Downes (left) and Aeschlimann.
From Asia to the Americas, Omega continues to shine its spotlight on the evolving world of the Seamaster through a series of international events that highlight design, innovation and purpose.
Along with the global unveiling of the newly redesigned Planet Ocean which gathered ambassadors and tastemakers in Chongqing, China, Omega also reaffirmed its enduring commitment to the oceans through a new conservation partnership in Miami in the United States.
Global launch of redesigned Planet Ocean
Omega hosted a special celebration to mark the global launch of the new Planet Ocean redesign in Chongqing, China.
The evening brought together a stylish mix of ambassadors, creatives and regional tastemakers, with newly appointed Omega ambassadors Wei Daxun and Song Weilong taking centre stage as guests of honour.
Joining them were familiar faces from across Asia, including Thai actor Gulf Kanawut, Filipino singer-actor Kyle Echarri and Filipino actor Enchong Dee, adding to the event’s cosmopolitan energy.
Held at the striking Yifang Art Museum, the setting proved a fitting backdrop for the occasion.
Convalescence stage - rescued seahorses being cared for by CESTHA in Italy. — Photo: Pietro Formis/Omega
Its contemporary geometric architecture was softened by elements of flowing water, reflecting both the refined silhouette of the new Planet Ocean and the collection’s deep-rooted marine heritage.
Golden sunlight streamed across the water features, bathing the celebration in Omega’s signature orange glow, alongside clever lighting of the venue that created a vivid sea-inspired atmosphere.
This dynamic interplay echoed the colour theme of the new collection, while also paying tribute to Omega’s long-standing legacy of ocean exploration.
At the centre of it all was a parade of Planet Ocean models, allowing guests to admire the new creations up close while immersing themselves in Omega’s pioneering achievements in dive watch innovation.
On the new collection, Omega president and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann says, “The Planet Ocean embodies Omega’s pioneering and innovative spirit.
“For its 20th anniversary, we have reimagined this iconic timepiece, showcasing our exceptional craftsmanship and innovative DNA.
“With the Planet Ocean, we’ve always felt there are no boundaries to what we can achieve.”
Wei jumps in to say, “The new Planet Ocean captivated me at first sight – not only for its extraordinary water-resistance, but also for its design that conveys courage, determination and exploration.”
Kyle and Enchong having fun at the launch.
He adds: "Omega is a watch brand I deeply admire.
“Becoming an Omega ambassador is a great honour, and has given me a deeper understanding of the brand’s profound maritime heritage and the stories behind its watches."
Song agrees, saying: “Omega is a world-renowned watchmaking brand that has a relentless pursuit of excellence and precision, which greatly inspires me.
“Growing up by the sea with a passion for diving, I’ve always had a special admiration for Omega’s dive watches.
“The Planet Ocean really makes me appreciate the brand’s long history and remarkable achievements in diving."
Launched exactly 20 years after the debut of the first Planet Ocean, the latest fourth generation models deliver a complete transformation for the modern era.
Balancing the heritage of the Seamaster with contemporary design, they also retain the signature orange colour that has defined the collection since 2005.
Models available worldwide include seven versions: blue, black or orange choices, paired with either rubber straps or stainless steel bracelets.
Thai actor Gulf.
Supporting the Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Centre
During its international Seamaster event in Miami, the United States of America, the Swiss watchmaker Omega announced its partnership with the Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Centre.
Based in Marina di Ravenna, the initiative plays a pivotal role in the conservation of endangered seahorse species found in the Adriatic Sea.
The project is supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), a global wildlife conservation organisation which has long championed community-based rescue and rehabilitation efforts on land and sea.
From whales to dolphins and now seahorses, these interventions not only aid individual animals, but also generate critical data that helps shape global conservation strategies.
Omega’s enduring connection to the ocean goes back to 1932, when it created its first diving watch, The Marine.
Since then, the brand has committed itself to the exploration of the seas and to meaningful and sustainable ocean conservation alongside dedicated partners.
Furthermore, the seahorse has been an iconic symbol of Omega’s Seamaster collection since the 1950s, when it was chosen to convey the refinement and ocean heritage of the watches.
The seahorse emblem has appeared engraved on Omega watch casebacks as far back as 1957.
Omega president and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann says, “This project feels deeply personal to the brand.
“With our passion for the ocean and historical association with the seahorse, we were immediately drawn to his worthwhile work.
“It’s wonderful to see the rehabilitation that's being done, and to know that the global cooperation of brands like Omega can help the initiative to grow.”
IFAW president and CEO Azzedine Downes says, “Seahorses may be small, but their role in the balance and biodiversity of our oceans is immense.
“Supporting this project reflects our wider mission to protect marine species and habitats – from coastal rescue to international policy.
“The threats facing seahorses demand urgent, collaborative action, and this effort shows what’s possible when global partners invest in local solutions.”
Seahorses play a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity and ensuring the health and productivity of ocean ecosystems.
The Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Centre is dedicated to the specialised care, breeding, and rehabilitation of injured or by-catch seahorses, with the ultimate mission of returning them to protected marine environments.
With Omega and IFAW’s support, the centre successfully rescued and rehabilitated 1,200 seahorses in 2024.
It has now been able to expand its operations, including renovating a concession area to create a fully equipped, year-round rescue facility.
As part of this upgrade, new tanks have been installed to further improve the Centre’s capacity for seahorse care and recovery.
According to experts at IFAW, the centre will now be able to rescue around 2,000 seahorses annually.
The rescued seahorses undergo specific treatments and therapies before being tagged and released into protected areas of the sea.
The aim is to strengthen seahorse conservation efforts, while also contributing valuable new data to address the information gaps highlighted by the IUCN Red List.
