The Seamaster Olympic Collection

From Omega -

Courtesy of Omega

Available in every color of the Olympic rings.

Courtesy of Omega

 The case is 39.5 mm and of stainless steel.

Courtesy of Omega

Hours, minutes, seconds and date at 6 o'clock.

Courtesy of Omega

The movement is the Omega 8800, which features a very impressive 55 hours of power reserve. 

Courtesy of Omega

Per the fact sheet:
Self-winding movement with Co-Axial escapement.
Certified Master Chronometer, approved by METAS,
resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss.
Free sprung-balance with silicon balance spring,
automatic winding in both directions. Rhodium plated
finish with Geneva waves in arabesque.

Courtesy of Omega

Here are the rest of the pertinents, straight from Biel -

CRYSTAL
Domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with
anti-reflective treatment on both sides

WATCH CASE & DIAL
Case: Steel
Case Diameter: 39.5 mm
Dial Colour: Black 

WATER RESISTANCE
6 bar (60 metres / 200 feet)
 
FEATURES
Anti-magnetic
Chronometer
Date
Limited edition
Transparent case back

Beyond Astronauts!

The Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer from Omega -

Courtesy of Omega

The words Omega Speedmaster invariably bring up images of astronauts and daring-do.  But the Speedmaster is much more than that, and this latest offering from the Speedmaster family bears that out.

The World's First Master Chronometer

From Omega -

Courtesy of Omega

And a pretty swell video tells the story -





The press release did not provide copious details, and I have no doubt those will follow in good time. But for now, here's what they sent, in their own words -

OMEGA PRESENTS THE WORLD’S FIRST MASTER CHRONOMETER
Beginning a new era in watchmaking excellence, OMEGA and METAS proudly share the creation, process and results of the industry-changing Master Chronometer certification.

At a press conference held at OMEGA’s HQ in Biel, Switzerland, the world’s first Master Chronometer has been made official. Not only does this represent a momentous occasion for the brand, it also sets a new standard of watchmaking for the entire industry.

In 2014, OMEGA and the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) announced their collaboration on a new watch certification, whereby precision and performance would be tested and approved like never before. A year on, and the entire process is now fully active. With a new METAS Lab housed at the heart of OMEGA’s operations, the Globemaster has officially become the first watch to achieve the “Master Chronometer” rating.

On stage, Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek was joined by Dr Christian Bock, Director of METAS, as well as Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA, and Andreas Hobmeier, OMEGA's Vice President of Production and Procurement. 

Opening the press conference, Nick Hayek described the importance of the moment.
“We all know about the importance of beautiful products, history and innovation. But one other thing is so important. That’s trust. Trust for our consumers. By working with an independent organisation such as METAS, we can be transparent for the consumer, and reconfirm that the Swiss watch industry is the leader in precision and innovation.”

METAS has of course been a critical partner in creating the new Master Chronometer certification. Speaking on stage, Dr Bock described the importance of their role and reconfirmed the message of trust.
“Trust is the core of our business at METAS. We are a government agency, the leading centre for all measurements in Switzerland. And above all, we are consumer and client driven. That’s why it was important to ensure that this new standard for mechanical watches is open to every brand.”

While industry-standard COSC certification remains an integral part of OMEGA’s process, the new METAS testing will effectively double the certification of each watch, giving OMEGA and other Swiss watchmakers the opportunity to demonstrate the quality and timekeeping performance of their watches to a greater extent than has previously been possible. With 8 tests carried out over 10 days, each watch must pass a range of criteria that replicate real-life wearing conditions, including exposure to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss.
After explaining each individual test, Mr Hobmeier proudly displayed the world’s first Master Chronometer, the Globemaster, while briefly describing the effort involved in its creation.

“Trust is something you can only gain if you walk the talk. Our team has been working very hard with METAS to perfect the details. It is an honour to present the first watch that has passed these tests.”
The test results of the watch were also shown, demonstrating how customers can now check the individual results of their own watch by going online.

Having achieved this milestone, OMEGA has signalled the future of the brand. As a renowned watchmaking pioneer, this occasion will certainly rank as one of its most defining moments. 

OMEGA Bids the COSC Adieu

When you have one of (if not the) world's best movements, you tend to set your sights a little higher.  And OMEGA has continued to push the envelope with today's news.

In brief, OMEGA will be shifting to the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (also known as METAS) in a partnership to seek a better standard for measuring accuracy.

Courtesy of OMEGA

Without putting to fine a point on it, Mr. Hayek expressed a feeling that the standards of the COSC were perhaps a bit lacking and needed to be strengthened in light of the expectations that people have of a watch with a COSC certificate.  And frankly I couldn't agree more.  

The new standard will go into place in 2015, and what I think is the most important thing (if I understood the information correctly) is that this test will assess a CASED watch, not just the movement in a plastic box!

So once again, BRAVO OMEGA!  Keep moving forward.