Learn about the Co-Axial Escapement and Master Chronometer.

Omega watches, renowned for their precision and quality, have achieved even greater reliability with the development of the Co-Axial escapement. The Master Chronometer, in particular, boasts high performance not only in terms of precision, but also in terms of durability and magnetic resistance. Here, we will explain the mechanism behind the Co-Axial escapement and the Master Chronometer, which further improves its precision, as well as the models equipped with it.

Understanding the Co-Axial Escapement

Omega watches have an illustrious history, having been carried on NASA's manned space flights and serving as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games.

Originally, mechanical watches had the drawback of low efficiency in transmitting the power generated by the mainspring, but Omega overcame this problem by developing the "Co-Axial escapement." First, let's explain the Co-Axial escapement, which took Omega watches to the next stage.

A mechanism unique to Omega

The majority of Omega's current collection has the word "Co-Axial" in the model name, which indicates that the model uses a "Co-Axial escapement" in the movement.

The co-axial escapement is a mechanism invented by Dr. George Daniels in 1974. When Omega succeeded in developing and mass-producing it in 1999, it quickly gained a reputation around the world for being "unbreakable" and "durable and long-lasting."

Since then, Omega has been the only watch manufacturer to use this mechanism, and it has become a symbol of the precision and reliability of Omega watches.

Less wear on parts

The main feature of the coaxial escapement is that its parts wear less and are less likely to break than regular escapements. It requires almost no lubrication, which reduces maintenance costs.

Generally, overhauls are recommended every 3 to 5 years, but for Omega Co-Axial-equipped watches, we recommend having them done every 8 to 10 years.

Furthermore, all Omega watches purchased after July 1, 2018, come with a five-year international warranty. While there are still many watch brands that offer warranty periods of one or two years, Omega is one of the brands that offers high reliability and a support system.

How the Co-Axial Escapement Works

The escapement is made up of parts such as an escape wheel, an anchor, and pallet stones. The anchor stone, which transmits power to make the balance wheel, which acts as a regulator, swing in a regular pendulum motion, usually has two pallet stones, but in a co-axial escapement it has three.

The escape wheel on which the pallet stone rests is not ring-shaped but pinwheel-shaped, minimizing the contact area between the pallet stone and the teeth of the escape wheel, thereby reducing friction and enabling highly efficient power transmission with little torque.

Furthermore, improvements have been made over the years, with the balance spring and wheel now made from non-magnetic silicon, and other parts also made from highly anti-magnetic Nivagauss and amorphous alloys.

Master Co-Axial and Master Chronometer

Since developing the Co-Axial escapement in 1999, Omega has continued to evolve its unique mechanism.

Let's take a look at the Master Co-Axial Caliber 8400, which was released in 2014, and the Master Chronometer, which was introduced the following year.

What is Master Co-Axial?

The Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial, released in 2014, was equipped with the caliber 8400, which featured a newly designed co-axial escapement, and boasted an astonishing magnetic resistance of 15,000 gauss.

Of course, there had been methods of increasing magnetic resistance by encasing the movement in a soft iron inner case, but this only provided resistance to magnetic fields of around 1000 gauss at best.

In contrast, the Caliber 8400 is an extremely reliable movement that can be passed through an MRI scan with a magnetic field of 3 gauss without losing accuracy, and has also passed tests by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

However, at the time of the announcement, there was no testing equipment capable of verifying magnetic resistance, and rigorous proof was not possible.

What is a Master Chronometer?

In order to objectively evaluate the performance of Co-Axial models, a test developed in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) was established in 2015.

The test involves eight strict criteria for watches equipped with movements that pass the COSC test.

These include the ability of the movement to maintain its functionality even when exposed to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss, accuracy error in six positions, accuracy when power is reduced, and water resistance.

Only ultra-antimagnetic chronometers that pass COSC and METAS tests can earn the title of Master Chronometer.

Master Chronometer Collection

The Master Chronometer is a high-end model that boasts high precision and magnetic resistance, and has also passed tests that require it to be subjected to a shock of 5000 g.

Here we will introduce two representative Master Chronometer models that boast extremely high reliability.

Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer

The Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer is a model that adds a moonphase function to the Speedmaster, the monumental model that was the first to land on the moon.

The bezel, which features a tachymeter, a design code of the Speedmaster, is made of liquid metal for the first time in the collection.

At the 3 o'clock position are a 60-minute counter and a 12-hour counter that operate on the same axis, and at the 9 o'clock position are a small second and date display.

This chronograph, with its outstanding design and mechanism, is equipped with either the Caliber 9904 or Caliber 9905, and is available in a wide variety of variations with different case materials and colors.

Seamaster Planet Ocean Master Chronometer

The Seamaster Planet Ocean Master Chronometer is a professional diver's watch that is water resistant to 600m, ensuring perfect operation in the deep sea.

The ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel features a diving scale inscribed in Liquidmetal, making it highly corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant.

The twin-barrel Cal. 8900 movement provides a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. Of course, as a Master Chronometer, it is also ultra-resistant to magnetic fields and extremely accurate.

What's amazing is that despite its high water resistance of 600m, it still has a see-through sapphire crystal case back.

Both the 43.5mm and 39.5mm case diameter models are available in over 10 variations and can be paired with a huge range of 45 strap patterns.

Let's try on the model that comes with it

Omega watches have established an unshakable reputation for not only accuracy but also reliability, and Master Chronometer models are unmatched by other brands in terms of magnetic resistance and durability.

Another notable feature of the Master Chronometer is that it is reasonably priced despite its performance, with many models available for under 100 million yen. Why not try wearing one of Omega's excellent value-for-money watches?