What Is This Master Chronometer? Let’s have a look...
Since 2015, Omega has been using the Master Chronometer certification program, provided by Metas, to test the durability and timekeeping performance of its watches. Metas, the Federal Institute of Metrology, acts as the official institution responsible for the approval of all kinds of measurement equipment and processes. The future of the watch industry, one of Switzerland's greatest gifts to the world, is entrusted to this institution.
Watches that complete the rigorous tests of Metas are entitled to receive the Master Chronometer certificate. These tests are performed to ensure superior timekeeping performance against the variable magnetic field, temperature, and power reserve inputs. While the movement of a standard chronometer-certified watch has a daily accuracy of +6/-4 seconds, these values are updated to 0/+5 seconds in a Master Chronometer-certified movement. In other words, while the C.O.S.C. accepts an accuracy range of 10 seconds, this value decreases to 5 seconds in the Master Chronometer.
Magnetism is one of the main enemies of mechanical watches. Thanks to the developing production and material technologies, the parts of the watch movements are much more resistant to magnetism. The magnetic field applied to the watches within the scope of the Master Chronometer certification test is 15,000 Gauss. This value is far beyond what you might be exposed to in daily life. The tests are repeated at different temperature and position parameters, simulating real-life conditions. The tested watches are exposed to gravity from 6 different angles to ensure that they can keep time in the specified range in almost every position. All these tests are re-performed at 100% and 33% power reserve values. Thus, the negative effect of the variable torque value applied to the escapement on the timing accuracy is eliminated. Finally, the existence of the power reserve and water resistance values specified by the manufacturer is also checked. Each watch takes 10 days to test. Samples that can present the desired accuracy values after the challenging marathon are entitled to receive the Master Chronometer certificate. In Omega standards, Master Chronometer tests are also supported by additional durability features such as extended service intervals and shock resistance up to 5000G.
The Master Chronometer certificate, based on the idea that the C.O.S.C certificate is insufficient against the standards of today's watchmaking world and brought to the world of horology under the leadership of Omega, represents the eye-catching point of Swiss watchmaking.
