Photos: DR

A leading watch manufacturer, OMEGA has always strived since its creation in 1848 to produce high-performance watch movements, combining robustness, reliability and precision.

OMEGA chronometers reflect the elite of production, published in a pocket version then as a wristwatch from around 1915, technical development and precision competitions (the Observatories of Geneva and Neuchâtel - the most famous in Switzerland) allow the manufacture to quickly rise to the ranks of the best.

The chronometer is a watch.

The designation of the chronometer: is said of a watch officially certified high precision nowadays by the COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Control), whose deviations cannot exceed -4 and +6 seconds per day.

In 1929, we could read the slogan:
"OMEGA, the exact time for life"

OMEGA is committed to certified precision long before the birth of COSC, since 1894.

In 1936, in England, at Kew-Teddington, OMEGA distinguished itself brilliantly with a result of 97,8 points out of 100, an unequaled result, the caliber 47,7 becomes the ambassador of Swiss precision and will be presented during the New York World's Fair in 1939.

In 1974, OMEGA, which diversified into quartz calibers, produced the one and only wristwatch which obtained the supreme title of marine chronometer, ensuring a rate deviation of less than one second per month. This is the OMEGA Constellation Marine Chronometer Megaquartz 2400.

In 1980, OMEGA developed another chronometer of larger volume for the French Navy, the precision of which would be unequaled.

Traditional technology with mechanical watches found a real revival in the mid-1980s, and the arrival of the revolutionary Co-Axial caliber marked a new turning point in the history of watchmaking.

Created in 1999, the OMEGA De Ville Co-Axial is the first wrist chronometer to be fitted with the revolutionary automatic caliber 2500 with Co-Axial escapement, patent developed by the Englishman George Daniels. This system is one of the major watchmaking inventions of the XNUMXth century in the field of mechanical watches. The Co-Axial escapement practically nullifies the friction of the anchor wheel, thus overcoming a major problem for watchmakers, that of the lubrication of the escapement.

The Co-Axial extends the service life and above all ensures precision and long-term stability. The Caliber 2500 opens a new chapter in the mass production of OMEGA wristwatches.

The Co-Axial escapement is the first innovative and functional escapement invented in 250 years; he came to challenge the supremacy of the Swiss lever escapement, which has long been the pillar of the industry.

In 2007, OMEGA launched its own exclusive Co-Axial 8500 in-house caliber which allows this new escapement to operate in perfect conditions.

In 2008, the Maison launched the antimagnetic silicon balance spring in its exclusive OMEGA Co-Axial calibers.

In the same year, the saga continued with the launch of the Co-Axial 8520/8521 manufacture caliber specially designed for small diameter watches. This caliber is introduced into the new Aqua Terra collection for women.

The range of Co-Axial calibers has been constantly enriched: the first Omega Co-Axial chronograph caliber is the 9300/9301, it has a power reserve that reaches 60 hours, finally the 9605/9615 brings together the chronograph, GMT and date functions.

OMEGA, continuing its quest for performance and precision, launched in 2013 its exclusive antimagnetic technology with the Seamaster Aqua Terra> 15'000 Gauss wristwatch which is resistant to the highest radiations. The OMEGA Co-Axial 8508 caliber represents the world's first truly antimagnetic mechanical movement.

This year, the brand announced an “evolution in the revolution”: the new Master Co-Axial calibres represent a spectacular advance, bringing together the Co-Axial escapement and antimagnetism> 15 Gauss.

Antimagnetic technology is industrialized and will be integrated into the mechanical movements of men's and women's watches.

OMEGA invites you to discover 14 emblematic models from 1930 to the present, from the Biel museum, retracing this saga.