Curations: How Omega puts its Master Chronometer watches to the ultimate test of quality
- A 10-day process takes timepieces through a series of tests checking their performance in magnetic fields, underwater and amid changing temperatures
- The Swiss luxury brand’s certification was first applied to its Globemaster model in 2015, and it now defines a growing family of mechanical watches
Since the 19th century, Omega has remained in constant pursuit of precision in watchmaking and timekeeping, raising the bar time and again with new technologies, designs and practices.
The Master Chronometer standard reflects several horological achievements developed by Omega, including its Co-Axial escapement that operates with less friction, resulting in greater mechanical efficiency and long-lasting precision.
It also highlights the watchmaker’s success in conquering the effects of magnetism on timepieces. Magnetic fields are being constantly generated by electronics such as smartphones (380 gauss) and laptops (1,200 gauss), and can interfere with the functions of mechanical watches.
Omega solved this problem by developing a non-ferrous alloy called Nivagauss, which is used in its Co-Axial calibres along with a silicon balance spring. These materials give the brand’s anti-magnetic watches the ability to resist powerful magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss – the level typically generated by an MRI scanner – as well as sudden shocks.
In light of these innovations, Master Chronometer certification is only granted to Omega watches that are proven to function perfectly through various conditions of everyday wear while also demonstrating exceptional levels of magnetic resistance. This is determined through a series of eight stringent tests conducted on both the watch and movement over a 10-day period.
The eight tests have been approved and certified by Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), a government authority on measuring instruments and methodologies. But before that testing can begin, the movement must first be certified by Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), an institute that tests and verifies the precision of calibres made by Swiss watch brands. As a result, fulfilling the Master Chronometer requirements means double certification for the Omega timepieces.
Omega’s newest factory, located at the brand’s headquarters in Bienne, Switzerland, houses facilities and machinery for quality and technical testing in addition to the production assembly line. METAS also has offices there so it can oversee the testing process.
