A modern timepiece powered by an original movement from 1913
OMEGA is a company known for its craftsmanship. Now, for its latest creation, the brand has reintroduced a piece of technology from its past. The “First OMEGA Wrist-Chronograph Limited Edition” is a new collection comprising of just 18 watches, which house an original “18’’’ CHRO calibre“ from 1913.
The prized calibres have been delicately refurbished by the experts at OMEGA’s Atelier Tourbillon and given a new lease of life for the use inside these new Limited Edition models.
The “First OMEGA Wrist-Chronograph Limited Edition” was launched at the brand’s “Museum Night” in Biel, Switzerland on July the 2nd. Guests had the first glimpse of the new watch. Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA said, “In all my years at this company, I’ve never seen a project quite like this one. The movements are 105 years old, but now their story is set to continue. The skills involved in the refurbishment and craftsmanship is remarkable and we’re very proud to now share the results.”
First OMEGA Wrist-Chronograph Limited Edition
In 1913, OMEGA became one of the world’s earliest producer’s of wrist-chronographs and the “18’’’ CHRO calibre“ was integral to those watches. For today’s project, the OMEGA Museum played a significant role in supplying the 18 original “18”’ CHRO calibres”, which were retrieved from heritage timepieces within their vaults.
For the outside design of the 47.5 mm timepieces, OMEGA has followed the look of an OMEGA wrist-chronograph from 1913, with classic details such as the riveted leather strap and the white enamel dial with blued “Empire” hands and hollow Arabic numerals. This design was appreciated amongst military personnel during the First World War. Aviators, especially, were drawn to the easy-to-read dial design and 15-minute counters. Numerous models were delivered to the Royal Flying Corps and were used by famous wartime pilots and soldiers in history.
First OMEGA Wrist-Chronograph Limited Edition
Modern materials have also been included, such as 18K white gold for the case, and 18K “SednaTM“ gold for the crown and pusher. The classic design features a hatched caseback, which can be flipped open to reveal the refurbished movement positioned behind sapphire-crystal.
First OMEGA Wrist-Chronograph Limited Edition
Each chronograph is delivered inside a handcrafted leather trunk. This box includes two additional leather straps in “novonappa gold” leather and burgundy leather, as well as unique strap-changing tools, loupe and a travel pouch. The retail price for this Chronograph is about 120.000 CHF.
