Chime In On Complication

          In the world of mechanical watchmaking, the minute repeater has long been a complex and difficult to manufacture complication.  Presenting another very difficult complication, as well as expensive and labor-intensive, is the process of crafting a chiming mechanism that musically is a representation of the current time.  These extreme mechanisms are mainly designed for high end luxury brand timepieces, and no one has ever combined the complex designs into a unified complication, that is until this latest release from Omega.

Introducing two designs the brand has crafted the new Omega Speedmaster Chrono Chime and the Omega Olympic 1932 Chrono Chime.

Innovation Leads

          The proprietary complications combines a functioning split-second chronograph with the chime that is created to audibly read out the elapsed time to the nearest second.  Omega took over six years working on complex design and 575 movement components, in the two new watches.  Representing the pinnacle of the brand these timepieces provide innovative mechanical excellence and artistic and unique design elements.

Speed Strikes Again

          The Omega Speedmaster Chrono Chime was created from a previous model that might seem very familiar to many, the 60’s era Speedmaster CK 2998 “Ed White”.  The upsized case has been crafted in 18k Sedna Gold and sits at 45mm wide, extremely wearable and still embracing the classic form of the predecessor.  The layout of the new timepiece is easy to recognize with differences and similarities.  The crown-mounted chronograph monopusher sits at 3 o’clock, with a 2 o’clock split-second pusher rimmed with a red ceramic accent ring and the chime pusher placed at 8 o’clock, and an artistic musical note motif sitting at the top.  A subtle difference on the bezel is worth mentioning with a insert crafted from the innovative aventurine enamel.  The enamel is created by grinding aventurine glass into a paste and then applying it with a Grand Feu enamel process.  The end result is a beautiful sparkle that catches the eye, and draws attention.  The new in-house Calibre 1932 movement is showcased by the sapphire display caseback and allows the complexity to shine.  The dial is also accented with the aventurine enamel across the surface, and helps the rectangular indices seem more like the original, but by adding the subdials and outer rehaut, a more modern feel takes the forefront.   Finishing this watch is the proprietary new guilloche pattern which is suppose to resemble sound waves.  A heartfelt beauty is the total picture of this watch and pays homage to heritage and advancement.

First At Heart

          The Omega Olympic 1932 Chrono Chime has taken a leap with firsts for the brand and crafted the world’s first wrist-mounted minute repeater from 1892 and the brands first official Olympic chronograph from the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games.  Following the pocket watch-style design contours, this rounded and polished 18k Sedna Gold case is bold, and has a baroque design, starting with three unique pusher styles that have been placed to allow for a 12 o’clock crown that is pushed through the T-shaped lug.  The honey-brown alligator leather strap is unique and has a special fitment crafted for that perfect fit.  The dial surface is a glossy milk white Petit Feu enamel and embellished with printed black Arabic numerals.  The recessed subdials at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock are covered in the bright 925 silver and then also topped with the sound wave gullioche texture.  This model is certainly more colorful, combining the CVD Blued spade hands with the bright red split second chronograph.  The Omego logo is printed in the matching red that really finishes off this spectacular timepiece.

Difference And Difficulty

          Omega has really stepped up with these two timepieces combining difficulty in the functions, and brilliant finishes.  The Omega Speedmaster Chrono Chime and The Omega Olympic 1932 Chrono Chime both are such a horological advancement in innovation and craftsmanship and being offered in numbered editions.  Each of these timepieces has personality and presence, truly beautiful and brilliant designs from Omega.