TO THE MOON AND BACK
OMEGA’S Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 is a fitting tribute to the brand’s lunar legacy
With OMEGA being the first watch to be worn on the moon, the brand is celebrating the golden anniversary of an iconic moment of our history with the release of an exquisite collection of timepieces powered by the Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, a modern counterpart of the movement that went to the moon. Four years of trial-and-error produced the calibre’s latest incarnation. Through OMEGA’s perseverance in crafting a movement that could be Master Chronometer certified while matching the specific dimensions of the caliber 1861 (an improved evolution of the series), the brand was able to combine all its modern innovations into a space that was more suited to an older movement. Determined engineers were able to accomplish the feat of putting 240 components of the 3861 in what was then the space of 234 components of the 1861, and in turn, improved power reserve, enhanced chronometric performance, and increased magnetic resistance. Daily deviations were improved from -1+11 to 0+5 seconds and a stop second function was added, allowing the wearer to stop the seconds hand with a pull of the crown and reset the time with absolute precision.
Modern ingenuity reshaped the teeth of the wheels, allowing smoother running and tighter contacts. And while the frequency of the new movement remained the same, the jewel tally increased from 18 to 26, upgrading the piece. Half of them to ensure the smooth running of OMEGA's revolutionary Co-Axial escapement, which had replaced the more traditional Swiss Anchor—and four more for general technical improvements. The frequency regulator was also taken out as the tiny lever added risk of accidental frequency shifts. This was replaced by four adjustable screws on the balance wheel. With OMEGA's Co-Axial escapement and silicon Si14 balance spring, more exceptional horological features include extraordinary levels of magnetic resistance—effortlessly passing the industry’s most difficult tests and ultimately achieving Master Chronometer certification.