Each year, hordes of journalists, watch enthusiasts and watchmakers from all around the world gather at one location to get a glimpse of what is coming out in the horological industry in the coming year. With over 100,000 guests in previous years, BaselWorld is the mecca of watchmaking, and we make our annual pilgrimage next week to discover the latest from each company.
But every now and then, some firms offer sneak peeks into their upcoming releases, and Omega has just put up a new video that hints at what will be revealed come March 7. Glints of gold and blue with a Speedmaster label, and a new Seamaster (is that Liquidmetal we see?) are briefly revealed in the video.
Check out the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plVE5K8o31Q&feature=youtu.be
In the last few years, Omega has been highly focused on two particular technologies that it has spearheaded in the industry: Liquidmetal and the Co-Axial escapement. Liquidmetal is an amorphous alloy that can be moulded to any form and has incredible durability as well as resistance to damage. The Co-Axial escapement is perhaps more familiar to Omega fans, invented by George Daniels (who unfortunately passed away last year) and industrialised by Omega back in 1999. Considered to be one of the most significant developments in watch movement R&D, it remains an Omega speciality, now imbued with a silicon hairspring with Omega’s new in-house movements and implemented in new Omega timepieces.
Watch the process of Liquidmetal here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=jMkmTMArB70
And finally, check out Omega’s explanation of the Co-Axial escapement here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=zF86_-ozaTA