Ever since Omega somewhat belatedly patentedits ‘Ligne Pilote’ case design in November 2010, watch aficionados knewsomething was up. Informed speculation leaned towards an upgraded X33 sittingin a pilot line case.....and it was right.
Featuring a freshly minted calibre 5566quartz movement, the Z-33 offers analogue time-telling adjustable at the crownand a range of digital functions that will be very useful to pilots - even inthese days of iPads and digital paraphernalia that allow pilots to doeverything except have sex with their chief stewardesses. Functionsinclude Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and two other time zones, also allowingowners to cross theinternational date line and accommodate forward and regressive datechanges. The chronograph function of themovement can measure elapsed time from destination, and ten separate flightscan be logged and represented visually
With four pushers and a crown, the SpacemasterZ-33 is a complicated piece of kit. If you have problems programming digitalrecorders or setting up a new television set, this will really flummox you.But, with a little practice and a certified membership from MENSA, you shouldget the hang of it!
The design is pure brutalism with adark side that will appeal to anyone who nurtures and enjoys their Jungianshadow. The classic titanium pilot line case, a derivative of the Flightmastercases of the late nineteen-sixties and early seventies, features a deep linear adoucissage finish thatradiates from the centre point of the watch and you can almost cut yourself, orothers, with the sharpness of the perimeter edges. The 19.3 mm case is much thicker than theearlier Flightmaster cases and overall measurements are a whopping 43mm by53mm.
The dial is simplicity itself. A deepcharcoal ground is highlighted with white superluminova indices with the outerring featuring the classic Flightmaster five-minute configuration. Two mirrorimage digital displays with black backgrounds pulse out red characters. Dagger hands, also coated in superluminova areskeletonised to allow better visibility of the digital displays.
A choice of rubber or leather straps isoffered, but the rubber strap with the red outlines, in my opinion, completes theimplicit ‘menace’ of the design story. This is the ultimate electro-mechanical tool watch, and it may wellbecome a cult piece just as the Omega X-33 has. Available only from Omega boutiques, the Z-33 will set you back aroundUSD 5900.00 and will be available from May, 2012.
Oh, and for those who may have described, or willdescribe, this wonderful piece of ordinance as “fugly’, I simply ask, have youlooked at yourself in the mirror lately?
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