On January 28th 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore, marking a turning point in the country’s history. He would leverage on the island’s strategic location between India and China, and establish a tax-free port to rival the Dutch-owned harbours that were hampering British trade in the region. This year, our little red dot is celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of modern Singapore with a number of events, that we wrote about in detail here.
On January 28th 2019, Swiss watchmaker Omega celebrated this milestone with a commemorative launch of its own. Within the walls of the National Museum of Singapore—a landmark on its own right—the watchmaker launched the Seamaster Exclusive Boutique Singapore Limited Edition. The timepiece follows in the footsteps of similar limited city editions created by Omega for Switzerland, London and New York.
The Singapore version is undeniably our favourite—notwithstanding emotional and patriotic reasons. The elegant frame of the Seamaster case serves as the canvas to this commemorative timepiece. On the dial side, there is no indication of its association with Singapore. Blue steeled indications, hands and the logo add a pop of colour to the pure white dial. A date window at 6 o’clock is a functional addition to the timepiece.
The words Co-Axial Master Chronometer on the dial indicate that this is no ordinary movement. The timepiece is equipped with Omega’s power horse anti-magnetic, chronometer-certified calibre 8800, which has a five-year warranty.
The caseback is where the magic happens. Not only are we privy to an unencumbered view of the stellar movement, but that’s also where the timepiece’s Singapore-associations are on full display. Important landmarks in Singapore’s modern history have been laser-engraved on the inner ring of the case back. The Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, the Supertrees, Cavenagh Bridge, Esplanade and more make an appearance, signifying their importance in Singapore's landscape.
The watch measures a wearable and unisex 39.5mm, and is wrought in stainless steel. A blue alligator strap is a perfect finishing touch.
