A new acoustic testing method developed by the Laboratoire de Précision marks a historic milestone in watchmaking, enabling Master Chronometer certification for a two-hand watch for the first time. This breakthrough, developed in collaboration with OMEGA and certified by METAS, redefines how precision is measured in mechanical timepieces.
At the core of this innovation is a new approach that combines acoustic testing with optical hand-tracking. Together, these technologies make it possible to evaluate full Chronometer and Master Chronometer performance without the need for a seconds hand—an unprecedented achievement in modern horology.
Traditional certification methods relied on tracking the movement of a seconds hand, capturing limited snapshots of performance over time. The new system introduces continuous measurement from the very first second of testing.
By capturing the acoustic signature of each tick alongside environmental data such as temperature, magnetic fields, position, and atmospheric pressure, the system delivers a far more complete and dynamic understanding of movement behaviour throughout the entire testing process.
This advancement allows watchmakers to identify not only whether variations occur, but also precisely when and under what conditions they appear—setting a new benchmark for transparency and accuracy in mechanical watchmaking.
Building on this breakthrough, OMEGA introduces the Constellation Observatory Collection, a new chapter in the evolution of one of its most iconic lines. Since its introduction in 1952, the Constellation has stood as a symbol of certified precision and timeless design.
The new collection carries this legacy forward with refined interpretations of its signature aesthetic codes. The iconic pie-pan dial, dauphine hands, faceted indexes, and Observatory medallion on the caseback all return in evolved form, reflecting both heritage and innovation.
The collection is powered by two new Master Chronometer calibres developed specifically for this generation of certification standards. These movements feature advanced finishing techniques, skeletonised rotor architecture, and the integration of OMEGA’s proprietary materials, including precious metal alloys and O-MEGASTEEL.
Each calibre has been engineered not only for performance, but also for visual refinement, showcasing the brand’s continued commitment to craftsmanship and innovation.
The Constellation Observatory Collection represents more than a new line of watches—it signals a shift in how precision itself is defined and measured. By removing the necessity of a seconds hand in certification testing, OMEGA has opened a new chapter in horological engineering.
This is where tradition meets innovation, and where a legacy of precision enters a new era.
The OMEGA Constellation Observatory Collection will be available soon at Royal de Versailles.
this product has been successfully added to your wishlist