Recently, Hanadi and I were invited by Omega for an experiential that provided an insight into movement details of their watches alongside a presentation of their star pieces -- including the Basel 2014 beauties. Before this, we haven't really written much about watches on the blog, and this seemed like an exciting start to do so. Although I do dabble in the technicalities of horology from time to time for my features at work, I have never really seen the inside of one firsthand. So off we went one Saturday afternoon to the Swatch Group service centre in Saket, all set to discover what exactly is involved in their co-axial technology.
Founded in mid 19th century, this Swiss watch brand introduced the co-axial technology in 1999, a landmark achievement in its history, and introduced the proprietary co-axial calibres in 2007. Below is a video showcasing the Omega escapement -- the delicate technical bit that gives life to a watch's movement.
At the workshop, we had to don lab coats and dust protectors on our shoes -- a sort of hospital scrub like preparation, and each of us were assigned our own watch movement to play with (albeit carefully). In the first picture below, I have placed some of the dismantled components from the co-axial against a coin for size comparison. These miniature parts are like a puzzle, that fit into one another and interact to provide oscillation that is friction-free to a great degree compared to other escapements, and provide greater timekeeping precision. It may sound highly technical, but once I myself worked on the movement, I started understanding that it is simply a matter of genius physics at work -- and each craftsman at Omega treats every movement service like a surgery.
Here is another video that takes you step-by-step on the actual mechanics of the Omega Co-Axial calibre 9301:
Post this -- armed with fascinating insider's knowledge -- we headed for the watch showcase at Sheraton nearby. First up are these two his watches from the Speedmaster and Seamaster ranges. The Omega Speedmaster is one of their most legendary watch lines. Also called the 'Moonwatch', timekeepers from this collection have been worn by astronauts on many missions; it is also the first watch to be worn on the moon in 1969. Shown here is the 42 mm Steel on Steel model with a black dial covered by a hesalite crystal.
The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial Chronometer shown here is a reinterpretation of their classic watch, introduced at Basel 2014. It is is equipped with the new Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8400 and would be available for purchase in November.
Next are these dainty Seamaster trio for women with the calibre 8520 movement. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Master Co-Axial is available in 34, 38.5, and 41.5 mm dials with strap options of steel or dual-metal. The two 34 mm watches on left and right below feature steel and 18-k gold and rose gold on the bracelet, with the inside of mother-of-pearl on the dial which makes each watch one-of-a-kind. The indices feature 12 diamonds, and the bezel is completely set in diamonds. The watch in the centre is accentuated with a classic, simple bezel.
The skeleton back of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Master Co-Axial 34 mm rose gold version:
The other stars of Basel 2014 were the Constellation Pluma watches for him and her. The stylised dial of the ladies version has soft, wavy patterns reminiscent of a feather--on a base of mother-of-pearl dials available in natural white, champagne, gold or blue.
Next are the gorgeous De Villes -- so exquisitely feminine. The Omega De Ville Prestige Butterfly is available in sizes of 27.4 and 32.7 mm. These young, delicate designs showcases the contemporary side of the brand perfectly. The dials are presented in white pearled, mother-of-pearl, silver or champagne. On top is the 32.7 mm version that has a calibre 4061 and diamonds on eight of the indexes. The timepiece also features scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. The second watch features Omega calibre 2500, and is accentuated with diamonds on the bezel as well.
The look of the De Villes on your wrist -- leather and steel-yellow gold bracelet:
Me and Hanadi received a Seamaster and De ville to review personally. What would I pair the Seamaster with?
An evening soiree paired with vintage Givenchy disc earrings:
Against stylish sailor epaulettes on a black tailor-made jacket:
Along with a pair of silver, diamonds, and South Sea pearl drop earrings:
With the Chanel perfume iphone case:
Or with a beauty look featuring summer shades by Shiseido and Estee Lauder:
Or simply with a string of South Sea pearls:
Or a diamond tennis bracelet, and the stunning De Ville on the same wrist:
Watch courtesy: Omega
Founded in mid 19th century, this Swiss watch brand introduced the co-axial technology in 1999, a landmark achievement in its history, and introduced the proprietary co-axial calibres in 2007. Below is a video showcasing the Omega escapement -- the delicate technical bit that gives life to a watch's movement.
At the workshop, we had to don lab coats and dust protectors on our shoes -- a sort of hospital scrub like preparation, and each of us were assigned our own watch movement to play with (albeit carefully). In the first picture below, I have placed some of the dismantled components from the co-axial against a coin for size comparison. These miniature parts are like a puzzle, that fit into one another and interact to provide oscillation that is friction-free to a great degree compared to other escapements, and provide greater timekeeping precision. It may sound highly technical, but once I myself worked on the movement, I started understanding that it is simply a matter of genius physics at work -- and each craftsman at Omega treats every movement service like a surgery.
Post this -- armed with fascinating insider's knowledge -- we headed for the watch showcase at Sheraton nearby. First up are these two his watches from the Speedmaster and Seamaster ranges. The Omega Speedmaster is one of their most legendary watch lines. Also called the 'Moonwatch', timekeepers from this collection have been worn by astronauts on many missions; it is also the first watch to be worn on the moon in 1969. Shown here is the 42 mm Steel on Steel model with a black dial covered by a hesalite crystal.
The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial Chronometer shown here is a reinterpretation of their classic watch, introduced at Basel 2014. It is is equipped with the new Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8400 and would be available for purchase in November.
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| Top: OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch 42 mm. Below: OMEGA Seamaster 300 Co-Axial Chronometer |
Next are these dainty Seamaster trio for women with the calibre 8520 movement. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Master Co-Axial is available in 34, 38.5, and 41.5 mm dials with strap options of steel or dual-metal. The two 34 mm watches on left and right below feature steel and 18-k gold and rose gold on the bracelet, with the inside of mother-of-pearl on the dial which makes each watch one-of-a-kind. The indices feature 12 diamonds, and the bezel is completely set in diamonds. The watch in the centre is accentuated with a classic, simple bezel.
The skeleton back of the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Master Co-Axial 34 mm rose gold version:
The other stars of Basel 2014 were the Constellation Pluma watches for him and her. The stylised dial of the ladies version has soft, wavy patterns reminiscent of a feather--on a base of mother-of-pearl dials available in natural white, champagne, gold or blue.
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Next are the gorgeous De Villes -- so exquisitely feminine. The Omega De Ville Prestige Butterfly is available in sizes of 27.4 and 32.7 mm. These young, delicate designs showcases the contemporary side of the brand perfectly. The dials are presented in white pearled, mother-of-pearl, silver or champagne. On top is the 32.7 mm version that has a calibre 4061 and diamonds on eight of the indexes. The timepiece also features scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. The second watch features Omega calibre 2500, and is accentuated with diamonds on the bezel as well.
The look of the De Villes on your wrist -- leather and steel-yellow gold bracelet:
Me and Hanadi received a Seamaster and De ville to review personally. What would I pair the Seamaster with?
An evening soiree paired with vintage Givenchy disc earrings:
Against stylish sailor epaulettes on a black tailor-made jacket:
Along with a pair of silver, diamonds, and South Sea pearl drop earrings:
With the Chanel perfume iphone case:
Or with a beauty look featuring summer shades by Shiseido and Estee Lauder:
Or simply with a string of South Sea pearls:
Or a diamond tennis bracelet, and the stunning De Ville on the same wrist:
Watch courtesy: Omega
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