The second unique feature of this watch is the use of hidden lugs. This has a number of benefits. First of which is to minimize lug overhang on wrist especially for larger watches. The second advantage is keeping the maximum amount of strap surface on the skin. This minimizes the tendency of slippage without the need to put on the strap really tight. This advantage is especially obvious with this watch due to the weight of the casing. The third advantage is the overall view of the watch. The hidden lugs eliminate any unsightly view of the strap and lugs interface.
The third unique feature of this watch is the strap design. In the picture above you will see the special slot cut into the bottom strap to allow the large internal bezel crown from being caught in the strap. This means the Omega Seamaster Bullhead uses a unique strap design that would be extremely difficult or even impossible to find from independent strap makers.
The fourth unique feature of this watch is the crowns. The main crown at 12 o’clock uses a bayonet twist lock system, secured by a single turn. That means the Omega logo on the crown is always facing the right way up. However, the inner bezel crown at 6 o’clock, a much bigger crown, it is not locked in anyway.
As highlighted earlier, the watch wears smaller than it looks. The hidden lugs give the assurance to smaller wrist owners the confidence to wear the watch. Despite the thick watch casing, due to the polished beveled edges, it slips rather easily under shirt cuffs.
From a wrist presence perspective, this watch has the styling that is unique and a real conversational starter. It has the size and weight to grab the attention of those around it without the need to ‘bling’ or be ‘loud’. Being a limited edition piece, owners can rest assured what they are wearing is distinctive (yes, I am owner and this comment can be construed as a partisan view. However, I am not embarrassed to say that this is what most, if not all owners want for their watches. Let’s face it, a chance to brag, even a little, is a secret wish we all have).
This watch does have its perceived flaws.
The lock-less crown for the internal bezel is one of them. If you are using the inner bezel as a form of second time zone (i.e. like a GMT function), the lack of a locking mechanism makes its susceptible to accidental manipulation if the crown was to brush against anything. A similar bayonet twist lock system like the main crown would be most helpful.
The unique strap is another. The lifetime of a leather strap is finite. If this watch is for keeps, chances are you will eventually have to go back to Omega for a replacement. Due to the limited number of watches that uses this strap design, the costs will be steep. Otherwise, you will need to order a bespoke tailored-made strap from someone at equally steep prices. I would have preferred Omega to have a special lug expansion (in stainless steel) for the bottom lug where a standard leather strap can be attached. As it is now, you cannot use a Zulu or Nato strap for this model.
Overall, the watch sits well on the wrist. It has the weight to be noticeable but not too excessive. The deployant clasp used merges seamlessly with the strap. The use of thick red threads on the straps completes the ‘sportiness’ to the design. I am pleased with the whole package. The pricetag on this starts at 9,600USD, same goes for the two other models (225.12.43.50.02.001 and 225.12.43.50.04.001). For more info, please visit omegawatches.com
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Meor Amri Meor Ayob – Contributing Editor
Meor Amri is a passionate watch collector from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Having bitten by the horology bug in 2010, he has written extensively about the watch scene and has assembled a large collection of watches (excessively!!!) on his own free time. His blogs on the same subject are: Eastern Watch & Western Watch Read his articles here.
