I like things other people usually don’t and when I saw this Omega Seamaster Olympic Games watch I was smitten.

Watch brands and sport have a long historical bond, and one of the most recognisable is Omega and the Olympics. Omega seem to release countless limited editions to tie into various events or historical moments and the Olympics is a no brainer cash cow for them, but when this watch was released it left a few people with a nasty taste in their mouth.

39.5mm diameter, 12mm thick and a svelte lug to lug make this comfortable to wear. A soft leather strap in 5 colours (as per the Olympic rings) to match the Olympic logo and seconds hand on the dial complete a very usable, daily wearable package.

Admittedly omegas choice of case design and crown shape leave me wondering, but the overall aesthetic works, the bold inner dial and handset -reminiscent of stopwatches used in the games before the advent of digital timekeeping- make the case almost disappear on the wrist. Too many times watch brands release a design with a vintage vibe -as seems to be the watch industry norm- but with this 70’s styled bold contrasting dial there is also a modern stark difference to it which is enlivening and one of the reasons why it’s polarizing the watch community in my opinion.

Arguably the price is a big pill to swallow, as this is a fairly basic watch, printed dial, leather strap, no lume and those looks don’t lend to the high price from what I’ve garnered, but are consumers missing a trick? With this quirky omega you get the co-axial escapement 8800 calibre which in itself is worthy of applause, coupled with impeccable finishing and construction, with design details that are a breath of fresh air, you start to wonder why it hasn’t struck a bigger cord within the market. Is it because it’s tied to the Olympics? Or its limited edition stance has angered some? Who ultimately knows, but high praise has to be given to omega for trying something different and being brave enough to stick this out there. Imagine this Omega Seamaster Olympic Games in their regular catalogue in different guises and case shapes! Surely it’s onto a winner? Or maybe it will disappear into its back catalogue with other classics like the dynamic? It would be a shame if it does.