The New Omega Watches for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Their Future Market Value
The New Omega Watches for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Their Future Market Value
An overview of some of Omega's special editions launched for the Paris 2024 Olympics, exploring their features and their possible price movements on the secondary market
Among Omega’s numerous partnerships, perhaps the most significant is with the Olympic Games. As with every edition, the brand has created special models inspired by its existing collections.
This collaboration marks another chapter in Omega’s long history as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, a role it has held since 1932.
Seamaster Diver 300M
In anticipation of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Omega has launched a special edition of the Seamaster 300M. This model stands out for its unique combination of a stainless steel case paired with a Moonshine Gold bezel, a proprietary alloy from Omega that features a warmer and more subtle tone compared to traditional gold. This is the first time Moonshine Gold is used in the Seamaster Diver 300M collection. With a 42mm diameter, this Seamaster 300 maintains the classic proportions of the line. The price of €9,900 is slightly higher than standard models, but it is justified by the use of Moonshine Gold and its exclusivity, as it is currently available only at Omega boutiques in Paris.
Speedmaster Chronoscope
Among Omega’s celebratory watches for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the new Speedmaster Chronoscope stands out. This model has been reinterpreted in two special versions: one in steel with gold details and the other entirely crafted in Moonshine Gold, Omega’s exclusive gold alloy. The Chronoscope, blending elements of the classic Speedmaster with the functionality of a chronograph, is distinguished by its sophisticated design and integration of telemeter, pulsometer, and tachymeter scales. The Moonshine Gold version, seen in the photos, reflects the golden theme of the Olympics. Although Omega has launched other models for the occasion, including some versions of the Seamaster, the Chronoscope stands out as a distinctive choice for those seeking an exclusive timepiece tied to a historic event like the 2024 Olympic Games. The rose gold case version with a leather strap is priced at €36,600, while the full rose gold case and bracelet version is €57,500. The steel case version with a leather strap is priced at €10,600, and the steel case and bracelet version is €11,000.
The decision to introduce a Chronoscope instead of the traditional Moonwatch for the Olympics is a bold move. Unlike the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the brand launched a series of special Moonwatch editions, this year the iconic model has been excluded from the games’ special editions. This decision could signal a shift in Omega’s strategy. Until now, they have produced numerous special editions of their flagship chronograph, but this choice seems to aim at giving more prominence to the rest of their collections, which have often lived in the shadow of the Moonwatch.
Aqua Terra 150m 'Ultra Light' Duplantis Edition
The most intriguing and talked-about release is undoubtedly the new Aqua Terra. Swedish athlete Armand Duplantis, while celebrating his gold medal and world record in pole vaulting, was seen wearing a watch that had never been spotted before.
This surprise watch release strategy seems to have become quite common for the Swiss brand. Following the unexpected debut of the new white-dial Moonwatch worn by Daniel Craig during the Omega Planet exhibition, at the Olympics this approach was used again for both the Duplantis watch and another mysterious black No-Date Seamaster worn by Daniel Craig once more.
This Aqua Terra is distinguished by its material: Gamma Titanium, creating a watch that combines advanced technical performance with extreme lightness. This model is a reinterpretation of the famous Aqua Terra first introduced in 2019 in collaboration with golfer Rory McIlroy. Weighing just 55 grams, the watch is designed to withstand the most demanding conditions thanks to the use of advanced materials like Gamma Titanium, offering superior resistance and lightness. The Grade 5 titanium movement is ceramicized to ensure a durable finish, while the case features an ergonomic design with an integrated crown, designed not to interfere during sports activities. The seconds hand is inspired by Duplantis’ vaulting pole, and the color scheme matches the Swedish flag. Although the price of over €57,400 may seem high, this watch represents a showcase of Omega’s engineering prowess.
The niche of high-tech sports watches is undoubtedly dominated by Richard Mille, but this new model suggests that, in the coming years, Omega could potentially direct its efforts toward developing this type of timepiece with substantial investments.
The Omega Olympics Edition on the Market
To understand what we can expect from the future market value of these special editions, it is helpful to look at the evolution of the Tokyo 2020 editions over the years.
As mentioned earlier, among the special models created for the previous Olympics, the most sought-after watches are the Moonwatch editions. This collection includes five watches, all based on the classic Speedmaster with sapphire crystal, each featuring a design inspired by the five colors of the Olympic rings: blue, yellow, black, green, and red.
Since they were only available in the Japanese market, the retail price for these Speedmasters, released in 2018, was ¥680,400 (approximately €5,240 at the exchange rate six years ago) for the steel models (ref. 522.30.42.30.03.001, 522.20.42.30.01.001, 522.30.42.30.06.001) and ¥842,400 (approximately €6,490 at the exchange rate six years ago) for the steel and gold references (ref. 522.20.42.30.06.001, 522.20.42.30.01.001).
On the secondary market, the version with a white dial and black subdials is the most sought-after reference, currently trading at €9,500, although it has reached peaks of over €10,000 in recent years. The other versions are generally traded within a range of €6,000-7,000.
The old retail prices that Omega had in 2018, much lower than the significantly higher ones of recent years, have allowed these timepieces to generate interesting premiums for the few who managed to purchase them. However, the fact that this was a limited series of only 2,020 watches for each reference and that they feature unique colors for a Speedmaster makes them still relatively undervalued compared to other special editions produced for the Moonwatch.
For the new special editions dedicated to Paris 2024, the concept is slightly different. Omega has focused on more precious materials or high-performance technology, making a direct comparison difficult. However, it is hard to imagine these models immediately obtaining exorbitant premiums if a classic like the Tokyo Speedmaster is traded at similar prices to the standard versions.
Nevertheless, these are special commemorative editions that will likely become increasingly appreciated in the long term, thanks to the significant effort put in by the brand.
