The countdown to the days until the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games has officially begun with the unveiling of OMEGA's new countdowns in eight cities across the Russian Federation. On 7 February 2014, the Bienne-based company will be the Official Timekeeper of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games for the 26th time since 1932. And to celebrate this event, Omega has created three special timepieces, namely the Seamaster Planet Ocean "Sochi 2014" for men and women, both in a limited edition of 2,014 pieces, and the Sochi Petrograd, a reinterpretation of a model from the Museum collection. The men's model features a 45.5 mm polished and brushed steel case with a matching bracelet. The unidirectional rotating diving bezel has a black ceramic bezel with a chromium nitride scale. In homage to the colours of the Russian Federation flag, minutes 1 to 5 are lacquered in blue and minutes 6 to 10 are lacquered in red. The watch has a brushed screw-down case back with the 'Sochi 2014' Olympic logo embossed on it, while the initials 'Si14' and the limited edition number (0001/2014) are engraved on the sides. On the case, at 10 o'clock, is the helium escape valve. The Seamaster Planet Ocean Sochi 2014 is equipped with OMEGA's Co-Axial Calibre 8500, the movement that has become the gold standard for mechanical watches in the 21st century. This movement is equipped with an Si14 silicon balance spring, exclusive to the brand, which makes the watch so reliable that Omega offers a four-year warranty. The watch is water-resistant to a depth of 600 metres. The women's model, on the other hand, has a 37.5 mm diameter case and features the same robustness and professional diving functionality as the men's model, but sports some distinctive elements that make it one of the most fascinating souvenirs of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. It employs the Omega calibre 8520, part of the brand's exclusive Co-Axial movements. The Si14 silicon balance spring is antimagnetic and particularly resistant to external shocks and disturbances. Its reliability and exceptional performance over time allow Omega to offer a four-year warranty for this watch. Like all Seamaster Planet Ocean watches, it is water-resistant to 600 metres. The Sochi Petrograd, on the other hand, is reminiscent of a model originally produced in 1915 for a prominent Russian leader and incorporates the exclusive design of a watch from Omega's Museum Collection. It is a tribute to the country that will host the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi and displays a timeless design that is as unmistakable today as it was almost a century ago. The tonneau shape of the 18-carat gold case is one of the most fascinating features of this watch's design and revives a style that was once much loved. The case is paired with a burgundy leather strap complemented by an 18-carat gold clasp. To underline the exclusivity of this watch, the 18-carat yellow gold case back is engraved with the logo of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games and the limited edition number. The Sochi Petrograd will be produced in only 100 pieces. The movement used is the Omega calibre 2202, with a coaxial escapement and a special fine finish. Presented in a special case, the Omega Sochi Petrograd has a three-year warranty and is water-resistant to 30 metres.
