Cover Omega Observatory Constellation collection in gold
Omega Observatory Constellation collection in gold
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Meet the Omega Constellation Observatory, the first two-hand watch to receive Master Chronometer certification
Precision is at the core of watchmaking, and Omega has just introduced a collection—not just a single watch—that showcases its savoir-faire in this department. Meet the Constellation Observatory timepiece, a two-hand mechanical wristwatch that is certifed Master Chronometer. A Master Chronometer certification means a fully assembled watch has passed stringent chronometric tests as well as its resistance against magnetism up to 15,000 gauss. It is considered one of the highest independent testing for a mechanical watch.
Omega first started certifying its watches with the Master Chronometer in 2015, but the Constellation Observatory is the first watch with only an hour and a minute hand to be certified. This is made possible by a new acoustic testing methodology, which made the presence of a seconds hand unneccessary.
Read more: How the Omega Seamaster went from a dress watch to a James Bond classic
Above Omega Constellation Observatory in steel
Omega Constellation Observatory in steel
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Testing traditionally relies on photographing the position of the seconds hand, with one result captured per day. Changing the game is Laboratoire de Précision, an independent chronometer testing facility established by Omega but open to all brands. It has developed the Dual Metric Technology, a self-contained testing unit that consolidates all Chronometer and Master Chronometer certification processes into a single device.
It tracks the sound of every tick from the first second, generating continuous data for 25 days. The acoustic signature can isolate frequency irregularities, temperature and pressure sensitivities, positional variation, and amplitude fluctuations. This not only helps watchmakers identify any anomalies, but also where and when they occur.
See also: Omega updates the Seamaster Planet Ocean
Above Omega Constellation Observatory in Moonshine gold with Moonshine Gold mesh bracelet
Omega Constellation Observatory in Moonshine gold with Moonshine Gold mesh bracelet
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For such a technical breakthrough, the Constellation Observatory is surprisingly dressy. Absent are the “claws” on both sides of the case, a standard design feature of the Constellation. Instead, its design recalls elements from 1950s Omega watches, from the dodecagonal pie-pan dial with guilloché and kite-shaped indexes and hands, to the dog-leg lugs. These retro elements, however, have been refined for a decidedly modern look.
Above Calibre 8915 Grand Luxe with Sedna Gold rotor and an Observatory medallion on aventurine
Calibre 8915 Grand Luxe with Sedna Gold rotor and an Observatory medallion on aventurine
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The collection introduces two new Master Chronometer calibres, the 8915 and the 8914. The former is found in the upscale gold versions, complete with openworked gold rotors decorated with the Observatory dome. The latter powers the O-Megasteel watches.
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
