12/13/2018

Video: The Origins Of The Omega Seamaster – Part 4 - The Untold Story Of The Seahorse Logo

A logo is a trademark. It must summarize all of the attributes of a product or a brand. Its creation is seldom a linear process. It needs a clear vision, well-established values, creativity…and, sometimes, a dose of luck. Here is the untold story of the birth of one of the most recognized logos in the watch world.

By Benjamin Teisseire

Contributor

Omega possesses a clear, sober and precise logo as a brand: the famous Ω. But each collection bears its own particular logo as well. Contrary to popular belief, the Seamaster, the oldest Omega collection - which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year – was not the first one to be adorned with its logo.

The Origins Of The Omega Seamaster – Part 4 - The Untold Story Of The Seahorse L

The Origins Of The Seahorse

At that time, the simple idea of having several collections within a brand was not common at all. In 1948, when the Seamaster was born, the collection did not have any logo, apart from the OMEGA one, of course.

Early Omega Seamaster without Seahorse logo

Omega Seahorse logo

It wasn’t until 1952, with the launch of the Constellation, that OMEGA created its first collection logotype: the Geneva observatory cupola. Flagrant reference to the stars evoked in the name and to the astronomical precision. The idea sprouted that the initial Seamaster also required its particular identifying sign.

Omega Constellation logo © Omega SA

Then, in 1955, the Ladymatic was introduced…in turn adorned with her own design: a stylized star, brilliant and poetic like a woman. By the end of the '50s, the Seamaster still did not have its distinguishing mark. How did the majestic Seahorse land on its back? Its marine connotation and natural elegance are lya perfect match for the Seamaster’s features. Petros Protopapas, Omega’s International Brand Heritage Manager, reveals everything to Watchonista!