We've already talked about the special edition replica watches Panerai and Zenith are putting out for the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda. Now, Omega is getting into the game with two new limited edition timepieces in support of the Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ). This team may face the defending champions, Oracle Team USA, if ETNZ wins the qualifying rounds and then the semifinals.
Omega is getting into the game by supporting the Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ). (Credit: Jackson.co.nz)
America's Cup 2017In order to advance they'd have to beat Land Rover BAR (supported by Zenith) but with qualifiers barely underway, anything could happen. Currently the field is wide open with other challengers still running which include: Artemis Racing of Sweden, Groupama Team France, and SoftBank Team Japan. As ETNZ's special partner and official timekeeper, Omega has created a couple replica watches of their own and is hoping to make a good showing in Bermuda.
Omega partners with ETNZ for America's Cup this year. (Credit: OmegaWatches.com)
According to Omega, these timepieces were made with "the DNA of the Emirates Team New Zealand in mind.?The special edition Speedmaster created for the team could have been a great opportunity to do something really cool, instead it has come out as sort of a Frankenstein.
Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ Limited EditionWith heavy competition against Zenith and Panerai, Omega brings their own replica watches to the table. The Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ Limited Edition is worn by the crew while on board. While the watch's combination of both analog and digital functions are practical, it seems like a disservice to the timeless design of the Speedmaster.
Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ Limited Edition is currently being worn by the crew. (Credit: OmegaWatches.com)
The timepiece includes the essential regatta function to keep track of the critical five-minute countdown to the start of each race. Looking underneath the watch's sail, so to say, we see the Omega Calibre 5620 quartz multifunctional chronograph movement. Be quick, as production is limited to 2,017 pieces.
Seamaster Planet Ocean ETNZ "Deep Black?Master ChronometerWhile most people think the Seamaster Planet Ocean ETNZ from Omega is the better looking of the two, there are other qualities in addition to its design. Inspired by the New Zealand flag, its black base with red and blue detailing is sleek. It features a ceramic bezel in blue and red rubber for the first 10 minutes and START in "LiquidMetal?for the final 5. The dot at 12 o'clock is filled with Super-Luminova which emits a green glow. Its vertically-brushed ceramic dial has 18K white gold indexes and a GMT ring with day/night display. Omega's admirable Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8906 powers the timepiece. The caseback that covers the calibre has the ETNZ logo and is ringed with the words "CHALLENGER 35TH AMERICA'S CUP.?May the best man win?/p>
Do you think the Seamaster looks better than the Speedmaster? (Credit: OmegaWatches.com)
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