The Alpha of Omega

Joezer Mandagi visits oMega’s Manufacture at villeret and the faMed Metas testing facility

rows in the clean rooms are connected by an automated system that would automatically deliver unfinished movements on special trays to wherever the next step of assembly would occur. The system employs RFID tags (which is also used in, for example, e-passports) to keep track of each movement’s position in the production process and where it will need to go to next.

One particularly interesting station was the one where the mainsprings were put in place. Here, one could clearly see the moment a watch (still just an incomplete movement at this moment) comes to life. From here on end until the watch is finished,

Despite the glare of the overhead lights and the seemingly unemotional routine performed by the men and women in unflattering cleanroom suits, the moment was definitely magical.

Forward to the FUtUre

The manufacture at Villeret impressively showcased the extent of Omega’s know-how and production capabilities. It is at the METAS testing facility in Omega’s headquarters in Bienne, however, that the brand demonstrated how it will push boundaries—and how it already has done so.

Some background info before we continue: Several years ago, Omega introduced the world’s first Master Chronometer watch, which involves a stringent set of tests done with the approval and under the watchful eye of METAS. So, while the testing for Master Chronometer certification is carried out by Omega employees, the process is audited by METAS staff.