ReviewOmega Globemaster – The world’s first master chronometer

If there’s one brand that’s created history and has been a part of history for over 115 years, it’s Omega. The moon, stars, sea, earth, you name it and Omega has been there, etching a mark everywhere. In 1969 when Buzz Aldrin stepped on the surface of the moon, he was wearing a Speedmaster, the chronograph that has been known as the Moonwatch ever since. Omega watches have been to the moon and back, a part of many legendary moments in the history of US presidents and accompanied James Bond on every adventure since 1995. Actually, it’s not just a brand, it’s a symbol of aspiration. The legacy associated with Omega dates back to 1903. But long before the Speedmaster and the Seamaster created history, it was the Constellation that was Omega’s flagship. Associated with unconventional looks and path-breaking technology, the Constellation is still the epitome of elegance and sophistication. What’s interesting is that when the Constellation was launched in the United States, this line of watches was at first known as the Omega Globemaster due to a trademark conflict which was resolved in 1956. The new Omega Globemaster is a direct descendant of the vintage Omega Constellation of the 1950s, enriched with many unique features. Read on to find out why the Omega Globemaster is called the Master Chronometer and will continue the brand’s streak of being a legacy pacesetter.

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Drum Roll – The Omega Globemaster Master Chronometer

Creating a huge sensation at its launch, the Omega Globemaster when introduced seemed like a recreation of the first 1952 Constellation model (given its Pie-Pan dial), but what made the crowd go gaga was that the watch is the first Omega that meets the Master Chronometer standard, consisting of 8 important features. What are those features you ask? Well, click on the video below and you shall find out.

What makes it the ‘Master Chronometer’:

The METAS or the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology Certification along with COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) makes this captivating timepiece a ‘Master Chronometer’ instead of a regular Chronometer. Back in December 2014, Omega announced that starting the following year, this would become a standard certification for all their timepieces and the Omega Co-Axial Globemaster is the primogenial collection to be tested and to acquire the METAS certification.

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One thing to be kept in mind is that prior to obtaining a METAS certification, it is mandatory for the watch to be declared a Chronometer by COSC. It is anything but easy to obtain the certification and the other eight important tests are as follows:

1. The average daily precision of the watch – A test running over 4 days checks the daily precision of the watch in day to day wearing conditions. Exposed to different positions, temperatures and magnetised at 15,000 gauss and then demagnetised, the watch is inspected again in different temperatures and positions. For each step, a photograph is taken of the watch and checked 24 hours later for accuracy against UTC time.

2. The function of the movement during exposure to 15,000 Gauss magnetic field – This step checks only the movement of the watch. The watch is placed in two different positions and is then subjected to a magnetic force of 15,000 gauss. The functioning of the movement is then audibly checked during a time of 30 seconds in each position.

3. The function of the watch during exposure to 15,000 Gauss magnetic field – In case you are wondering why the watch has to undergo so many magnetic tests, here’s the answer. We are surrounded by magnetism. Our phones, tablets, handbags all possess magnetism. Because mechanical watches without anti-magnetic innovation can suffer long-term effects in their accuracy when exposed to these magnetic fields, these tests are required. In this step, the entire watch is subjected to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss, with the functioning being checked by way of audio.
4. Deviation of daily precision during exposure to 15,000 Gauss magnetic field – Working the average deviation of the watch between day 2 and day 3 of the 1st step, the result shows the daily precision of the watch before and after exposure to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss.

5. Water Resistance – By applying more pressure on the watch when it is submerged underwater, the water resistance is tested beyond the point of the claimed water resistance. Each watch is tested properly, checking for any deviations.

6. Power Reserve – This test is fairly simple. The power reserve of the watch is checked by taking pictures at the beginning and end of the expected limit.

7. Deviation of rate between 100% and 33% of power reserve – Similar to the sides of a dice, the watch is put in six different positions. With the watch at full power, the watch spends 30 seconds in each position, with average precision recorded by way of audio. The power reserve is then reduced by two-thirds and checked again, to ensure that precision is kept even when the watch is not at full power.

8. Deviation of the rate in six positions – This test is similar to the previous test, and checks for any deviation in the running time when the watch is placed in six different positions, similar again to each side of a dice. With 30 seconds in each position, the results are recorded on audio. By placing a watch in different positions, it is ensured that the watch performs as per claims and standards despite the activity being performed by the wearer.

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Dressed to impress

Moving past the technicalities, the Globemaster is an absolute stunner. The collection consisting of 11 models that are available in 5 different metals namely, stainless steel, 18K yellow gold, 18K Sedna gold, a two-tone in stainless steel and 18K yellow gold and a platinum 352-piece limited edition.

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As if the metal variation wasn’t enough to add to the smothering good looks, the watches are available in two dial styles, one with a silvered opaline dial (available on the steel, gold, two-tone and platinum versions) and one with a blue sun-brushed dial (available on the steel and two-tone). The dials and bezels are complemented by leather straps or metal bracelets. While the stainless steel model with blue dial and two-tone models are fitted with a dark blue alligator strap, the same model with the silvered opaline dial features a grey alligator strap.

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The date window sits effortlessly at 6 0’clock right below the constellation star, denoting that the Globemaster is a direct descendent of the Constellation series. The 39mm case is crafted royally with a satin brushed finish.

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What captures any watch lover’s attention is the distinct shape of the lugs; known as chamfers, these are the polished outer edges of the lugs. The fluted bezel, the vintage constellation design along with the crown make the watch look nothing less than enigmatic on your wrist. Because it is a treasure that must be guarded the domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides ensures the safety of the watch. Apart from the METAS certification, all models are water resistant to 100 meters / 330 feet. The Pie-Pan shape of its dials accompanied with applied Omega logos on the dial add to the uniqueness of the watch.

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The Blue-eyed Platinum Glory

The watch that stands out in the entire collection is the 352 piece limited edition Platinum beauty ( Model No – 130.93.39.21.99.001)  Globemaster. Fitted with a gorgeous sandblasted platinum dial with applied 18K white gold indexes filled with blue enamel and a similar style applied to the hands, the watch lacks the date window feature, which is prevalent in other watches of the collection. The 950 platinum case set in a blue leather strap adds to the appeal of the watch with 950 platinum stitching on the foldover clasp. And that’s not all. This limited edition houses the OMEGA’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8913, featuring revolutionary anti-magnetic technology with Sedna gold rotor. Talk about being the blue-eyed boy!

Turning back the clock (literally!)

The final touch of exquisite perfection is given by the Globemaster’s sapphire exhibition case back featuring the famous engraving of the chronometer observatory cupola symbolizing the precision awards that the brand received for the outstanding performance of its movements during the famous chronometer observatory trials in the 1940s and 1950s on the medallion made out of the same material as that of the case body. In the case of the limited edition platinum model, this medallion is made of platinum with blue enamel.

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Call it a coincidence but the medallion features eight stars in the sky above the observatory that symbolize the most important precision records that Omega set and they also signify the eight METAS-certified steps that a timepiece and its movement must pass in order to receive Master Chronometer status. Looks like eight is Omega’s lucky charm. Best of all, since the medallion doesn’t cover the entire case back, the wearer gets to see the movement of Caliber 8900/8901 and the 38 jewels. A power reserve of 60 hours is like a cherry on the top of a cake.

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The watch looks just perfect on the wrist. The size and the vintage look of the watch combined with the fact that it is the world’s first master chronometer, make the watch a must buy for every watch lover. Trust us when we say that your watch collection incomplete without this iconic timepiece.

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What’s your checklist for the perfect watch? Let us know in the comments below!

(Images: Omega.com)