The Luxury Watch: Diamonds are Forever
An “internationally defined celestial sphere” in its own right, the 59-year old Constellation collection of Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega shows no signs of losing its luster.
In recent years, Omega watches have become more visible than ever in James Bond films, at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, where it is the official timekeeper, and on the wrist of distinguished personalities like George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Michael Phelps, Cindy Crawford, US Vice President Joe Biden and Zhang Ziyi.
And, if the latest Constellation Luxury Edition collection recently launched in the country is any indication, Omega seems set on an ever upward trajectory. Showcasing a strong visual identity, the dials of this edition display a dramatic supernova structure that boldly emanates from the Constellation star at 6 o’clock. Each timepiece shimmers and glitters with round diamonds whose seemingly random distribution in an intriguing “snow setting” elegantly respects the geometry of each jeweled component of the watch.
The edition will also feature a world premiere, a unique diamond on the bracelet’s distinctive butterfly clasp that highlights a black Omega logo engraved in the stone using a multiple-stage process involving laser-engraving—a perfectly-shaped mark engraved forever in diamond.
“There are three distinct configurations of diamonds on the bracelets and cases of these watches,” says Emerson Yao, managing director of Lucerne, the exclusive distributor of Omega watches in the Philippines. “Each of these is offered in a choice of 24 mm and 27 mm case sizes fitted with the quartz caliber 1376 or a 31 mm case equipped with Omega’s exclusive Co-Axial caliber 8421.”
As showcased in an ongoing exhibit at the Omega store in Greenbelt 5 until January 15, these exquisite watches with identical dials have a lot more going for them than just telling the time. Yao enthuses that the most spectacular of these models glistens “with thousands of diamonds in its snow setting.” “These jeweled masterpieces, with their 24, 27 and 31 mm cases, dazzle with 7.60, 8.84 and 9.06 carats, respectively,” he elaborates. “The diamonds pave the entire surface of each part of the watch: the dial, the case, the bezel, the claws, the crown and the bracelet.”
Yao is equally excited about the Constellation’s second Luxury Edition model, which also boasts of a bracelet partially set in round diamonds. “Here, the lines extend organically from the supernova pattern on the dial and create a sense of motion leading beyond the dial and case to the bracelet,” he points out. The Luxury Edition model is also available in 24, 27 and 31 mm versions and the ladies in particular will be elated to know that these versions have 2.08, 2.83 and 3.59 carats of diamonds, respectively.
And the collection does not end there. Yao reveals that there is still a third version of the Constellation collection that is configured with the same snow-set round diamonds on its dial, bezel, claws and crown but is presented on an elegantly understated bracelet in either 18 Carat red gold or 18 Carat white gold.
Even as these elegant timepieces each command a seven-figure price tag, Yao is also quick to point out that price is not really the main consideration of their customers in getting an Omega timepiece. He says it is really their preference for a classic, established brand with a more contemporary style that has been the hallmark of Omega watches over the years, particularly the Constellation line that is updated every five to 10 years to keep up with changing trends. Of course, it certainly does not hurt that these same customers can actually afford these watches.
Whether they buy one for themselves or receive it as an unforgettable gift, the ladies will certainly be impressed. There’s a reason why diamonds are a girl’s best friend. How does she love thee? Omega certainly knows how to count the ways. – Article courtesy of Manila Bulletin
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