Time for an upgrade

Speedmaster Moonwatch

IT HAS gone to the moon and back but Omega's iconic Speedmaster Moonwatch continues to scale new heights through the decades. The latest generation of this Speedy is now Master Chronometer certified, so whether you're in outer space or on earth, it remains unaffected by even the most extreme magnetic fields and is resistant up to 15,000 gauss.

This upgrade is the most significant change to this well-loved classic chronograph and the certification basically means it is now manufactured to the highest standard of precision, performance and magnetic-resistance in the Swiss watch industry.

Taking inspiration from the fourth generation Moonwatch style - commonly referenced as the ST 105.012, and worn by Apollo 11 astronauts on the moon in 1969 - it comes with various small but significant details that tell the watch's story.

That includes the classic asymmetrical case, the step dial, the double bevel caseback, and the famous dot over 90 and a dot diagonal to 70 on the anodised aluminium bezel ring. The minute track is also now split by 3 divisions, as opposed to the 5 divisions on previous models because of the Calibre 3861's frequency.

Another throwback feature can be found in the integrated, fully-brushed bracelet which has 5-arched-links-per-row design that is similar to Moonwatch styles of the past; and a brand new old-school-styled clasp with a polished Omega logo.

There are 8 different styles including versions in stainless steel, 18K Sedna gold or 18K Canopus gold - though the million-dollar question potential buyers of this watch always ask themselves is: Hesalite or sapphire?

Price: From S$8,700

Seamaster 300

FOR more than 60 years, the Seamaster 300 has been loved by divers, both professional and recreational, for its robustness and precision. Its popularity also extended to scientists and militaries at sea over time.

The latest generation is now thinner than previous editions because of a domed sapphire crystal, and along with that comes various other vintage tributes that pay homage to the 1957 original.

Most noticeable is the sandwich concept dial and vintage Arabic open style numerals, which appeared on early Seamaster 300 models in the 1960s; as well as the reintroduction of the popular lollipop central seconds hand for the stainless steel models.

The bezel is also thinner and crafted from an oxalic, anodised-treated aluminium for increased hardness, while the bracelet has been ergonomically adjusted for a better fit.

More importantly, the 41mm Seamaster 300 is also Master Chronometer certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (Metas) at the industry's highest standards of precision, performance and magnetic resistance.

Price: From S$8,800

Seamaster Diver 300m Black Black

IT IS hard to go wrong with black and Omega knows this. That is why the latest addition to the brand's Diver 300m collection, first released in 1993, is the Seamaster Diver 300m Black Black.

Yes, in case you haven't guessed, the watch is black all over from the 43.5mm polished-brushed case in black ceramic, to the integrated black rubber strap with a buckle in the same material as the case.

Black ceramic versions of the crown and helium escape valve have also been specially created to make sure everything is darkened.

But don't worry about not being able to read the watch because anthracite Super-LumiNova is applied to the diving scale, the black PVD indexes and skeleton hands, and dot at 12H.

In the dark, it glows but in daylight, the anthracite turns them dark-grey to maintain the aesthetic of the watch.

Like the rest of the Omega timepieces you see on this page, the movement is also Master Chronometer certified.

Price: S$12,400