Launched in Beijing in 2008 during the Olympic Games, the OMEGA Seamaster XXIX Limited Edition was inspired by its ancestor, the Seamaster XVI, which was specially produced to honour the Games of the XVI Olympiad in Melbourne in 1956 and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of OMEGA’s role as Official Timekeeper in 1957.
The initial limited release of 88 numbered Seamaster XXIX watches was took place on the 8th of August 2008 – 08/08/2008 – the day of the Opening Ceremony. Only 88 of these unique Seamasters were produced and sold each day between the 8th and 24th of August.
The Seamaster XVI possessed all the features which had so quickly established the Seamaster’s worldwide reputation: unbreakable hesalite glass; protection against water, dust, temperature variations and atmospheric pressure; a double system of protection against shock; and of course, the legendary OMEGA calibre which gave the Seamaster its unparalleled precision. Reflecting the tastes of the time, its case measured a discreet 34 mm.
The Seamaster XVI also had another distinction: its caseback was stamped with the Olympic Cross of Merit, awarded to OMEGA during the 1952 Games in Helsinki “for outstanding service to the world of sports.”
While the new Seamaster XXIX was inspired by the Seamaster XVI, it blends some distinctive design enhancements with OMEGA’s revolutionary Co-Axial technology.
The hour markers and hands along with the vintage OMEGA logo and name applied on the polished ivory dial are made of 18-Ct yellow gold, as are the applied Roman numerals “XXIX” symbolizing the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing.
The Seamaster XXIX’s 37 mm polished 18-Ct yellow gold case is delivered on a black caiman leather strap with an 18-Ct yellow gold buckle. It has a box-form scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment and is water-resistant to a depth of 100 metres.
At the heart of the Seamaster XXIX Limited Edition is the OMEGA Calibre 2403, a chronometer with OMEGA’s 21st century Co-Axial technology.
The caseback features the official Beijing Olympic logo with the limited series number (0/88) and the watch’s date of issue.
The Seamaster XXIX was presented in a personalized matte black wooden gift box.
Technical details
Model: OMEGA Seamaster XXIX Limited Edition, Countdown 0, Beijing 2008 Olympics
Movement
Omega calibre 2403
Self-winding mechanical movement
Officially certified chronometer
Jewels: 27
Frequency: 25’200 A/h (3.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 48 hours
Co-Axial Escapement
Omega free sprung-balance
Case
Diameter: 37.00 mm
Height: 10.15 mm
Water resistant up to: 100 m (330 ft)
Polished 18 Ct yellow gold case
Clasped 18 Ct yellow gold caseback stamped with Beijing Olympic 2008 medallion, engraved with limited edition number as well as date of issue Diamond-polished 18 Ct yellow gold hexagonal crown, Omega vintage logo on crown
Box-form scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside
Display
Central hour-minute-seconds hands
Dial
Polished ivory dial
Applied 18 Ct yellow gold vintage Omega name and logo, Roman numerals, “XXIX” and facetted indexes
Hands
Polished 18 Ct yellow gold facetted Dauphine hour-minute hands
Polished 18 Ct yellow gold seconds hand
Bracelet
Black caiman leather strap on 18 Ct yellow gold buckle
Fitting: 19 mm between lugs; 16 mm on buckle
Specifications
Limited edition of 88 pieces per issue
1 issue per day during the 17 days of Games (from 8th to 24th August 2008)
Reference: From 516.53.37.20.09.008 until 516.53.37.20.09.024
