OMEGA Watchmaking – Pioneers In History
OMEGA Watchmaking – Introduction
Today we’re going to talk about an important piece of watchmaking history. Since the watch industry has grown in Switzerland, OMEGA has taken an important pioneer role. Manufacturing a watch is a tough path towards perfection and of course, accuracy.
From OMEGA’s beginnings, their timepieces have recorded some of the most significant moments in the world (and in space). They have been worn by presidents and kings, astronauts and spies, movie stars and entrepreneurs. Behind each one is a legacy of horological quality and innovation.
OMEGA’s First Antimagnetic Watch
2013 OMEGA presented their first antimagnetic watch. The Seamaster Aqua Terra model equipped with the calibre 8508, is resistant to 15’000 Gauss. Instead of using an inner soft iron case Omega developed a movement based on antimagnetic components. Everyone knows that we are surrounded by magnetic fields and that they get more and stronger almost every year.
But let’s explain why: If a mechanical watch gets magnetised, the magnetic field has a severe influence on the accuracy of it. Most mechanical watch movements are traditionally made of mostly metal, meaning they are susceptible to magnetic fields. The big challenge now was, to build an antimagnetic watch. A resistance of 15’000 Gauss is masterwork and requires a lot of innovation.
Besides – you can test pretty easy: take a normal watch and get a magnet. Holding it close, will make it stop. If you do the same with an OMEGA – it will have no influence.
OMEGA – The World’s First Master Master Chronometer
If it says ‘Master Chronometer’ on the dial of your watch, you can be sure it contains the most precise movement. OMEGA has built its reputation on revolutionary watch movements. And the Master Chronometer watches, which earn that designation by passing tests approved by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, put their COSC-certified chronometer calibres in the spotlight once again.
8 tests have to be completed in order to earn this certificate, which is officially proved by METAS (Federal Institute Of Metrology).
1. Function of COSC-Approved movement during exposure to 15,000 Gauss (1.5 Tesla) magnetic field
This test examines the movement of the watch, placing it in two different positions and subjecting it to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss.
2. Function of watch during exposure to 15,000 Gauss magnetic field
In this test, the watch is subjected to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss.
3. Deviation of daily chronometric precision after exposure to 15,000 Gauss
In this test, the watch is subjected to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss and its chronometric precision is calculated after 24 hours.
4. Average Daily Chronometric precision of the watch
This test is carried out over four days. During these days, the watch is placed in six different positions and two alternating temperature zones.
5. Power Reserve
This test checks the power reserve of the watch by proving that it continues to function at the limit of its expected capacity.
6. Deviation of chronometric precision in six positions
In this test, the watch is placed in six different positions and its chronometric precision is recorded in each one.
7. Deviation of chronometric precision between 100% and 33% of power reserve
In this test, the watch is placed in six different positions and its chronometric precision is recorded at 100% power reserve in each one.
8. Water resistance
This test submerges the watch underwater, gradually applying more pressure up the point of the stated water resistance.
Example of a Master Chronometer Certificate
OMEGA – The Seamaster ‘Deep Black’ Collection
A beautiful novelty is the creation of the ‘Deep Black’ Collection. In our universe, the Earth’s oceans are naturally linked to the moon in our sky. For OMEGA, the connection can also be found in their latest ceramic collection. From the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon that was first released in 2013, OMEGA has evolved its ceramic expertise to produce the Seamaster Planet Ocean “Deep Black”. This time, the craftsmanship has gone much further.
These four remarkable 45.5 mm timepieces are the combination of a GMT model and a diving watch. The true technical challenge was to produce a diving watch made entirely from ceramic and ensure that it could withstand the pressures of the ocean at a depth of 600 m / 2000 ft. / 60 bar. However, the goal has been achieved, and the result is a state-of-the-art creation that stands alone in the industry. Of course, the new ‘Deep Black’ collection contains the master chronometer calibre (8906)which is also resistant to 15’000 Gauss. Besides that, you’re getting a 4 years warranty.
