Game On: Omega’s Top 5 Medal-Worthy Olympic Games Special Editions

Here at Watchonista, we have a great deal of affection for the athletes who have sledded, curled, and triple Salchowed into our hearts this past month. And while this year’s games have been a little different, what with empty stands due to COVID-19 restrictions, there were still other ways to connect with the competitors. Like, for instance, the purchase of merch.
 

As a bonus, and because we play for Team Watchonista, one of our favorite traditions is the release of the special edition Olympics watch from Omega. This year was no exception, with the brand presenting the elegant, ice-inspired Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m “Beijing 2022” Co-Axial Master Chronometer 41mm.
 

But now that the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are over and with the Paralympics just around the corner (March 4th to 13th), we here at Watchonista thought we’d look back on five of the more memorable Omega x Olympics collaborations in the record books.

As we’ve previously discussed, in its role of Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, Omega has played a huge role in shaping modern sports. However, the brand began its association with the games in 1932 with a suitcase full of stopwatches.

That is why, in 2004, Omega released a Speedmaster Olympics Edition (Ref. 3513.20.00) that paid homage to first Olympics timekeepers, with a clean white dial that recalled the enamel faces of early Omega x Olympics pocket watches. It was also marked with Omega’s vintage red signature on the dial and the five Olympic rings on the caseback.
 

The judges give this model tens across the board!

Looking back all these decades later, everything about the 1968 Games in Mexico City – from the architecture to the typography of the posters and programs – represented a high watermark for the 1960s aesthetic. And this Seamaster Chronostop (Ref. 145.007) from Omega is no exception.

Presented in a 40.5mm stainless steel tonneau-shaped case with a matching bracelet, the winningest feature of this watch is the black reverse pie-pan dial with its inner white racing track chapter ring and bright orange chronograph seconds hand. In many ways, it resembles the brand’s Dynamic models of the same era.
 

Though, it is conspicuously not co-branded with Olympics imagery.

The Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial “London 2012” Limited Edition is the most formal of Omega’s Olympics watches. The brand’s goal was to honor the link between the London 1948 and 2012 Olympic Games.

Featuring a silver dial marked with a small seconds sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position, the bezel is mounted on a 39mm stainless steel case with the London 2012 Olympic Games medallion stamped in 18K yellow gold on the caseback. Other posh finishes include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and black leather strap.
 

It’s a refined, time-only alternative to the sportier chronographs that have dominated Omega’s Olympics collection.