Omega Unveils Historical Treasures in 'Planet Omega' Exhibition, NYC
Esteemed Swiss watchmaker brand Omega puts its history on display through a one-of-a-kind exhibit.
It's difficult to distill the works of Omega. The Swiss watchmaker brand has been around since 1894 (technically since 1848 if we trace it back all the way to its true origins), resulting in an exceptionally long legacy to admire. But its newest special exhibition has done the impossible.
Omega opens up Planet Omega, an exhibition that puts on display the history of the brand and showcases its most storied and innovative timepieces. To truly honor its impact, Planet Omega is a memorable and immersive experience like no other. One step into the space and guests are immediately welcomed to the "Vintage" section.
A variety of historic timepieces take center stage, including a 44 brilliant cut diamond wristwatch worn by Elvis Presley, an engraved watch worn by John F. Kennedy at his presidential Inauguration Ceremony, and an original 1955 Ladymatic watch (the timepiece was dubbed a revolution in women's watchmaking during its time).
The spacious location then splits into six distinctive areas: Sports and Olympics, Ocean, James Bond, Space, Friends, and Precision.
The aptly titled "Sports and Olympics" area chronicles Omega's history of Official Timekeeping, lending itself to sports varying from professional golf to swimming. Tracing back as far as the 1932 Olympic Games, one of Omega's original split-second chronographs was used — which since inspired the brand’s new innovative Chrono Chime watch (which is on display).
Ever heard of the Omega Seamaster? The "Ocean" section explores Omega's history of sea-inspired designs, including the 1932 Marine which was considered the first diving watch for the everyday person. The brand has only continued to update its underwater designs, introducing versions such as the displayed Seamaster "Ultra Deep" watches.
On the opposite end of the spectrum lies "Space" — an area that discovers Omega's relationship with NASA. Among the otherworldly designs are the same CK2998 model worn by astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962 aboard Mercury’s Sigma 7 mission and timepieces made of real pieces of meteorite.
In the greater pop culture zeitgeist, there is perhaps no more well-recognised connection to Omega than James Bond. The theme dedicated to the world's favorite spy highlights pieces like the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition from Daniel Craig’s final appearance in No Time To
Die and special edition watches that were designed in honor of the franchise's 60th anniversary.
Rounding out the expansive Planet Omega exhibition are "Friends" and "Precision," with the former honoring Omega's global family of friends and ambassadors across every field. As for the latter, "Precision" finds itself as the heart of Omega, illustrating to visitors the monumental advancements the brand has produced throughout the years.
The new exhibition is for more than just watch lovers, Planet Omega peels the curtain back to a rare reveal of history with historically significant timepieces that simultaneously honor the past and signify Omega's continued strive for an innovative future.
Planet Omega is located at the Chelsea Factory in New York City and will be open to the public now through November 19.
