We all know that Omega prefers an anniversary, but the one that I’m currently celebrating with them in Bienne is very meaningful. This year marks 125 years since the Calibre Omega — a 19-ligne movement that was so great that the company changed its name to the replica Omega Watch Company in 1903, and the rest is history, just as they said.
But what made the Calibre so amazing that it earned the declarative moniker of Omega — the last letter of the Greek alphabet — and the ‘ultimate’ achievement in watch-making? However, this caliber matters because it was innovative — it was awarded a patent for setting and winding via the crown, but more than that it mattered because it was the first serially moved, a movement that was not only produced using an industrial production line method, but it also meant that parts were manufactured very precisely, and thus interchangeable or replaceable. We might take it for granted now, but whenever you drop your watch in for a routine service, you owe a small debt to the fake Omega Calibre.
Omega has launched two very unique watches to celebrate this achievement. The first is a very particular, very limited half-hunter pocket watch with the crown at three. These replica watches are made using original 19-ligne movement components. The bridges, main plates, escapements, and balance spring are original but paired with some more contemporary elements, like the mainspring and barrel, screws, and chatons. Like last year’s 18 CHRO watch, this is a very special piece and one that stands for a ‘living’ bridge between Omega’s past and future.
Less limited, but no less special is the great new Omega De Ville Tresor 125th Anniversary Special Edition, a truly elegant 40mm 18k yellow gold watch with a luxurious red enamel dial — the first time Omega replica has used this kind of dial. The deep Bordeaux color, paired with the gold and simple stick hours and hands is very fine indeed, with just the right degree of dandy-ish appeal. The case back is equally as impressive, with a commemorative 125 years medallion in the middle of the solid case, filled with red enamel, and in the historic Omega font. Inside the watch beats the brand new Master Chronometer Calibre 8929. A tribute to the original 19-ligne caliber, this is the first Master Chronometer certified manually wound caliber.