Yu Yuan

The Omega Seamaster watch has a rich history that dates back to its introduction in 1948. However, the 1960s marked a significant period of evolution and innovation for the Seamaster line.

During the 1960s, the Omega Seamaster gained prominence not only for its reliability and craftsmanship but also for its association with adventure and exploration. This decade saw the introduction of several key models that would solidify the Seamaster's reputation, such as the Seamaster 300 (a professional diving watch), as well as the expansion into the dress style watches (as is this one) to appeal to a broader audience).

Yuyuan is an oasis in the middle of the busy metropolis of modern Shanghai. This classical Chinese garden, with its intricate rockeries, serene ponds, and lush greenery, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets that surround it. Established during the Ming Dynasty, Yuyuan showcases the artistry of traditional Chinese landscaping, featuring pavilions adorned with intricate carvings and pathways that invite leisurely strolls. Visitors are transported to a world where history and nature harmoniously coexist, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a moment of peace amidst the urban chaos.

This environment is the inspiration for this piece which captures the water, traditional buildings and bridges of the garden, behind which one can see the modern skyscrapers to remind us of the passage of time and the different world we inhabit today. When this watch was originally brought to Shanghai, the dominant environment would have resembled Yuyuan, rather than the current skyline with which we are all so familiar.