How is Master Chronometer Raising Standards?

Throughout the Swiss watch industry, a COSC “chronometer” certification is the desired end result. For OMEGA, it’s only the beginning.

COSC testing only demonstrates the precision of a movement (-4/+6 seconds per day, tested in 5 positions). It remains an integral part of the OMEGA process, but since 2015, the brand has used this highly-respected standard as a starting point.

Now, OMEGA also subjects its movements as well as its completed watches to 8 Master Chronometer tests over 10 days, including water resistance, temperature fluctuation and exposure to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. The accuracy criteria (0/+5 seconds per day tested in 6 positions, depending on the category) proves that the watches are performing at peak precision.

The Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) has officially ensured that Master Chronometer testing leaves no room for doubt. Only perfectly-functioning timepieces with extraordinary levels of magnetic resistance earn the Master Chronometer certification.

So if it’s written on the dial, you know that OMEGA has gone beyond the normal benchmark to guarantee you have the highest standard of watch.

What does 15,000 gauss mean?

Magnetism is all around us in everyday life, from mobile phones to the metal clasps on handbags. Magnetic fields are disruptive to a mechanical watch and must be resisted: but just how great a force is 15,000 gauss?

As a comparison, a smart phone generates 380 gauss.

A hairdryer generates 400 gauss.

A laptop generates 1,200 gauss.

An iPad cover generates 1,400 gauss.

And a typical MRI scanner for humans generates more than 15,000 gauss.

8 tests over 10 days

Any watch that doesn’t reach the Master Chronometer pass mark will never reach a customer’s wrist.

But when they do, watch buyers can view the unique test results of their very own personal Master Chronometer through OMEGA’s dedicated online page and app. This will show the exact precision and performance of your OMEGA when it left the factory.

One more little way that Master Chronometer is raising standards.