For 2015, Omega continues to release exciting new watches that are inspired (often directly) by their own history while also serving to debut new technologies or features that make these modern watches so exciting to enthusiasts. The brand new Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer is something that requires a lot to fully explain, but few words are necessary to appreciate the style of this dressy, though still sort of sporty, new timepiece inspired by original Omega Constellation watches – namely those with the so called “pie pan” dials. Omega could not, however, call these watches just “Constellations,” because currently the Constellation is a totally different model family (and that might confuse people today, just a little bit). With that said, the technical full name of the collection does include “Constellation.” So we now have the 2015 Omega Constellation Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer.

Aside from using this new Globemaster name, there are a lot of nice little details taken directly from vintage Omega Constellation watches, and in fact it belongs to Omega’s Constellation collection. Some dedicated collectors may opt to simply close their eyes and think, “I know in my heart this is a modern ‘original’ Constellation, so I will imagine that name on the dial.” One of my favorite Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer watch details is the 18k gold or steel emblem set into the sapphire crystal on the rear of the watch with an image of an observatory. Omega collectors will really like that detail. The pie-pan design of the domed dial is also a nice touch and the legibility of the collection is very impressive.

In terms of size, the Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer collection is 39mm wide, and for 2015, Omega isn’t taking it slow with versions by offering an 18k Sedna gold (basically rose gold), a steel version, and a two-tone model. When Omega comes out with a new collection that the brand feels will be popular, there is rarely a deficit of variety for consumers to choose from. What I really like about the new Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer is the case finishing which is mostly brushed. That also goes for the bracelet which has a neat sporty feel to it, being offered in a brushed finish versus polished. The main polished element on the case is the bezel. While many people will see the Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer bezel as being rather thematically similar to a fluted bezel on Rolex watches, this is a design element which is present on some existing Omega timepieces.

The blue-dialed steel version of the Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer is probably my favorite. It is a deep, grayish blue that has the finishing of stone so that it isn’t glossy. I have to say that legibility for the Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer collection is pretty good as well, with the lumed hands and hour markers. A lot of people are going to be happy with these as a daily wear, and others might feel underwhelmed by the design, as they see Omega primarily as a producer of sport watches.

That is actually an interesting subject – Omega is a really diverse brand and in many instances has different people who like them for different reasons. Some people love Omega for its De Ville and Constellation watches, without any interest in Speedmaster or Seamaster – and of course just the opposite is often true. I don’t know that I’ve met any hardcore Omega lovers that love everything Omega does today – which adds an interesting dimension to the brand’s persona. It just proves that Omega is aiming to appeal to many people who themselves are often diverse from one another.

For many people, the Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer’s most interesting story is in the movement. Here, Omega debuts the name “Co-Axial Master Chronometer” which more or less replaces “Master Co-Axial” that has been around for only a year. So if you have or want to get an Omega Master Co-Axial watch I have a feeling these are going to be collector’s items because will not have been produced for too long. Why the name change? Well, the new Omega caliber 8900 movement family is the first to receive the Omega METAS accuracy certification which is what Co-Axial Master Chronometer. What does this mean? Allow me to explain.

Omega “Master Chronometer” movements will first be sent to COSC for Chronometer certification and then cased into watches and given an additional certification process (which is the one referred to above that has been approved by the Swiss government agency METAS). Rolex is actually more or less doing the same thing with some of their new movements – namely, the 3255. Though Rolex doesn’t have a fancy new name like “Co-Axial Master Chronometer.” Omega has mentioned that average rate results for caliber 8900 (and 8901) automatic movements that are Co-Axial Master Chronometer watches are – 0, + 5 seconds a day. At least you know your Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer will never run slow.

The Omega caliber 8900 is a rather lovely movement, and the 8901 adds some 18k Sedna gold elements. The 8900 shares a lot with the 8500 architecture, but, as noted, boasts anti-magnetic properties as well as the “Master” designation. The “Master” part of the name implies that it uses the non-magnetic parts, making for an extremely anti-magnetic timepiece (and of course, it is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback). Operating at 3.5Hz, the 8900 offers 60 hours of power reserve through two mainspring barrels and, functionally, offers the time and date on the dial.

Omega is offering the Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer on both a strap as well as a bracelet. While the Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer will make a fine dress watch, I think it offers the most value and visual interest in steel on the bracelet for slightly more casual wear. It hearkens to the past, while offering modern watch lovers a lot to enjoy. Accurate, legible, and loaded with exotic certifications most people don’t quite understand, Omega shows us that they know how to pull our nostalgic heartstrings with vintage-inspired elements and novel features which keep us excited about even the most minute new developments in the world of mechanical timepieces.

In steel, the Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer starts at $7,700, which, thankfully, is the price either on the alligator strap or the steel metal bracelet. From there, the price goes up to $9,400 for the two-tone steel and 18k Sedna gold Globemaster on the strap. $12,000 gets you the two-tone 18k Sedna gold and steel bracelet on the two-tone case, and the 2015 Omega Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer maxes out at $21,600 in full 18k Sedna gold on the alligator strap. Below you’ll find the full price list along with reference numbers of the 2015 Omega Globemaster collection. omegawatches.com

2015 Omega Constellation Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer watch price list:
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX SEDNA  ALLG BROWN STRP 8901 O13053392102001 $21,600
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX YG  ALLG BROWN STRP 8901 O13053392102002 $21,600
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX YG SS  BRACELET WHITE DIAL 8900 O13020392102001 $12,000
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX SEDNA SS  BRACELET BLUE DIAL 8900 O13020392103001 $12,000
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX YG SS ALLG BROWN  WHITE DIAL 8900 O13023392102001 $9,400
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX SEDNA  SS ALLG BLUE  DIAL BLUE 8900 O13023392103001 $9,400
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX SS  BRACELET WHITE DIAL 8900 O13030392102001 $7,700
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX SS  BRACELET BLUE DIAL 8900 O13030392103001 $7,700
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX SS ALLG GRAY WHITE DIAL 8900 O13033392102001 $7,700
– CON 39MM GLBMSTR COAX SS ALLG BLUE  DIAL BLUE 8900 O13033392103001 $7,700

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