Waves & The Watchmaker
OMEGA and the America’s Cup
Rich with history, innovation and prestige, the America’s Cup is one of the world’s oldest and most dramatic sporting events. The legendary sailing duel has been fiercely contested since 1851, and in all the years since then, has only been won by teams from four different countries.
Adding its own precision and excellence, OMEGA’s association extends back to 1995, when the brand supported Team New Zealand, led by the legendary sailor Sir Peter Blake. The Kiwis’ victory that year paved the way for OMEGA to take the coveted role of Official Timekeeper in 2000, 2003 and 2021. Now, history is set to repeat. OMEGA is returning to the role in 2023 at the 37th edition of the great event.
From the Depths to the Deck
Our Passion for the Sea
OMEGA’s strong ocean heritage extends back to the early days of the brand. In 1932, long before its connection to sailing began, OMEGA created the first commercially available divers’ watch. Since then, OMEGA’s depth-defying timepieces have earned the trust of countless ocean explorers and professional divers, including those in the British Royal Navy, fields of science, and legends of the sea, such as Dame Ellen MacArthur, who broke the solo round-the-world record in 2005, as well as free diver Jacques Mayol and world-famous conservationist Jacques Cousteau. It’s no surprise that OMEGA’s achievements beneath the waves would lead to a passion for sailing.
The Pinnacle of Sailing
From the Late 19th Century to 2023
The America’s Cup, first contested in 1851, predates the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. The coveted prize, affectionately dubbed the “Auld Mug” is the oldest trophy in international sport. For over 170 years, the 27- inch high trophy fashioned from 134 ounces of Sterling Silver, has been the source of fierce international rivalries and spectacular duels.
It takes many wins on the water to claim the prize – and there’s no second place – either you win or you lose.
Precision under Sail
OMEGA the Trusted Timekeeper
The competitive crews can certainly place their trust in this year’s Official Timekeeper, given OMEGA’s reputation for split-second precision. In addition to delivering a flawless performance at the world famous regatta in 2000, 2003 and 2021, OMEGA has served as Official Timekeeper at almost every Olympic Games since 1932. Throughout the years, adventurous sailors have also relied on OMEGA’s high-precision marine chronometers for navigation, including French sailing legend Eric Tabarly, winner of the OSTAR east‑west transatlantic race in 1964 and 1976. OMEGA’s robust and highly water-resistant Seamaster has proven its worth countless times since. Today, OMEGA’s strong nautical links include partnerships with top competitive sailors and sailing events.
Auld Mug New Tech
The Spirit Endures & the Boats Evolve
First offered as the Hundred Guinea Cup on August 20, 1851, by the Royal Yacht Squadron of Great Britain for a race around the Isle of Wight, the trophy was renamed the America’s Cup as a tribute to the winning boat – America – a 100-foot (30-metre) schooner from New York.
Today, schooners are more likely to be sailed by the event’s spectators. The latest AC75 monohull boats are in a different league. They literally fly! Unique features include T-wing hydrofoils mounted on port and starboard, a double-skinned semi-battened mainsail and the absence of a keel.
OMEGA on Course
Following the Racing Action
Before the ultimate clash on the waves, the America’s Cup crews will compete in three preliminary regattas, the first of which is scheduled to place in Vilanova i La Geltrú in mid-September 2023. In 2024, it’s all on! The race for the 37th America’s Cup begins. One of many compelling regattas. The Women’s America’s Cup makes its debut in 2024. A proud moment for the sailing world. What’s more, emerging crews will get to prove their worth on the water in the Youth America’s Cup.
The Timekeeper’s Timepieces
OMEGA’s America’s Cup Tributes
This Seamaster Professional diver’s watch, launched in 2000 to mark the 30th America’s Cup and OMEGA’s debut as Official Timekeeper, was developed in association with Kiwi sailing legend Sir. Peter Blake. A numbered edition of 9999 pieces, it featured the distinctive “Auld Mug” logo on a wave-pattern dial.
For the 2003 edition, OMEGA released the Seamaster Professional America’s Cup: an automatic diver’s chronograph with the event’s name printed on the dial. To give sailing fans greater choice, OMEGA launched two metallic marvels. A titanium and tantalum Seamaster with red gold bezel – and an all-titanium model.
Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Edition
This 43.5 mm timepiece sports a white polished ceramic dial with 36th AMERICA’S CUP transferred in red at 6 o’clock. Circling the striking dial is a blue ceramic (ZrO²) bezel ring with a 5-minute countdown and START indication highlighted in liquid ceramic. Its wave-edged caseback features commemorative wording and an America’s Cup logo transferred on the sapphire crystal.
Presented on a blue structured rubber strap and powered by OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900, it is a true collectable, appropriately limited to just 2,021 pieces.
Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup Chronograph
