Latest news with #OmegaSpeedmaster
Stuff.tv
5 days ago
- Business
- Stuff.tv
Omega boss teases new Swatch collab, but who's getting the MoonSwatch treatment next?
When Swatch and Omega dropped the MoonSwatch in 2022, chaos ensued. Queues snaked around city blocks. Watches sold out instantly. People flipped them online for double, sometimes triple, the retail price. And all for a $270 / £240 plastic watch inspired by the legendary Omega Speedmaster (one of the best watches around). It was, by any metric, a phenomenon – the kind of marketing moment brands dream of. Not only did it inject a bolt of fun into the luxury watch scene, but it also pulled a younger crowd into horology who might've otherwise bought a smartwatch. Two years on, and while the MoonSwatch is still popular, the hype has died down. But a new collab is coming… At an event in Biel to celebrate Omega's 60-year partnership with NASA, CEO Raynald Aeschlimann dropped a tantalising hint. During a roundtable discussion with journalists, he was asked whether any new Swatch collaborations were on the cards. 'Even today, I saw something different. A collab. Not with Omega, by the way,' he replied, according to Esquire's About Time newsletter. Cue speculation. If it's not Omega, then who is next up for a plastic makeover? Could we be on the cusp of another MoonSwatch moment? Here are a few brands that could be lining up for a shot: Breguet If we're talking anniversaries, Breguet is top of the list. The grand old brand turns 250 in 2025 and that's not just a 'cake in the office' birthday. It's also just had a leadership shake-up. Gregory Kissling, the former head of product at Omega, is now running the show. That's a serious signal that something new is coming. The Classique Souscription was recently relaunched, and a stripped-back Swatch version would bring a slice of horological heritage to people with regular salaries. Imagine getting that gorgeous single-hand design on your wrist for under $300 / £300. Maybe even a Type XX chronograph in bright colours? Sign us up. The only hitch: Breguet is very premium. Possibly too premium. It's Swatch Group's crown jewel, and they might not want to risk diluting that prestige with a plastic twin. But hey, if they do… I'll be camping outside to buy one. Blancpain Technically possible, but unlikely. Swatch already did a collab here – the Scuba Fifty Fathoms series launched in 2023 to celebrate the dive watch's 70th anniversary. It was fun, bright, and unexpectedly educational, thanks to their ocean-themed packaging and bioceramic cases. Blancpain's 290th birthday is this year, but going in for a second collab so soon feels like a stretch. Then again, we didn't expect the first one either. Still, we'll put this in the 'probably not, but never say never' pile. Glashütte Original This could be an inspired pick. Technically, the brand was formally founded in 1990, post-reunification, but its roots in German watchmaking stretch back much further. Plus, it flies under the radar compared to its Swiss siblings, and could use a bit of spotlight. A Swatch version of the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date? That would be glorious – retro curves, bold colours, and a large date window. Or what about a simplified PanoMaticLunar? That might be a bit too fiddly to recreate with Swatch tech, but we'd love to see them try. A SeaQ diver makes more sense practically – solid, simple, and not a million miles from the Swatch Scubaqua recently launched. But it may feel a little too close to the Blancpain collab. Still, if Swatch wants to champion a lesser-known in-house gem, Glashütte Original is an excellent shout. Hamilton Now we're talking fun. Hamilton already leans into nostalgia and pop culture more than most of its Swatch Group peers, featuring in Interstellar, Oppenheimer, and Death Stranding 2 (to name a few). Swatch could riff off that with a collection of vibrant, plastic Khaki Fields. Imagine military-style dials in ice-cream colours. It would be absolutely perfect for summer. One issue: Hamilton just released its own budget-friendly Khaki Field Quartz line last year. A Swatch tie-in might undercut that or confuse the offering. But if they can find a creative way to separate the two, this feels like an easy win. MB&F Here's where things get truly wild. MB&F, the mad scientists of modern watchmaking, turn 20 this year. And while they're not part of the Swatch Group, we do know that Maximilian Büsser isn't afraid to think outside the box. They've already proven with that they can take that fantastical DNA and make it (relatively) affordable. A Swatch x MB&F collab would be bonkers – not just another watch with cool colours, but something totally unexpected. Unlikely? Sure. But if Swatch wants to flex its creative muscles, this would be the one to watch. Vacheron Constantin And now we're truly in fantasy territory. But hey, if we're dreaming, let's do it properly. Vacheron is celebrating its 150th anniversary. It's already launched a lot of stunning celebration models, including the steel 222 (which has become a bit of a cult icon lately, especially after last year's solid gold reissue). A fun, affordable Swatch version would be a dream come true. The problem? Vacheron is under Richemont, not the Swatch Group. So unless someone's planning an industry-shaking handshake, this one's staying in my dreams. Whatever's coming next, we're all watching, waiting, and wondering. If Swatch can have another MoonSwatch moment – whether with Breguet, Hamilton, MB&F, or someone completely unexpected – it'll be great for the watch world. Let us know which brand you think is most likely! Liked this? TAG Heuer launches a trio of Monaco watches for the Monaco GP, and I'm having trouble choosing a favourite
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Style Edit: The latest Omega Speedmaster blends modern design and mechanics with the watch's enduring space legacy – recalling a time when courage and curiosity took humanity to new heights
When space was still a dream for most, Omega was already ticking among the stars. In 1962, Nasa astronaut Wally Schirra strapped an Omega Speedmaster CK2998 to his wrist for the Sigma 7 mission, unknowingly launching Omega's legacy into the cosmos. Nasa took notice. By 1964, engineers were searching for a timepiece tough enough for the Gemini and Apollo missions. Cue James Ragan, a Nasa engineer who tested contenders from top watchmakers under extreme conditions: crushing pressure, cosmic-level heat, bone-chilling cold, high-G shocks, and more. Only one survived – Omega's Speedmaster ST 105.003. On March 23, 1965, the Speedmaster ST 105.003 made its first journey into space on the wrists of astronauts Virgil 'Gus' Grissom and John Young during the Gemini 3 mission – marking its debut as Nasa's official chronograph for manned missions. Just a few months later, Ed White wore the same model during America's first spacewalk. Advertisement Omega Speedmaster 310.30.42.50.01.001. Photo: Handout When the original Omega Speedmaster was introduced in 1957, it was built with advanced protective technologies of the time – such as the sealing power of O-ring gaskets and the innovative 'Naiad' crown. These features made it a remarkably robust chronograph, hermetically sealed against the elements and water-resistant to a depth of 200 feet. Its Hesalite crystal also offered a crucial benefit: shatter resistance. In the high-stakes environment of space, the last thing an astronaut needs is shards of glass floating inside a spacecraft. Durability wasn't just a feature – it was a necessity. To become Nasa's official space chronograph, contenders were tested under extreme conditions: crushing pressure, cosmic-level heat, bone-chilling cold, high-G shocks and more. Photo: Handout Today's Speedmaster Moonwatch, Ref. 310.30.42.50.01.001, continues that legacy. Its asymmetrical case design – first seen in the fourth-generation Speedmaster – adds extra protection for the crown and pushers, while the twisted lugs offer a distinctive and elegant silhouette. The watch retains the iconic black anodised aluminium bezel with its heritage 'Dot over 90' detail, a tribute to the second generation design. Its black step dial features the 'Professional' inscription, Luminova for visibility, and a classic logo. The caseback proudly states its Nasa flight qualification and Moon legacy, now updated with 'Co-Axial Master Chronometer' since 2021.
India Today
21-05-2025
- Science
- India Today
Indian astronaut will wear this special watch while living and working in space
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will don a pair of specially designed Omega watches as he lives and work on the International Space special watch is part of a tradition that dates back to the earliest days of human spaceflight. Axiom Space, the mission organiser, confirmed that Omega's iconic timepieces will accompany the Ax-4 Space expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, 'As we get ready to launch Ax-4, we look forward to having Omega's watches on board once again, continuing a legacy that goes back to the early days of the space program, including NASA's flight certification of the iconic Speedmaster watch 60 years ago'. Axiom astronauts wear the X-33 Skywalker aboard the spacecraft. (Photo: Omega) advertisement The collaboration highlights Omega's pivotal role in space history, with the Speedmaster famously earning NASA's approval for all manned missions in watches are engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of space, from microgravity to intense temperature have undergone rigorous training to qualify for spaceflight. These watches can function in extreme temperatures, vacuum, remain corrosion free, sustain shocks at 40G and even function in high pressure of 1.6 the Ax-4 mission, each astronaut, including Shukla, will receive two Omega Speedmaster watches: the X-33 Skywalker, worn aboard the spacecraft, and the manual-winding Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, which remains the preferred choice for extravehicular activities (EVA) for both NASA and Axiom Ax-4 mission is set to mark a new chapter for India, Poland, and Hungary, as each nation sends its first government-sponsored astronaut to the ISS in over four mission will involve around 60 scientific experiments and represent a milestone in international collaboration and space equipping its astronauts with Omega's renowned timepieces, Axiom Space not only honors the legacy of past explorers but also ensures precision and reliability for the next generation venturing beyond Earth's atmosphere
Indianapolis Star
08-05-2025
- Indianapolis Star
More than 200 counterfeit watches seized at Chicago O'Hare Airport by border officials
If the seized watches were real, border officials estimate they'd be worth over $6.5 million. Show Caption U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said it confiscated more than 200 counterfeit watches earlier this week at O'Hare Airport in Chicago. Photos provided by the department show the seized watches attempting to emulate high-value models, including the Rolex Submariner, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Omega Speedmaster. The shipment arrived from China on May 4 and was set to be delivered to an address in Bensonville, Illinois. CBP claimed in a May 6 news release that the 243 watches seized would have a retail value of over $6.64 million if they had been authentic. 'The distribution of counterfeit goods defrauds U.S. consumers and has a significant adverse impact on businesses by robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues,' LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office, said in the statement. Knock-off watch seizures continue The knock-off watch seizure continues a pattern for CBP as it stated it intercepted 145 shipments of counterfeit watches in April at O'Hare in a statement released earlier this month. The department said that the shipments originated from Hong Kong and China. The 516 counterfeit watches emulated brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and others. CBP said the that the April seizures would have had a retail value of over $9.22 million if they had been authentic. The department said that U.S. consumers spend more than $100 billion every year on knock off goods, falling victim to approximately 20% of the counterfeits that are illegally sold worldwide.
USA Today
07-05-2025
- USA Today
More than 200 counterfeit watches seized at Chicago O'Hare Airport by border officials
More than 200 counterfeit watches seized at Chicago O'Hare Airport by border officials If the seized watches were real, border officials estimate they'd be worth over $6.5 million. Show Caption Hide Caption Trump admin offers $1,000 to migrants who self-deport using CBP One app The move is the latest part of President Donald Trump's effort to crack down on illegal immigration. Scripps News U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said it confiscated more than 200 counterfeit watches earlier this week at O'Hare Airport in Chicago. Photos provided by the department show the seized watches attempting to emulate high-value models, including the Rolex Submariner, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Omega Speedmaster. The shipment arrived from China on May 4 and was set to be delivered to an address in Bensonville, Illinois. CBP claimed in a May 6 news release that the 243 watches seized would have a retail value of over $6.64 million if they had been authentic. 'The distribution of counterfeit goods defrauds U.S. consumers and has a significant adverse impact on businesses by robbing our country of jobs and tax revenues,' LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke, Director of Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office, said in the statement. Knock-off watch seizures continue The knock-off watch seizure continues a pattern for CBP as it stated it intercepted 145 shipments of counterfeit watches in April at O'Hare in a statement released earlier this month. The department said that the shipments originated from Hong Kong and China. The 516 counterfeit watches emulated brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and others. CBP said the that the April seizures would have had a retail value of over $9.22 million if they had been authentic. The department said that U.S. consumers spend more than $100 billion every year on knock off goods, falling victim to approximately 20% of the counterfeits that are illegally sold worldwide. James Powel is a trending news reporter with USA Today Network. Email him at jpowel@
