As its Greek alphabet letter translates to the last, Swiss watch brand, Omega wants to reiterate its role as the last word in timepieces, with its brand having bragging rights to a lot of firsts such as a moon landing and record-setting ocean dive depths. On Thursday night, Omega president and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann and longtime brand ambassador Nicole Kidman christened the exhibit’s opening, dedicated to its iconic styles.
Aeschlimann and Kidman took the stage to answer some questions moderated by former WSJ editor-in-chief Kristina O’Neill after the several hundred guests in attendance took in the exhibit. The brand transformed the Chelsea Factory space by creating an intimate circular space to mimic a watch face. Column-size mirrored vitrines focused on some of Omega’s most famous moments, such as its role in popular culture in James Bond films like Casino Royale and John F. Kennedy’s watch worn at his 1961 inauguration.
The fun house mirror effect made guests feel a bit in a maze while taking in the various vignettes, even bumping into some reflective display cases due to the darkness in the room and the mingling crowd stopping to get a close-up glimpse of the timepieces shown.
In the room, Omega’s triumph in space via Buzz Aldrin and a watch worn by Elvis Presley, among others, were also on display.
On stage, Aeschlimann welcomed guests, expressing awe at the ability of air travel to transport him to another country when waking up in another on the same day as he professed Omega’s triumphs on display.
“We talk about watches, but here in NYC at Planet Omega (pronounced O-mee-ga), we talk about what Omega is. We can show our values here,” Aeschlimann said, reminding the crowd of Omega’s innovations over the years that marked their place in history, such as being the official timekeeper of the Olympics since 1932. The exhibit,which runs until November 19 also coincides with ‘The Reverso Stories’ exhibit by Jaeger-LeCoultre, open until November 22.
The CEO defined the brand’s values beyond precision timekeeping by introducing Kidman. “We are looking for beauty, and we stand for excellence. The global ambassador [Kidman] embodies this beauty and elegance, especially the excellence in everything she does,” he continued.
“There are too many people,” Kidman laughed as she took the microphone and then responded to an audience member joking, “I love you too; I’m now going to sing a song.”
The Oscar-award-winning actress was dressed in a chic form-fitting black gown with a train that looked like a modern interpretation of something her character Satine in Moulin Rouge would have worn.
Kidman waxed poetic about her time as an Omega global ambassador since 2005 and the travels with Aeschlimann on behalf of the brand.
“Ray and I have been to the most extraordinary places all around the world: China, Korea, Russia, Europe, America, Australia, and Nashville,” she recalled, adding a woo after the famed city where she and hubby Keith Urban have one of their residences.
“I have affection and admiration for Omega as the company has gone from strength to strength because of people like Ray who run this company with heart and the pursuit of excellence and the way they craft this and pass it on to their customers,” she continued as she encouraged the guests to take in the exhibit.
Reflecting on the almost two-decade partnership, Aeschlimann likened Kidman to family, making an awkward parallel to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday without naming the yearly family gathering meal specifically.
“We are growing together with Nicole, going from strength to strength; having loyal partners inspires us to be better daily. It’s the source of a lot of energy. We don’t see each other often, but we know when we are back together, it will be great again. That is why we are happy to have this longevity. Once you are in the family, you stay in the family,” said Aeschlimann.
In response to a question from O’Neill, the actor expressed her watch preferences.
“I am drawn to the jewelry aspects because when I go out, I want to be able to use watches to avoid my phone. I can tell the time without getting drawn into the vortex of emails, messages, and texts. I can tell the time, and it’s a piece of jewelry,” she said, offering she also likes to borrow husband Keith’s watches. “I like muscular, strong, and capable watches too.”
Kidman also let it slip that she will be in the Big Apple for a while. “I am about to start a film here. I’m really happy to go back to work,” she said, referring to the recent agreement to end the SAG actors’ strike. With another hour-and-a-half left for the event, Kidman wrapped up the remarks.
“Thank you for coming; stay while I mingle,” she cooed to the crowd as she descended, and the music rose again.
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