New acoustic testing method delivers a watchmaking first for Omega

Omega has introduced the Constellation Observatory collection, the result of a new acoustic testing method.

Combined with optical hand tracking developed by the Laboratoire de Précision, and certified by METAS, the collection’s movements and watches undergo both Chronometer and Master Chronometer testing without the need for a seconds hand. 

This marks a first in watchmaking history with a two-hand hour and minute watch achieving Master Chronometer certification.

Reflecting on the achievement, Raynald Aeschlimann, president and CEO of OMEGA, said: “Until now, precision certification has required a seconds hand. The development of a new acoustic testing methodology has made that requirement obsolete.

Adding: “It is this breakthrough that has enabled us to present the Constellation Observatory, the first two-hand watch to achieve Master Chronometer certification.”

The Constellation Observatory Collection offers two new movements across nine references, all at 39.4mm.

The calibres are each built on a skeletonised rotor base with polished or shined bevels, rounded outer zone on the rotor, and an applied Constellation Observatory medallion. They are presented in three categories: Grand Luxe, Luxe, and Standard.

The calibre 8915 Grand Luxe pairs the 950 Platinum-Gold edition. It features a rotor base in 18K Sedna Gold in fine spiral finish with polished outer zone. 

The Observatory medallion is in 18K white gold, laser-ablated, with its dark blue sky enamelled with aventurine glass and highlighted by eight stars, the Observatory dome filled with translucent white opal enamel.

Calibre 8915 Luxe movements are designed for the 18K gold collection, including the first use of an 18K Moonshine Gold rotor and balance bridge in Omega’s history, in addition to the usual 18K Sedna Gold. 

The rotor base bears the Geneva waves in arabesque with horizontally brushed outer zone. The medallion is in 18K corresponding gold with laser-ablated elements, contrasting mat and polished finishes.

Calibre 8914 Standard is a replica of Calibre 8915 Luxe in rhodium-plated finish, powering the O-MEGASTEEL watches.

The launch of the collection is the result of nearly 80 years of precision-focused work for Omega which began in 1948 when it introduced the Centenary, its first chronometer-certified automatic wristwatch.