It’s been a while since my last update but we have been keeping busy – our database now includes over 11.000 watches and more than 1.200 distinct calibers. So, what’s new?

Our JLC database now features most, if not all, models from the current collection – including 100 different Reverso’s. Most are uploaded including pricing information.

I’ve also been working on updating our Bremont collection, which now holds more watches and better images. I might have to tweak our set-up a bit though, as I am not sure whether the Special & Limited section in its current form is such a great idea; after all, it holds watches from several lines.

Omega has been fine tuned here and there, with a few new (or missing) models added and pricing information updated on the most important references. I created a separate page for the Museum Collection, with 1 to 10 all listed.

Our Patek Philippe database now also holds all ladies watches. Piaget is mostly complete. Oh, and I’ve started working on Girard-Perregaux.

We’re slowly gearing up towards BaselWorld 2016, so stay tuned!

[The Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 17 40th Anniversary 311.30.42.30.99.002 pictured above? You’ll find it right here.]

YES! All but finished uploading the SIHH 2016 releases, I’ve just added the first BaselWorld 2016 watch to our database: please welcome the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer 304.33.44.52.03.001!

There are 96 handwound Speedmasters listed on WatchBase today and we’re nowhere near finished. Still a pretty cool overview though. One of my favourites is the 3593.20.00 pictured above, created as a limited edition of 500 pieces in 1997 for the Italian market to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Speedmaster. That off-white dial is just stunning!

With the aim of creating a better oversight with all the Speedmasters on WatchBase, I have now made a distinction between the handwound models and those with other movements; automatic, quartz and tuning fork.

While BaselWorld is already a good number of months behind us, there’s still information trickling in that previously either was not available or just plain escaped my attention. While today I’d like to focus on these four new additions to our Omega Watch Database, you might notice that I’ve uploaded quite a few more..

First up: the Omega Seamaster Bullhead Rio 2016 reference 522.12.43.50.04.001. This limited edition of 316 pieces is created in honour of the 2016 Rio Olympics and features the colours of the Brazilian flag, but blue taking a lead. It is said to be sold out already though.

Then there’s this: the Seamaster 300 in yellow gold reference 233.60.41.21.01.002. You might’ve not been aware, but previously ‘Sedna’ was the only option if you were looking for a gold faux-vintage diver. I actually like this classic yellow gold version more though. It’s also available with a leather strap – as are all other Seamaster 300’s.

This one I LOVE, saw, noted, but had no decent picture of: the Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space Sedna Gold reference 311.63.40.30.02.001. It’s so stunning! This watch uses the same case as the regular FOiS, with the signature straight lugs and lack of crownguards. It’s now done in ‘Sedna’ gold though. Just like its stainless steel brother, this one is said to be numbered though not limited.

Last up – the Speedmaster Mark II reference 327.20.43.50.01.001 in stainless steel / Sedna. I vaguely remember seeing this one at BaselWorld but it seem to have forgotten about it. Two-tone is an acquired taste but this one actually looks quite restrained. Probably a fun watch for the summer.

BOOM! You’re looking at the first full overview of the 2015 ceramic Speedmaster collection – at the time of this post, it is not even available at OmegaWatches.com…

While most of them were uploaded to our Omega watch database around Basel, the two diamond versions were not as we we’re waiting on the final reference numbers and ‘soldier shots’.  The first (and most surprising) one, reference 311.98.44.51.55.001, features a white ceramic case, a mother-of-pearl dial with diamond-set markers and a diamond-set bezel and its fitted with a white alligator strap. Controversial? Sure. I’m pretty sure it would look very cool on the wrist of the right lady, while it would take quite a confident man to pull this one off…

Another one that’s new to our database is of course the reference 311.98.44.51.51.001, a Speedmaster with a black ceramic case with diamond-set bezel and a deep black dial with diamond-set markers. It’s wrong. It’s weird. But somehow, I kinda dig it. Don’t judge!

Smaller news comes in the form of the Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon reference 311.93.44.51.99.002 and Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon reference 311.92.44.51.01.003, both of which are identical to their earlier counterparts in all but the buckles; the new ones are fitted with a folding buckle in a mix of titanium and ceramic.

The four other additions we’ve covered before, but here are the links for the sake of completeness: Sedna Black, Pitch Black, Black Black and Vintage Black. That’s all folks!

With day 1 of BaselWorld 2015 coming to an end, I think its time for a first recap. Below I’ll be posting some (perhaps random) thoughts on a few of the watches uploaded to the WatchBase database and I’ll try to do this more often – if I can find the time.

The 2015 Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon collection

Pictured above and consisting of the Black Black, the Pitch Black, the Sedna Black and the Vintage Black, I think it’s a bold and interesting move for Omega to release all four in one single take. Why?

If released four consecutive years, Omega would seem to be taking the easy way with changing minor details on a winning model. People, customers, WE, would probably tire of it rather quickly. With his new play however, Omega changes the game to an exercise in details, offering us an instant look into the mind of the manufacturer and the infinite possibilities that a canvas like the original Dark Side of the Moon can offer. It’s as if bloggers Photoshop dreams were made reality.

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five

This one I love. It’s a true product of passion. I first heard of this project back at BaselWorld 2014 when the Oris brand manager for the Netherlands -an avid collector himself- told me he was trying to convince his superiors to build a watch based on a vintage model in his collection. One year later, the outcome couldn’t have been better. It’s charming, it’s affordable, it’s cool.

The Breitling SuperOcean II

With the 2014 return of the Colt with the signature Breitling bezel and the recent release of the Colt Chronograph automatic, one could easily see Breitling returning the SuperOcean back to its roots as well. However, the brand seems to be determined to give this line its own look, sticking to the bezel with rubber inlay as introduced back in 2010. However, for the dial, they now did look back at their heritage. And it looks good! While the B01 is a stunning movement, for the bigger part it’s this kind of reasonable priced watches that made Breitling for the last decade or two. I like ‘m. They’re now available in either 36, 42 or 44mm – and as is customary with Breitling, the options when it comes to case/dial/strap combinations are sheer endless.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time

This one we admittedly scooped earlier just like the Oris Divers Sixty-Five, but who can resist commenting on THE Patek that is bound to stir some controversy in the coming weeks/months/years? I will stay to a macro level with my comments for the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time 5524G. Look at it this way – when a brand puts out to many models based on previous stuff, they’re often branded to conservative, lacking imagination, drawing to heavily on their heritage – this is mostly the case with Patek and Rolex. However, when and if introducing something DIFFERENT, it’s as if the world is set on fire – THIS? They can not possibly be serious! I applaud Patek for branching out and trying something different – although I’m not quite sure why they’d put in the Calatrava name. Yes, it’s something else. No, it’s not Patek Philippe as you know it. But it’s CASUAL CHIC in capitals. Sprezzatura in the Agnelli type of way.

The Patek 5270R

Skip it. This is too good. I’m writing a separate post on this one.

The Rolex Day-Date 40

This is just stellar. Those of you that know me know that the Day-Date is one of my favorite watches EVER. The Day-Date II in my opinion was perhaps not the best of Rolex’ releases. The proportions just do not seem right. With the new Day-Date 40 however, they seem to have found a way to fit the DD with a larger case without ruining its classics looks. I think its a stunner. Should I end here, or should we talk about the new movement, caliber 3255, that features no less than 14 new and patented technological solutions? View the collection here.

So I just received a press update from Omega and I’m 100% sure that this is the news you’ve all been waiting for. This is so exciting. BaselWorld 2015 PR machine kicking in.

Omega just launched a new campaign with George Clooney and his dog Einstein.  

“Einstein has been studying acting for many years now as you can imagine. I think he’s concerned that I am in his shot and he thinks that perhaps you can airbrush me out if it. That’s his hope“, says Clooney.

So.

If you’re done screaming and yelling in excitement, why not check out the details of the Speedy on his wrist in these shots?

Your horological reporter checking out – in agony.