by Kyle on October 02, 2009
10/4 Update: Added more information about the ceramic and Liquidmetal process (at bottom of post)
10/3 Update: Added more closeup photos of the bezel.
10/2 Update: Added new information on Liquidmetal (at bottom of post) and a closeup photo of the bezel/dial
You see it here first, watch fans! The word is out on OMEGA’s foray into ceramic components with new technology it calls “Liquidmetal” – the Seamster Planet Ocean Limited Edition “Liquidmetal” cermic bezel is here! This is undoubtedly a big deal for OMEGA and I expect this to be very, very popular amongst its fan base and well-received by watch enthusiasts in general. In other words, the new Seamaster Planet Ocean “Liquidmetal” is going to be one highly sought after watch! Powered by OMEGA’s co-axial Caliber 2500 and limited to 1948 pieces (the year that the Seamaster was first introduced by OMEGA).
Here is OMEGA’s description of “Liquidmetal”:
The Liquidmetal® alloy is an amorphous metal – a metallic material with a disordered, non-crystalline atomic structure. Its fusion temperature is half that of conventional titanium alloys but when it is cooled, its hardness is three times as great as that of stainless steel. Its amorphous structure allows it to bond seamlessly with the ceramic bezel.
The Liquidmetal® is a bulk metallic glass alloy consisting of five elements: zirconium, titanium, copper, nickel and beryllium. A bulk metallic glass can, by virtue of its low critical cooling rate, be formed into a structure with a thickness of more than a tenth of a millimetre. Zirconium is an important constituent part both of the Liquidmetal® alloy and of the ceramic material which is made of zirconium dioxide (Zr02).
The final, perfectly smooth bezel is particularly resistant to scratching and corrosion because of the hardness of the two components.
10/4 update: Here is some more information on how the union of ceramics and Liquidmetal is achieved:
First, ceramic rings are formed. The numbers and the fine lines of the minute scaling are then engraved into these ceramic bezel rings and polished. The alloy is heated and pressed into the cavities in the ceramic material after which any excess Liquidmetal® is removed. The Liquidmetal® can be manipulated at a lower temperature than metals normally used in watchmaking so the heating process does not damage the ceramic material.
The Liquidmetal® numbers and scales are then satin brushed. Because the ceramic is a harder material than the alloy, the satin brushing of the fine details can be done without affecting the ceramic bezel. The numbers and scaling then appear in bold, vivid contrast to the glossy ceramic background.
Related posts:
- GTG Boston: Rolex Red Daytona, Vintage OMEGA Seamaster 300, Calabrese, IWC, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin and more!
- OMEGA De Ville 4-counters Co-Axial for Gents and OMEGA De Ville Co-Axial Chronometer for Ladies
- An OMEGA the Ladies Have Been Waiting For
- OMEGA opens its 51st Boutique; Continues to Streamline Distribution
Tags: Omega
7 Responses to “OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean “Liquidmetal” – A Ceramic-bezel Planet Ocean is here”
Leave a Reply
MOST POPULAR POSTS
- Dealing with Dictators - Wear Your Finest Panerai?
- Narco Bling: The Watches of Mexican Drug Kingpins
- OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean "Liquidmetal" - A Ceramic-bezel Planet Ocean is here
- TAG Heuer Shoots Itself In the Foot on TAG Heuer Caliber 1887 Launch
- Hublot On A Lightning Bolt
- Beyond the Big Bang - What's Next for Hublot?
- Kobe and Shaq Go 1-On-1 - Who will win?
- SIHH 2010 Panerai Composite Marina Militare PAM 339
- Which Watch is YouTube Founder Chad Hurley Wearing?
- Bernie on the (Auction) Block: Madoff's Monoblocco Rolex, Other Watches Up for Grabs
RECENT POSTS CATEGORIES BROWSE BY BRAND
Now that looks great! I think you’re right, this will be a hit.
Do you know if it’s available only in 45.5mm or also in 42mm?
Cheers,
Frank
Frank –
not sure yet on the size – will get back to you on Monday. But I am sure that this will be a hit! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Kyle
ASTONISHING!!! This is a great move for OMEGA.
Nice to know what that a current PO owner (more than) approves!
This look great. Having an orange PO now, this would be a fantastic complement. Sign me up!
The watch is available in 42mm and costs CHF 5200. I was told it is due for end-November release at Omega boutique on Bahnhofstrasse in Zürich. Walking out of the store with this watch on your wrist will feel very special to be sure
No doubt this HAS TO BE CONSIDER STEP FORWARD BY Omega.By using ceramic material the face of the watch specially bezel looks fresh with out scaraches longer period. due scratche resistence of ceramic is much higher degree then steel or any other similer material.How about the schok observant ratio of bezel how safe it will be for user in case of droped or any hard impact towards bezel.