World premiere: Omega certifies a two-hand watch

Two years after the Laboratoire de Précision’s announcement, Swiss watch brand Omega introduces the Constellation Observatory collection. It uses an acoustic testing method combined with optical pointer tracking. This was developed by the Laboratoire de Précision and certified by METAS. The movements and watches in the collection undergo both chronometer and master chronometer testing. A second hand is not necessary for this. For the first time in watchmaking history, a two-hand watch with hour and minute hands has received Master Chronometer certification.

The Constellation Observatory

Since 1952, the Constellation has represented Omega’s commitment to certified precision. The Constellation Observatory collection marks the next step in this legacy. It includes two new movements in nine references. The 39.4mm timepieces combine decades of Constellation design heritage with modern precision testing and exclusive materials across the collection.

“Previously, precision certification required a second hand. The development of a new acoustic testing method has eliminated this requirement. This breakthrough has allowed us to introduce the Constellation Observatory. It is the first two-hand watch to achieve Master Chronometer certification,” said Raynald Aeschlimann, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omega.

The Laboratoire de Precision

The Laboratoire de Précision is an official, independent certification body. It is responsible for its own measurement technology and management. The Laboratoire is certified by METAS for the Master Chronometer and accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Body (SAS) as a testing laboratory for the chronometer. Its structure ensures impartial and confidential results that the wider watch industry can rely on.

Dual Metric Technology

The Laboratoire has developed a wireless, standalone test unit. This combines all certification processes for chronometers and master chronometers in a single device. Powered by Dual Metric technology, the unit continuously captures the sound of every tick and tock. At the same time, it records environmental parameters throughout the entire 25-day test phase: temperature; Position; Magnetic fields and atmospheric pressure.

Traditional testing was based on photographing the position of the second hand, recording one result per day. Dual Metric technology generates continuous data from the first second. The acoustic signature can isolate frequency irregularities, temperature and pressure sensitivities, positional deviations and amplitude fluctuations. Watchmakers can determine not only that a deviation exists, but also where and when it occurs.

Heritage design elements

The Omega Constellation Observatory collection reinterprets Omega’s defining aesthetic codes. The design language goes back to the 1948 Centenary, which laid the foundation for the Constellation. The dodecagonal ‘pie-pan’ dial followed shortly after the introduction of the first Constellation. It features the Constellation star at 6 o’clock and the Observatory medallion on the caseback. Guilloché appears on the facets of the ‘pie-pan’, a detail introduced with the early Grand Luxe models. The faceted kite-shaped indices and dauphine hands are inspired by previous Constellation models. The ‘dog-leg’ lugs were characteristic of the Omega models of this era. The nine-row brick pattern on the 18-karat Moonshine™ gold mesh bracelet is inspired by the vintage brick bracelets from Constellation’s early years.

Two new Master Chronometer calibers

Two new calibers can be found throughout the collection. Each is based on a skeletonized rotor base with polished or polished bevels, a rounded outer zone on the rotor and an applied Constellation Observatory medallion. They are presented in three categories: Grand Luxe, Luxe and Standard.

The 8915 Grand Luxe caliber is combined with the 950 platinum-gold edition. It features an 18K Sedna™ gold rotor base with a fine spiral finish and polished outer zone. The Observatory Medallion is crafted from 18k white gold and laser engraved. Its dark blue sky is enamelled with aventurine glass and highlighted by eight stars. The observatory’s dome is filled with translucent white opal enamel.

The Caliber 8915 Luxe movements are designed for the collection in 18k gold. For the first time in Omega history, they include a rotor and balance bridge made of 18-karat Moonshine™ gold, in addition to the usual 18-karat Sedna™ gold. The rotor base has an arabesque-shaped Geneva stripe with a horizontally brushed outer zone. The medallion is made of the corresponding 18-carat gold. It has laser-engraved elements and contrasting matte and polished surfaces.

The 8914 Standard caliber is a replica of the 8915 Luxe caliber with a rhodium-plated surface. It powers the O-Megasteel watches.

Materials and finishes

Precious metals (caliber 8915)

Four 18k gold finishes are designed to create a seamless precious metal look. Complete pieces of 18-karat Sedna™ or Moonshine™ gold combine the case, hand-guilloched dial and movement. They are available with leather straps or a metal bracelet. The 18K Canopus Gold™ model combines a simple watch with an 18K Sedna™ gold movement visible through the caseback.

The platinum-gold edition completes Omega’s precious metal repertoire. For the first time, all four of the brand’s own precious metal alloys are combined in a single collection.

O-Megasteel (caliber 8914)

There are four versions in Omega’s exclusive steel alloy. This was chosen for its hardness and mechanical properties. The collection introduces a black ceramic ‘pie pan’ dial. This is a significant technical achievement in dial manufacturing. It required extensive development to realize the precision of the dodecagonal shape in ceramic. Three other references have colored dials with punched groove facets.