Seamaster Beijing

By Desmond Carter

othing says classy like a commemorative timepiece you can pass onto your grandson, Thad (insert equally pretentious last name) the Third. The latest for your collection comes from Omega SA and is a time-sensitive twist (no pun intended) on their classic Seamaster Series. This version of the deep-diving watch you can easily wear in the boardroom (to an onslaught of jealous colleagues) celebrates the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The official name of this high-end watch (get ready for it) is the Limited Edition Seamaster Aqua Terra Chronograph. Say that ten times fast and I’ll give you $5 (no, I won’t). The five Olympic rings are cleverly incorporated into the chronograph second hand.

On the back you’ll find the official Beijing 2008 Olympics logo and the edition number of the watch. The watch comes in two versions; an 18-karat red gold model for those truly looking to treat themselves and a stainless steel model for those more concerned with their RRSPs.

The watch is also water resistance to 500 feet and has the same features as the regular Seamasters, including a chronograph and chronometer. Cleverly, only 2,008 copies of each model have been made and are now available for purchase. Act now or forever hold your timepiece. Okay, that time the pun was intended.