEGA is teaming up with its partner, Swiss yacht racing team Alinghi, to present a collaborative watch – the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Alinghi. According to Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, “The new watch is about two great Swiss brands combining their passion for innovation and sailing.”
Furthermore, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Alinghi aims to visually demonstrate the same values and qualities that the partners share. According to Aeschlimann, “To match ALINGHI’s state-of- the-art boat creation, we’ve harnessed some truly impressive technology, along with the best materials and a very original design concept“.
Therefore, the new Speedmaster comes in a 44.25 mm black zirconium oxide ceramic case. Meanwhile, the bezel is ceramic and features aSuper-LumiNova tachymeter scale. Primarily, the watch uses a black and red colour scheme. Red represents passion, while black represents the highly technological world of yachting. This colour code is also evident on numerous other features, including the perforated black and red rubber strap and the dial’s red central seconds hand. Likewise, the Alinghi logo on the stop/start pusher is also red.
Furthermore, two of the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Alinghi‘s subdials are particularly interesting. Firstly, the minute counter at 3 o’clock emphasizes the first 5 Minutes with a red font. This helps to improve precision on the water. Secondly, a sandblasted and anodized aluminium disc at 6 o’clock replaces the watch’s usual dial design. Here, again, the Alinghi logo is transferred in red. Moreover, it rotates whenever the chronograph function is in use.
Meanwhile, several calibre components take inspiration from Alinghi’s new TF35 catamaran. Therefore, they feature a honeycomb effect that evokes the interior of the TF35’s carbon hull. The mainplate and barrel bridge both showcase this effect, which is achieved using laser ablation. Furthermore, the same technique is used to decorate the other bridges, as well as the dial, however with a black carbon – rather than honeycomb – pattern.
Powering the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Alinghi is the OMEGA calibre 1865 with a hand-wound three-register chronograph with a cam and lever switching system. The 1865 is a version of the better-known caliber 1861. Dark Side of the Moon watches tend to use the 9300. However, the manual-winding movement is the calibre of choice because it is ideal for sailing crews due to its lighter, slimmer design. Most importantly, the calibre has a 48-hour power reserve and a frequency of 3 Hz. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Ernesto Bertarelli, Founder and President of Alinghi, states: “It’s been an immense pleasure to collaborate so closely with OMEGA on this wonderful new timepiece. Throughout our history, we’ve been very aware of the watchmaker’s incredible expertise in sports timekeeping and passion for sailing. So, it is a very special moment to have worked on a watch together and now see the exquisite results. It’s the perfect start to our relationship and a real sign of more to come in the future“.
To conclude, the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Alinghi presents itself on a perforated black and red rubber strap with a black ceramic pin buckle. The special (but not limited) edition watch comes in a special OMEGA box, which features a matching colour scheme and the Alinghi logo. Finally, the watch is water-resistant to 50 m and costs 9,845 euros.
Blancpain is presenting a new model in the Bathyscaphe collection. The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Sedna combines a blue dial and bezel with a Sedna gold case for the first time. It comes with a choice of a blue NATO textile strap or a blue canvas strap. The Bathyscaphe (pronounced: "Batiskaf", a type of…
Hublot presents the Big Bang MECA-10 in a more compact 42mm case. The watch features an updated movement with three linear bridges and a power reserve of 10 days. The watch is available in three versions: King Gold, Titanium, and Frosted Carbon. The new case size offers a more ergonomic fit and retains the design…
In celebration of its tenth anniversary, Laurent Ferrier is introducing a new, classical timepiece – the Classic Origin Opaline. Housed in a Grade 5 titanium case, it follows a pure design code, featuring an uncluttered white-silver opaline dial and a light brown Barbialla calf leather strap. According to the brand, the latest model is designed…
The year 2023 has barely begun yet the first trade fair, LVMH Watch Week, is already underway – and with it come many innovations that are worth discussing in more detail. The fourth edition of LVMH Watch Week will take place in Singapore at the luxurious Capella Hotel, where the four watchmaking houses of the…
Frederique Constant is presenting the Slimline Moonphase Date Manufacture seconde/seconde/ Limited Edition, the result of a collaboration with the French artist seconde/seconde/. Originally, the manufacture wanted to emphasise the craftsmanship that goes into its watches. With this task in hand, seconde/seconde/ set to work. Romaric André artistically customises vintage watches. The commentator, comedian and watch…
OMEGA is introducing a new OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M James Bond Numbered Edition, this time in platinum-gold. The new watch is this year's follow-up from the James Bond 007 Limited Edition Omega Seamaster 2019 edition, introduced to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1969 film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The new edition celebrates the Swiss…
The Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacture Audemars Piguet is introducing two new versions of the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked and two new models of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Automatic in 18-carat white or yellow gold. The new models with a diameter of 37 mm and 34 mm are designed for its followers with…
Timely for the Summer Olympics in Paris, the German watch manufacturer Stowa is presenting the Flieger Olymp. This limited edition is available in three case materials: bronze, silver, and gold, paying homage to the Olympic medals. These three watches are also a technical highlight, featuring a beautiful new movement based on the ETA/Unitas 6498. Cases:…
Inspired by the Memovox Polaris watch from 1968, Jaeger-LeCoultre has developed a new collection to join the brand’s existing pillars. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Collection These models are a homage to a historical reference, the Memovox Polaris. But also they represent today’s spirit and modernity. The new Polaris collection offers a full range of timepieces: a three-hand automatic, a chronograph…
With the Wempe Iron Walker Chronograph 46 in its three variations, the watch manufacturer of the eponymous jeweller demonstrates its prowess with carbon. The watches have a 46 mm case made of the composite material and a clear dial design. Inside is a chronograph from Sellita in chronometer specification. The watches differ by their accent…
TUDOR is presenting a new model from the Black Bay family, which comes in a completely black case. It is also made of scratch-resistant ceramic, something that no Black Bay has ever offered before. Inside is an in-house movement that features all black finishing and the METAS certificate. The new Black Bay Ceramic combines a…
Blancpain has expanded its prestigious Villeret collection with new models that celebrate the brand's heritage and the natural beauty of the Vallée de Joux through stunning green dials. These models include the Villeret Extraplate, the Villeret Quantième Phases de Lune, the Villeret Quantième Complet, and the Villeret Tourbillon Carrousel. The rich green of the dials,…
The Big Bang – the watch that disrupted traditional notions of luxury timepieces upon its launch in 2005 and has since become a core part of Hublot’s portfolio – celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. A trajectory that not only reflects the longevity of the collection, but also its continuous evolution in both design and…