Exploring Horological History: Planet OMEGA Exhibition Lands In New York City

Another horological exhibition has found its home in New York. This week, OMEGA brings its captivating story to life in a special exhibition at the Chelsea Factory — Planet OMEGA — curating a showcase of the brand’s rich heritage and timepieces that have left an indelible mark on the world of watchmaking.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of OMEGA

Planet OMEGA is in a galaxy of its own featuring incredibly rare moments like the pioneering moment in women’s watchmaking with the unveiling of the first Ladymatic from 1955, the wristwatch worn by none other than Elvis Presley adorned with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds, and the OMEGA Slimline timepiece that graced the wrist of President John F. Kennedy during his Inauguration Ceremony in 1961.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of OMEGA

Within the expansive Chelsea Factory venue, Planet OMEGA has been meticulously curated into five distinctive areas, each delving into a unique facet of OMEGA’s heritage.

Ocean

Delving into OMEGA’s deep-sea expertise and the history of sea-inspired designs, including the original 1932 Marine watch—the first divers’ watch available to civilian divers. The exhibit also showcases the Seamaster “Ultra Deep” watch, which reached the deepest point in the ocean in 2019.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of OMEGA

James Bond

Dedicated to the world’s favorite spy, this section features OMEGA watches worn by James Bond in every film since 1995. Visitors can marvel at the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition from Daniel Craig’s final Bond appearance and two exquisite timepieces crafted for the franchise’s 60th anniversary.

Space

OMEGA’s pivotal role in space exploration takes center stage. Highlights include the CK2998 model worn by astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962 during Mercury’s Sigma 7 mission—the “first OMEGA worn in space.” The exhibit also features the latest Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” timepiece and watches crafted with real pieces of meteorite.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of OMEGA

Sports and Olympic Games

Celebrating OMEGA’s proud legacy of Official Timekeeping for a diverse range of competitions, from America’s Cup sailing to professional golf and athletics. Notably, visitors can witness one of the original split-seconds chronographs used to time the 1932 Olympic Games—a role OMEGA still proudly fulfills today.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of OMEGA

The exhibition makes a rare opportunity for watch enthusiasts and history buffs alike to witness some of the most prized OMEGA watches outside of Switzerland. The exhibition will run from November 9th to 19th, opening its doors at 11 am to 7 pm daily, at the Chelsea Factory located at 547 W 26th Street.