Once in a blue moon

Introducing: the Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer  

The first thing that strikes you about this extraordinary new timepiece is the representation of the moon. It has never looked more realistic. The high resolution image, in sharply contrasting black and white, is as detailed as a NASA photograph; so detailed in fact, that a closer look reveals an astronaut's footprint.

Of course, the Speedmaster is no stranger to the lunar surface, given that it was the first watch worn on the moon. And as a Master Chronometer, this watch celebrates another pioneering moment: OMEGA's exacting new standard of testing, set in late 2015, by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

True to its name, the timepiece displays the phases of the moon. Contrary to popular belief, a lunar month is not 30 days, but 29.5 days. A difficult time span to manage for a standard gear train, but OMEGA's Moonphase is up to the task. Its highly accurate mechanism only needs adjusting after 10 years, and all it takes is a few turns of the crown.

And it's not just the moon's wobbles kept in check. The watch is also balanced visually, with twin two-handed subdials, to create a beautifully symmetrical look.     

The Speedmaster Moonphase has many other striking features: including a stunning sun-brushed blue dial, ceramic bezel and stainless steel case. Liquid metal has been used on the Tachymeter scale; another Speedmaster first, and a closer look reveals rhodium-plated circles on the sub dials.  

Though the hands are classic Speedmaster, the internal workings are a giant leap forward. The revolutionary new 9904 movement is made up of 368 components and marks the start of a whole new era in watchmaking. As the Moonphase is both a Master Co-axial and a Chronometer, it can be certified as a Master Chronometer.

Of course, no OMEGA timepiece is complete without the ultimate finishing touch. For a watch with such a stunning blue dial, it has to be a blue leather strap, clasped with a foldover buckle.

The Planet Ocean 600M becomes a Master Chronometer

A ladies’ timepiece that combines 18K Sedna™ Gold with rich chocolate ceramic.

Watchmaking and chocolate are two of Switzerland’s most luxurious icons. And for this latest creation, OMEGA has melted the two together in one sensuous timepiece.

With its luscious brown colour, The Planet Ocean 600M Master Chronometer is at the forefront of craftsmanship and style. As the name suggests, the model has been updated as a Master Chronometer, the industry’s highest standard of certification. For women, this is among the first ladies’ timepieces to attain the impressive METAS-approved rating.

To see the innovative movement itself, wearers can admire the new calibre 8801 through the sapphire crystal caseback, complete with an oscillating weight crafted from 18K Sedna™ Gold.

This is, in fact, the first time that 18K Sedna™ Gold has been used for the Planet Ocean collection. The material has also been used for the case, hands and indexes, as well as the foldover clasp on the strap.

And to perfectly complement the soft reddish tone of the metal, OMEGA has created both the dial and bezel from chocolate brown ceramic. The colour is both rich and appealing, bringing yet another dimension to the Planet Ocean collection. On the bezel itself, Ceragold™ technology has been used to create the numbers and new minute markers of the diving scale.

At 39.5 mm, this model is wider than some previous models, but has allowed for a slightly thinner case. Another aesthetic update can be found on the caseback, where a new undulating pattern offers a subtle yet captivating change.

Finally, this watch is presented on a brown leather strap with a rubber underside for a sporty and comfortable combination.