INTERVIEW
The Seamaster’s Ultra Deep meet the ISO 6425 standard for saturation divers’ watches, which is certified by METAS, Switzerland’s independent testing body METAS. What does that mean to the OMEGA brand? When you create a timepiece like this, you want to give the wearer absolute trust in its quality. That’s why independent testing is so important. Rather than only taking OMEGA’s word, you also have official documentation to prove its ability. We are proud to go the extra step for testing and certification. Not only for the Ultra Deep, but also for the precision of all our Master Chronometer watches, which are also independently tested by METAS. Speedmasters have always enjoyed coveted demand. Has there ever been any consideration given to increasing production? The Speedmaster has been a beloved timepiece since 1957. By now, we understand very well the balance needed between supply and demand. Right now, I think we have it just right. You also must remember that any OMEGA, such as a Speedmaster, is an aspirational timepiece. People hold it in their heart and can often save for years so that they can buy one. For that reason, we like to keep each edition special in its own way. We want every customer to feel like they have a watch that is unique to them. OMEGA is an aspirational brand, with the average price of a timepiece tripling over the past 20+ years. What significance
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SPRING EDITION 2022
does this have for the brand, and how do you reach a new generation of customers? Rather than price, I prefer to talk about value. When it comes to OMEGA, if you talk about prices going up, you also must see that the quality and value is rising significantly all the time. I firmly believe that an OMEGA watch offers the highest standards of beauty, innovation, and precision within the Swiss watch industry. Not forgetting the history that comes with our brand too. I think any customer, young or old, will appreciate that when doing their research. How would you describe the enduring appeal of the brand? Why does one choose OMEGA over one of your competitors? As mentioned, it’s largely about superior quality. Look at some of the exclusive materials and alloys that OMEGA has produced in recent years, such as 18K Moonshine™ Gold, O-MEGASTEEL or 18K Sedna™ Gold. They all go beyond the standard metals, in terms of colour, corrosion-resistance and longevity. Add to that, we offer seriously advanced levels of precision and magnetic-resistance – thanks to our modern Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements. With OMEGA, you get a brand that wants excellence in every single detail. Finally, I want to say that OMEGA watches offer true emotion – backed by compelling heritage and stories, such as space exploration, the Olympic Games and James Bond. Our watches really connect with some special DNA.