More often than not the Swiss watch industry is characterized as antiquated or out of touch. Omega (part of The Swatch Group) surprised us with a touch of modern humanity this week. It wasn’t another limited edition Speedmaster, it was something as simple as some free printable coloring pages.
Many parents of school-aged kids are losing their minds while at home during the social distancing requirements of the global COVID-19 pandemic, myself included. Desperate for things to do between online-school assignments, we printed the Omega Coloring Book out and got busy. Designs got loud as the color palates become bold.
Buried between the lines is a carefully constructed marketing message that includes sports that Omega sponsors such as golf and sailing. There are also Olympic events such as swimming and bobsledding scenes to color. Omega deliberately included watches that are marketed to different genders such as the co-axial Speedmaster and a bedazzled Constellation. To keep it light there are some cartoonish pictures of astronauts and the Earth mixed in. It’s a fairly well-rounded twenty-page collection.
What surprised us the most was how Omega was able to make a small gesture that addressed the immediate needs of families around the world. This is a great way to cost-effectively build Omega brand recognition early on with youngsters. Many adults might enjoy relieving some stress through coloring as well. This won’t save the world, but it’s a welcome distraction. Thanks Omega!
Download and print the Omega Coloring Book for free!
Special thanks to my kids for supplying the artwork.
Greg is a long-time watch lover based in upstate New York. Greg is a supply chain professional by day and private watch consultant by night. Greg brings his own style to the TBWS website as a contributor by blending bits of humor into technical assessments. You can follow his cycling and snowboarding adventures on Instagram as he pursues the perfect 3-watch collection.