Omega Globemaster watches

Omega caused a sensation when they presented the Globemaster in 2015. As the world's first Master Chronometer, this watch can withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss – well above almost every other mechanical timepiece. The Swiss manufacturer achieves this enormous level of magnetic resistance by using anti-magnetic materials like titanium and silicon for the balance spring and escapement system.

Additionally, every Omega Globemaster must withstand comprehensive testing of its accuracy, power reserve, and water resistance. Two organizations certify the precision of these timepieces: the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The latter is responsible for Master Chronometer certification, meaning they examine magnetic resistance, water resistance, and the power reserve.

Fans are attracted to more than just the Globemaster's pioneering technology, however. Its retro design is also extremely fashionable and reminiscent of the Omega Constellation, which debuted in 1952 and boasted remarkable precision. The Globemaster's fluted bezel and "pie-pan" dial are particularly eye-catching. This dial type gets its name from its resemblance to the eponymous bakeware. Current top models come in precious metals like gold or platinum and feature annual calendars.

Prices for the Omega Globemaster range from about 5,900 USD for a simple stainless steel timepiece to more than 47,000 USD for a platinum model with an annual calendar. In between, you'll find solid yellow and Sedna gold watches, as well as two-tone editions in steel and gold. Sedna gold is a proprietary alloy made of gold, copper, and palladium.

The ref. 130.33.39.21.03.001 marks the entry point to the Globemaster collection. This stainless steel watch measures 39 mm wide and 12.5 mm thick. It features a blue pie-pan dial and a fluted bezel made of robust, nearly scratch-proof tungsten carbide. The case and bracelet both have polished sides and brushed tops and bottoms.

For the case back, Omega uses sapphire crystal, which is secured by four screws. The case back also features a central medallion that depicts eight stars and the cupola of the Geneva Observatory. The stars represent the eight-part test conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Metrology (METAS), which watches have to pass to earn the title of "Master Chronometer." The observatory's cupola symbolizes Omega's tradition of precision watchmaking and the company's success at trials conducted by the Geneva Observatory in the 1940s and 50s.

Luminous material coats the hands and indices, enabling the wearer to tell the time in the dark. Inside the case, you'll find the in-house caliber 8900. This self-winding movement provides the Globemaster with a date display at 6 o'clock and 60-hour power reserve. A blue leather strap holds the watch securely on the wrist.

If you would like to call this model your own, you should expect to pay between 4,200 and 5,600 USD. The version with a silver dial sells for similar prices. The Globemaster with a three-piece link stainless steel bracelet demands about 5,800 USD new and 4,900 USD pre-owned.

Prices for Two-Tone, Gold, and Platinum Watches

Omega also offers options for fans of two-tone watches in steel and gold. One example is the ref. 130.23.39.21.02.001. This wristwatch combines a stainless steel case with a yellow gold bezel and crown. It also features a silver pie-pan dial with gold applied indices. A brown leather strap completes the elegant look. You can purchase this timepiece for roughly 7,700 in mint condition and 7,100 USD used. A never-worn watch with a matching two-tone bracelet demands around 9,300 USD. The two-tone model in stainless steel and Sedna gold (ref. 130.20.39.21.03.001) costs about 240 USD more.

The Omega Globemaster is also available in solid yellow or Sedna gold. Both versions come with a silver dial and brown leather strap. The Sedna gold edition requires an investment of 13,500 USD used and 16,000 USD new. Prices for the yellow gold model range from 14,000 to 17,000 USD.

The platinum Globemaster bears the reference number 130.93.39.21.99.001 and is the collection's top three-hand model. Omega has limited this exclusive timepiece to a run of only 352 pieces. Its dial lacks a date display and, thus, looks especially tidy. The platinum case and silver-colored dial further underscore the watch's reserved and discreet aesthetic. What's more, the blue leather strap features stitching made of 950 platinum. Matching blue enamel fills the hands and indices. You can find this timepiece for about 29,000 USD on Chrono24. That's significantly less than its official list price of 40,700 USD.

Prices for the Omega Globemaster Annual Calendar

Omega presented the Globemaster Annual Calendar at Baselworld 2016. This timepiece displays the month using a fourth central hand and a month scale. The abbreviated month names appear in cursive font between the 12-hour indices. The case measures 41 mm in diameter and comes in your choice of stainless steel, two-tone steel and gold, Sedna gold, or platinum. The platinum edition is available on a green or burgundy leather strap with matching enamel on its hands and indices.

The platinum model with burgundy accents will set you back around 53,500 USD. The green version is slightly less expensive and costs about 48,500 USD. Omega lists both watches for 53,000 USD.

Stainless steel variants are significantly more affordable at 6,900 USD. You can get a pre-owned Globemaster Annual Calendar for around 5,700 USD. The two-tone model sells for about 8,900 USD in mint condition and 7,500 USD used. Finally, the Sedna gold edition changes hands for roughly 20,000 USD with a silver dial and 22,500 USD with a black dial.

When it comes to design, current Globemaster models barely differ from their historical predecessors. Only upon second glance do you realize that the recent Globemasters are high-tech timepieces. The "Co-Axial Master Chronometer" inscription on the dial makes that clear.

Inside the various Globemaster models, you'll find the METAS-certified calibers 8900, 8901, and 8913. Each caliber also comes with certification from the Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). These movements differ in small details. For example, the 8913 lacks a date display, and the 8901 has a rose gold rotor. From a technological perspective, very few manufacturers can compete with these state-of-the-art calibers.

Omega crafts the pallet fork out of a nickel-phosphorous alloy known as "Nivagauss." Other components are made of anti-magnetic materials like silicon and titanium. These modern materials offer better protection against magnetism than soft iron cages. The lack of a cage has another benefit: You can watch the caliber in action through the sapphire crystal case back.

Since Omega uses two barrels, the Globemaster has an impressive 60-hour power reserve. A bidirectional rotor winds the springs within the barrels. The manufacturer also equips the Globemaster with their in-house co-axial escapement, an alternative to the conventional Swiss anchor escapement. A co-axial escapement requires very little lubrication and is more efficient.

For legal reasons, Omega had to switch the Constellation's name to the Globemaster in the United States. The current Globemaster follows in the footsteps of earlier models and has a classic design resembling watches from the 1950s and 60s. Its distinctive pie-pan dial helps this watch stand out from the crowd. As its name implies, pie-pan dials are the same shape as the bakeware. This dial premiered alongside the original Constellation models in the early 1950s. However, the modern Globemaster's case and fluted bezel come from models from the late 1960s.