For years, Swiss timepieces have been revered as the highest expression of accuracy and precision. From the origins of ingenious pocket-watches to innovative movements, OMEGA is known for its pioneering spirit and limitless boundary-breaking.
In celebration of the watch maison, we twist the crown of time back to the beginnings of desire for absolute precision, and trace the timeline of the evolution in timekeeping.
The Birth of Accuracy from Omega
Louis Brandt, a young watchmaker working within a workshop in the small Swiss village of La-Chaux-de-Fonds, began to develop his desire for true precision in timepieces in 1848. With a focus on complete accuracy, Brandt quickly became a well-known, established watchmaker both within Switzerland and throughout Europe.
His legacy of precision was continued through his two sons, Louis-Paul and Cesar. In 1879, after their father Louis’s passing, the brothers led the watch-maison through their unwavering determination. Moving their timepiece-crafting headquarters to the bustling town of Biel/Bienne in 1880, they took the name Louis Brandt & Fils, where they continued their advancements in watchmaking. In 1885, the brothers crafted their first series-produced calibre, the “Labrador”, boasting evolved technical movements and timing.
It was then, in 1892, that the brothers premiered their first minute-repeater designed for the wrist. A miniturised version of existing pocket watch movements, the small and highly complex calibre chimed hours and minutes on demand.
Two years later, “OMEGA” was born under the 19-ligne calibre. A precise, series-produced movement built with components that could be replaced without modifications by watchmakers globally. This movement became so successful that the brothers chose to rename Louis Brandt & Fils to OMEGA.
Timing Every Second: Omega’s Sport Watches
The Swiss watch Maison went on to become one of the leading precision timekeepers for athletes everywhere. In 1905, OMEGA served as the official timekeeper at sixteen sporting events across Switzerland.
Since 1932, OMEGA have proudly fulfilled the role of Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games. A defining moment in their legacy at the Olympics occurred in 1948, when the brand introduced the revolutionary use of a photoelectric cell for the first time. This pioneering innovation marked a turning point in the world of sport timing, proving to surpass human accuracy with unprecedented precision.
From that point onwards, OMEGA’s timepieces and instruments have measured every race, swim and game down to the second. With a continued vision of success and shared admiration for the heritage of the brand, even today, OMEGA presents new advances in the form of their Quantum Timer, a timer that can record an enhanced resolution of 1 µs (one millionth of a second).
The Ultimate Test of Precision: The Speed of Light
The desire for precision did not stop at sport. In the late 1950s, OMEGA found itself in its own global ‘space race’. With the growing desire for the first country to reach the moon, watch Maisons turned their attention to the stars.
Astronaut Wally Schirra equipped himself with his personal OMEGA Speedmaster on his Mercury mission on October 3, 1962. Once he returned, his Speedmaster had proved its strength and capability, sparking NASA to qualify timepieces for their astronauts.
In 1965, NASA opened applications for watchmakers to submit their timepieces for upcoming space missions. These timepieces endured various boundary-breaking tests and, once again, proved the durability and precision born from OMEGA’s integral pillar of innovation. The Speedmaster became OMEGA’s first watch on the moon on July 21st, 1969, as part of Astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s infamous moon-walking attire.
Related: The First Omega in Space
Modern Advances: The Introduction of the Co-aixal Escapements and Master Chronometer
With two impressive partnerships under OMEGA’s belt, innovation did not stop. In 1999, they launched a turning point in its mechanical watchmaking with the Co-Axial escapement. By using smaller contact surfaces, the Co-Axial escapement produces less friction and requires less lubricant, making it more reliable than traditional movements.
OMEGA continued their pursuit of horological excellence with the Master Chronometer certification, introduced in 2015. The certification validates these timepieces that conquer eight rigorous and thorough tests, which have been set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). From the function of movement during magnetic exposure to power reserve testing and chronometric precision, only timepieces that pass these stringent tests will earn the certification.
Finding your Omega at Michael Spiers
The concept of their ingenious, interchangeable watch straps are versatile. This means that if you have a preferred dial, depending on the strap, you may be able to interchange it from a polished-metal bracelet to a sleek leather strap, enabling a smooth transition for your timepiece. As a result, the opportunities for finding your perfect OMEGA are endless.
At Michael Spiers, we are proud to offer a wide range of exquisite Swiss timepieces. Hosted in our newly refurbished Exeter showroom, our extended OMEGA suite offers a wide array of exquisite timepieces for every occasion.
If you would like to explore more about the world of OMEGA, we invite you to our showrooms in Truro, Plymouth and Exeter, where our friendly teams can help you find a piece that is perfect for you.
