From left: IFAW President and CEO, Azzedine Downes and OMEGA President and CEO, Raynald Aeschlimann.
For OMEGA, the seahorse has long been a defining figure for the Swiss watchmaker. It appears on every Seamaster caseback, symbolising the line’s water-resistant pedigree. The association between the marine creature and OMEGA’s horological expertise reflects the brand’s deep-rooted connection to the sea—a relationship that began in 1932 with the launch of its first diving watch, the Marine.
Decades later, in 1957, the seahorse emblem was introduced on Seamaster casebacks and has since become one of OMEGA’s most enduring symbols, representing both craftsmanship and ocean heritage. Today, in honour of the species that inspired this icon, OMEGA has strengthened its commitment to marine conservation through a new partnership with the Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Center in Marina di Ravenna.
Ocean Protector
(Photo: Pietro Formis)
The collaboration marks an important step for both the watchmaker and the pioneering conservation team. Seahorses are vital indicators of ocean health, offering insight into the condition of key habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. OMEGA’s support represents a meaningful investment in protecting endangered seahorse species native to the Adriatic.
Supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the centre plays a crucial role in rescuing, rehabilitating and studying vulnerable marine life. From whales and dolphins to seahorses, IFAW’s interventions save individual animals while generating data that informs global conservation policy.
“This project feels deeply personal to OMEGA,” says Raynald Aeschlimann, the brand’s President and CEO. “With our passion for the ocean and historic association with the seahorse, we were immediately drawn to this worthwhile work. It’s wonderful to see the rehabilitation already underway, and to know that global cooperation from brands like OMEGA can help the initiative grow.”
Marine Ecosystem
IFAW President and CEO Azzedine Downes underscores the urgency: “Seahorses may be small, but their role in the balance and biodiversity of our oceans is immense. The threats they face demand urgent, collaborative action, and this effort shows what’s possible when global partners invest in local solutions.”
Seahorses are essential to maintaining marine biodiversity and often serve as indicators of ecosystem wellbeing. The Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Center provides specialised care, breeding and rehabilitation for injured or by-catch seahorses, aiming to release them into protected marine environments.
(Photo: Pietro Formis)
The results to date are significant. With support from OMEGA and IFAW, the centre rescued and rehabilitated 1,200 seahorses in 2024. Expanded facilities— including refurbished rescue spaces and upgraded tanks—now enable it to care for up to 2,000 seahorses annually. Each animal receives targeted treatment before being tagged and released into safeguarded coastal zones, contributing valuable data that helps address gaps highlighted by the IUCN Red List.
As OMEGA continues to champion ocean-focused initiatives worldwide, its partnership with the Seamaster Seahorse Rescue Center highlights a clear message: protecting marine life demands both global commitment and dedicated local action.
