Accuracy has turned to acoustics at the Laboratoire de Précision, whose new testing method certifies the Constellation Observatory as a Master Chronometer, making it the first two-hand timepiece to achieve the precision standard.
Omega marks the milestone by releasing nine references, equipped with the new Calibre 8914 or 8915 while the aesthetic echoes the Constellation, which has represented certified precision since its debut in 1952.
Raising the bar for horological assessment in 2023, Omega established the Laboratoire de Précision as an independent body, certified by the Swiss Accreditation Service and METAS, respectively for Chronometer and Master Chronometer testing.
The Constellation Observatory watches and self-winding movements undergo both evaluations at the Laboratoire de Précision, which developed a wireless, self-contained testing unit that consolidates all Chronometer and Master Chronometer certification processes into a single device.
Traditional testing relied on photographing the position of the seconds hand, capturing one result per day.
Without the need for a seconds hand, the Dual Metric Technology generates continuous data by capturing the sound of each tick and tack while recording environmental parameters -- temperature, position, magnetic fields and atmospheric pressure -- throughout the full 25 days of testing.
The innovative acoustic method substantiates the precision of the Constellation Observatory and the Master Chronometer Calibres with a 60-hour power reserve.
Calibre 8914 drives four models in O-Megasteel while Calibre 8915 operates five precious-metal versions -- all in a 39.4mm case with the distinctive faceted "dog-leg" lugs.
The skeletonised rotors of both self-winding movements are centred by the Observatory medallion that originally adorned the caseback of the Constellation -- Omega's first series-produced chronometer. The eight stars on the medallion represent precision records set by the Swiss brand in the first half of the 20th century.
The rotor of the Calibre 8915 Grand Luxe is in Sedna Gold, contrasting with the medallion portraying a dark blue sky enamelled with aventurine glass and the observatory dome filled with translucent white opal enamel.
This mechanical movement is dedicated to the 950 platinum gold edition while Calibre 8915 Luxe with laser-ablated elements on the medallion powers four versions in Omega's exclusive 18-carat gold alloys.
Two of them are in Moonshine Gold, matched with a leather strap or a mesh bracelet, whose brick pattern recalls those on vintage Constellation timepieces. For the first time, the yellow-gold alloy also shines on the balance bridge and rotor of the movement.
The other two variations are in Sedna Gold and Canopus Gold, respectively named after one of the reddest orbiting planetoids and a bright star that serves as a reference point for many space agencies.
Like the original Constellation, a star is positioned at 6 o'clock on the dodecagonal pie-pan dial. The design combines a central sun-brushed or crystal finish, hand-guilloché grooves and revamped kite-formed indexes.
Three O-Megasteel iterations are designed with a sun-brushed or opaline finished centre and eight embossed grooves on the dial, in a blue, green or silvery colour.
Recreating the dodecagonal form in ceramic required extensive development. Omega achieved a technical feat in producing a black ceramic dial for another rendition in its stainless-steel alloy, which completes the inaugural collection of the two-hand Master Chronometers.
