Yesterday in Geneva, at the Cité du Temps, Omega and the Swiss Institute of Measurement (METAS) announced their collaboration on a new certification, which the brand will start using in 2015 to test all its Master Co-axial watches (with mechanical movement resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss).
According to Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek, it had become obvious in recent years that COSC certification needed to be strengthened. In mid-2015, the first officially certified Omega Master Co-axial watch will be produced. The significant difference between this and the previous certification is that the entire watch and not just its movement will be tested.
Christian Bock, President of METAS, added that the new certification process will give Omega and other manufacturers the opportunity to demonstrate the quality and performance of their watches to a wider audience than ever before.
METAS is a completely independent body and it is its intention to collaborate only in projects where its neutrality can always be guaranteed. The agreement with Omega is not exclusive, all other manufacturers will have access to the same certifications.
Omega watches will be tested: for their accuracy during and after exposure to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss, they must function with a tolerance of 0 and +5 seconds per day; for winding autonomy; and for water resistance. Owners of 'Officially Certified' Master Co-Axial watches will be able to access the results of tests passed by their watches online or via smartphone.
