Omega Seamaster 1948 Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer 38 mm
Seamaster Week! Hands-On With Omega’s 1948 Seamaster Limited Editions
Watchonista’s dedicated “The Origins Of The Omega Seamaster” series has allowed our readers to re-discover the rich history of this very important collection. Today, we’re taking a modern turn with a look at the 1948 Seamaster Limited Editions.
By Josh Shanks
Contributor
What better way to cap off an extraordinary celebration of the Omega Seamaster than to take you to the brand's latest marvels. Recently, Omega launched four new editions to their iconic Seamaster lineup. The 1948 Seamaster Limited Editions pay tribute to 70 years of aquatic innovation.
The Origins Of The Omega Seamaster
Watchonista’s five-part Seamaster series has taken us from the battlefields of Europe to Omega’s museum in Bienne, Switzerland. We’ve uncovered previously unknown tales like the true origin of the Seahorse logo. But today, we’re taking a look a collection of watches that’s as much of an evolution of the Seamaster as it is an homage to the collection’s storied past.
As we saw at the beginning of our series, Omega’s military roots are what helped to create the Seamaster we know and love today. By producing well over 110,000 pieces for Allied forces, we saw as a consequence, numerous innovations to Omega's watchmaking. While the original scope for Omega's military watches was quite limited, upon returning from war, soldiers were left yearning for civilian versions of their trusted military issued watches. Omega has produced the Seamaster ever since.
In the years since World War II, Omega has thrived, thanks in no small part to their efforts during the war. Seamaster and later Speedmaster have helped to establish the brand as a global watchmaking powerhouse.
Omega 1948 Seamaster Limited Editions
To celebrate the brand's success, and to give the nod to their roots, Omega has released the 1948 Seamaster Limited Edition. Available in two distinct models, a central seconds and a small seconds version, each available in steel and platinum. While the design of this collection takes inspiration from the original Seamasters, each piece has been subtly updated with fresh upgrades.
Let's start with the heart, and a Master Chronometer Certified Co-Axial movement powers each 1948 Seamaster Limited Edition. The brand's proprietary escapement and a significant revolution in watchmaking originally pioneered by George Daniels. Fitting that Daniels joined the British Army in 1944 and while it's never been officially verified, could very well have used an Omega military watch in the field. Regardless, seeing a co-axial movement originally conceived by a master watchmaker which served in the military during the WWII era is a brilliant move on Omega's part.
The 1948 Seamaster Limited Edition is sized at 38mm, which makes each piece a stately reminder of the understated case sizes of yesteryear. We mentioned earlier that there are four models in this collection, but in reality, there are two distinct models available in two different metals: a central second (available in steel or platinum) and a small seconds (again, available in steel or platinum).
Attractive finishing adorns all facets of this limited-edition series. With highly polished bezels and cases, to a remarkably retro Omega crown. The 18k yellow gold rotor is hidden behind a sapphire crystal case back which features Omega's 70th-anniversary logo along with a Chris-Craft boat and Gloster Meteor airplane, which is the first jet used by the Royal Air Force.
Each 1948 Seamaster Limited Edition will come fitted to a supple brown leather strap or nato each with clasps embellished with a vintage-inspired Ω insignia. We found the curved lugs to fit the wrist snugly and present an understated elegance with 40s era charm.
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Omega Seamaster 1948 Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer 38 mm
Omega Seamaster 1948 Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Small Seconds 38 mm
