As July 4th, 2021, is now behind us, here’s a countdown list of three special watches to look at for next year’s holiday:
3. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Master Chronometer “Deep Black” Jewellery Version
I could have gone with a bunch of other watches for this first pick, the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” with meteorite dial being the most likely among them, but that would have been too expected. Instead I’ve decided to go with something a little different for this list and instead bring in a rarely talked about Seamaster model. The black ceramic case here is already a big enough deviation from most Seamasters, but what gets it on this list are obviously rubies, diamonds, and sapphires covering the bezel, crown, and helium-escape valve. I can’t imagine who would be wearing this watch that would require a helium-escape valve, but that’s beside the point. Aside from a few Rolex GMT-Master II SARU “Pepsi” models, this is one of the only watches that achieves the same red, white, and blue effect via gem setting. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely in a class of its own.
2. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 36thAmerica’s Cup Limited Edition
This Omega dive watch hits pretty much all the marks. It’s got a white dial with red and blue accents; red, white, and blue hands; a red, white, and blue ceramic bezel; and a red, white, and blue strap. It doesn’t get much more “red, white, and blue” than this watch. What you wind up with here is one of the most patriotic looking watches around. I mean it even has “AMERICA” written on the dial, this one easily takes the second spot on this list. In terms of the overall cleanness of the look, this watch gets the nod among the three. It doesn’t hurt either that it all comes in the package of an iconic Seamaster. Although, while the colours and overall design are great, there is just something missing from this watch that keeps it from getting the #1 spot on this list.
As a side note, the Omega Seamaster James Bond “Commander’s Watch” would’ve likely made the list as well based on design alone, but its ties to such an iconic British franchise just made including it feel a little ridiculous for a holiday celebrating America’s independence from Britain.
- Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon “Stars and Stripes”
I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. Even down to the name, it’s about as “4th of July” as it gets. The 45mm Executive uses a blue ceramic bezel and partially blue crow. The openworked dial uses both roman and stick indices in silver against red edges to depict the red and white stripes of the American flag. In the upper left corner of the dial are incredibly small stars set against a blue backing. The overall effect recreates the whole look of Old Glory. Add to it the fact that this is a watch that combines the aesthetic of the holiday with some higher horology and you’ve got a winner.
Honorable mentions: Rolex Yacht-Master II in stainless steel, Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” in white gold with meteorite dial