Remarkable watches from timekeeping titans Omega, A Lange & Sohne and Blancpain

Omega

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 are already underway, and Omega, the official timekeeper since 1932, has unveiled a new Speedmaster Chronoscope collection to commemorate the event. This series features four 43 mm models in the Olympic colors of gold, black, and white.

The collection includes a full stainless steel version with an anodised aluminium bezel and an 18K Moonshine Gold model with a ceramic bezel. Especially eyecatching is the silvery white opaline dial with three dark grey timing scales in a 1940s “snail” design, offering tachymeter, pulsometer, and telemeter functions. This design pays homage to Omega’s precise timekeeping role at the Olympics, which started in 1932. 

The caseback features a stamped medallion with the Paris 2024 logo and Olympic Rings, creating a lasting tribute to the Games. Powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9908/9909, these METAS-certified watches are made with supreme accuracy and magnetic resistance.

A Lange & Sohne

Walter Lange would have turned 100 years old earlier this week. During his career, he re-established Lange Uhren GmbH in 1990, reviving his family’s extensive watchmaking tradition after being forced to stop for over 40 years. On this occasion, here is a quick look back at the 1815 “Homage to Walter Lange” Reference 297.078. 

The unique piece features a jumping sweep-seconds hand with a start-and-stop function that dates back to a 150-year-old invention conceived by his great-grandfather Ferdinand Adolph Lange. Its movement bears the special calibre number L1924, a reference to Walter Lange’s year of birth; while the first three numbers of the reference number, 297, is a nod to his date of birth (July 29). The 40.5-millimetre steel piece also features a black enamel dial inspired by the design of historic pocket watches with the traditional railway-track minute scale and polished hands. 

This one-off watch was auctioned off by Phillips in Geneva for 852,500 Swiss francs (S$1.3 million) in 2018 – the highest ever for a Lange watch at an auction. All proceeds went to Children Action, a Swiss-based aid foundation that supports disadvantaged children all over the world.

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Blancpain

Blancpain has introduced the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune, featuring a patented black ceramic bracelet and case. This new model, with its sporty yet elegant design, boasts a vibrant sunray-brushed blue dial. The Bathyscaphe line was launched in 1956 as a daily-use version of the brand’s iconic Fifty Fathoms diver’s watch.

The dial’s subtle gradient and sunray finish create a sophisticated look, contrasting beautifully with the black ceramic case and bracelet. Ceramic, known for its durability, scratch resistance, and hypoallergenic properties, is five times harder than stainless steel and 25 per cent lighter. The bracelet’s links are meticulously adjusted for a perfect fit, ensuring both comfort and resilience.

Powered by the 6654.P calibre, the watch features a moon-phase complication and a silicon balance-spring, enhancing its precision and resistance to magnetism. The unidirectional rotating bezel, a hallmark of Blancpain’s diving watches, adds to its functionality and safety. The Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune is available with either a ceramic band or sail-canvas strap; and this model continues Blancpain’s legacy of combining fine watchmaking with innovative materials and design.