The single most important element of a timepiece is arguably its accuracy. Substance will always trump style in this horology arena, as the owner of any model will want their watch to keep a reliable account of the time first and foremost, before being wooed by sparkling add-ons and enchanting attributes. With that in mind, OMEGA has introduced chronometric testing to its new Laboratoire de Précision, based in the Swiss cities of Bienne and Villeret.
Granted authorisation by the Swiss Accreditation Service to carry out alternative and independent testing of mechanical movement, the Laboratoire de Précision will join the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres in granting official certified chronometer titles to future timepieces. And while the laboratory is the brainchild of OMEGA, other watch brands and movement manufacturers will have full access to the centre’s chronometric testing opportunities.
Among its standard chronometric equipment, the Laboratoire de Précision has developed flexible in-house technologies that enable uninterrupted high-precision measurements within tailored conditions, such as varying positions and temperatures. The technologies will allow the laboratory to gather results over a period of 15 days of chronometric testing, rather than the current industry standard of taking precision measurements every 24 hours. Every beat of the calibre will be measured and assessed with a measurement accuracy estimated to be 10 times higher than current testing assessments, leading to a deeper understanding of a timepiece’s chronometric performance and therefore improving overall performance.
OMEGA is no stranger to revolutionary ideas. The brand launched the co-axial escapement with master watchmaker George Daniels in 1999 that resulted in less friction and greater reliability for its timepieces. And in 2008, it unveiled the Silicon Si14 balance spring that is three times finer than a human hair, shock resistant and completely unaffected by magnetic fields, improving the hands’ movements. Say goodbye to late arrivals with OMEGA’s trendsetting timepieces, which promise precision timing on which you can depend.
