Omega is one of the most renowned luxury watch brands in the world, known for producing some of the most iconic timepieces in history. The brand’s reputation is built on not just its design and craftsmanship but also its movements, which are widely regarded as being among the very best in the industry.
But who makes Omega movements? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the various entities involved in the production of these highly coveted mechanisms.
The Swatch Group
The Swatch Group is one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world and owns several high-end brands, including Omega. The group was created in 1983 through the merger of two Swiss watchmaking companies, ASUAG and SSIH.
Today, the Swatch Group is responsible for the production of Omega movements, which are made exclusively for the brand. The Swatch Group manufactures all of the components used in Omega movements, including the main plates, bridges, barrels, and balance wheels.
ETA SA
ETA SA is a subsidiary of the Swatch Group and is responsible for the production of the majority of the group’s movements, including those used by Omega. ETA has been a prominent player in the Swiss watchmaking industry since its inception in 1856, and today, it’s considered to be the largest movement manufacturer in Switzerland.
The movements produced by ETA are used by many of the world’s leading watch brands, including Breitling, TAG Heuer, and Tissot. As such, ETA is a key player in the watchmaking industry and is responsible for much of the innovation that has taken place in the field over the years.
In terms of Omega movements, ETA produces a range of calibers that are used in various models within the brand’s lineup. These include the ETA 2892-A2, which is used in the Omega De Ville Prestige, and the ETA 7750, which is used in the popular Omega Speedmaster.
Omega’s In-House Movements
While ETA produces the majority of the movements used by Omega, the brand also produces a range of in-house calibers that are used in some of its most exclusive timepieces. These movements are designed, developed, and assembled entirely in-house by Omega’s team of skilled watchmakers and technicians.
The first Omega in-house movement was introduced in 2007 and was known as the Co-Axial caliber 8500. Since then, Omega has continued to develop and refine its in-house movements, with the latest iteration being the Master Chronometer caliber 8912.
These in-house movements are used in many of Omega’s most prestigious watches, including the Seamaster 300, the Constellation Globemaster, and the De Ville Trésor.
The Role of COSC
Another key player in the production of Omega movements is the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). The COSC is an independent organization based in Switzerland that tests and certifies the accuracy of mechanical watch movements.
All Omega movements, both those produced in-house and those made by ETA, are sent to the COSC for testing and certification. To receive COSC certification, a movement must meet strict standards for accuracy and precision over a period of several days.
Once a movement has been certified by the COSC, it’s returned to Omega, where it’s assembled into a complete watch. The COSC certification is a mark of quality and accuracy that’s highly valued by watch collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Omega is a luxury watch brand, it relies on several entities for the production of its highly coveted movements. The Swatch Group is responsible for the production of all components used in Omega movements, while ETA SA produces the majority of the movements used by the brand.
Omega also produces a range of in-house calibers that are used in some of its most exclusive timepieces, and all movements, both in-house and those made by ETA, are sent to the COSC for testing and certification.
Through the collaboration of these entities, Omega has been able to produce some of the most iconic and accurate movements in the watchmaking industry, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s leading luxury watch brands.
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