Omega Seamaster Polaris

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Omega Seamaster Polaris

A true Marmite watch!

There are few models that divide opinion amongst collectors quite like the very 1980s Omega Polaris, with its Genta-inspired case and gold inlay, titanium materials and a quartz movement that was the precursor of the X33, with a multi-function display. Polaris or polarisation - it was a apposite choice of name.

With the help of https://eskerahn.dk/?p=3002 we can explore this model in greater detail.

The Polaris exists with different sizes, calibers and dials, and in different case materials.

I know of the three sizes: “Ladies”, “Men” and “XL”

And have seen (pictures of) these case combinations

   Titanium with gold inlay
   Gold with titanium inlays
   Gold with titanium and diamonds inlays
   Titanium with palladium inlays
   Stainless steel with Gold inlays

The backs also vary over time. The early ones with a flat back and the later having a relief Semaster logo, and some of these with gold.

The steel/titanium was brushed up, to give it a mate finish, so it can be difficult to distinguish the two on photos. In the hand the titanium is substantially lighter of course.

The bracelet exists in various matching combinations, I know of

   Titanium
   Titanium with solid gold centre-links
   Gold with titanium centre links
   Stainless steel
   Stainless steel with gold capped centre links

(With the width matching the case size of course)

The stainless steel+gold bracelet has the centre links with a gold cap similar to the inlay in the case. I have not tried to test the depth on the specimen I have had in my hands… but in the 1987 German price catalogue there is a substantial price difference (1250 vs 2300 DM) and it is (translated) called “…with gold inlays in case and in band” in German “… mit goldintarsien im Gehaüsa und im Band“, so not merely gold plated.

The early titanium bands came with the buckle of the Stainless-steel one (note the colour difference of the double link of the clasp), only being given a special buckle in a later generation. Also note the plain back with text on the early one, and the relief on the later.