Omega Speedmaster Coaxial

Omegamania continues...with the new Coaxial Speedmaster

A watch which hardly needs introduction, is an essential piece in when a collector starts on his journey as a serious horology hobbist....the early version of this watch was selected, after vigrous testing by NASA to be the one which accompanies the astronauts to the moon...hence the black dial-ed Speedmaster is often called Moon Watch.

But today's feature is a bit more elegant, with a clean white dial, and equipped with the latest coaxial movement.

Interestingly, George Daniels, who had invented the coaxial escapement, chose to install his invention on the Omega Speedmaster and went on his way around the Swiss watchmakers, including Omega to pitch the idea of his new escapement. Equally amazingly, he was rejected by all the houses he went to, including Omega. Eventually, I understand on the third try, Hayek Sr at that time, agreed to take on the project, and the Omega coaxial line was born. Shown below, Daniels' modified Speedmaster carrying the original coaxial escapement hand made by Daniels.

Omega is one of the interesting large corporate watchmaking companies...who do not simply rest on their laurels. They continue to innovate with the almost lubricant free coaxial escapement and the use of modern technology to enhance the traditional craft of watchmaking. The movement is still traditionally finished...very nice engineering standard:

Nice watch..

Omega Proplof

The Omega Proplof is a fascinating watch to me...especially the original. I managed to photograph this through the display glass at a recent exhibition, where Omega brought some pieces from their Museum collection to Singapore as part of the Coaxial show.

The watch is massive. Made in 1970, the case is so massive that a helium escape valve is not necessary to ensure the crystal does not pop due to helium absorption as the case is impenetratable.

The case was actually tested to 1370m, the watch lowered on a wire to the deepest part of Lake Geneva, and it performed flawlessly.

The shark mesh bracelet is also an excellent design feature of this watch.

Please excuse the quality of the photograph, this was taken hand held in an exhibition case. As the watch was a museum piece, I could not have had it taken out to photograph due to insurance conditions.