The Swiss watchmaker raises the bar with a highly complex and unyielding standard of watch certification that adds scientific precision to your wrist

For decades, COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) certification has been the litmus test for precision throughout the Swiss watch industry. This independent Swiss institution provides neutral and independent testing and certifications for timekeeping accuracy, and is the only body in Switzerland that can grant the use of the term “chronometer” on a watch dial.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Omega

But Omega, a luxury watch company with a range of COSC certified models, has upped the ante with the creation of the Master Chronometer Certification. In conjunction with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), the brand has developed new benchmarks that subjects its movements, as well as its completed watches, to eight Master Chronometer tests over 10 days.

Each watch must pass a range of criteria that replicate real-life wearing conditions, including water resistance, temperature fluctuation and exposure to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Omega

While industry-standard COSC certification remains an integral part of Omega’s process, the new METAS testing effectively doubles the tried tested and true standard for chronometers, giving Omega and other Swiss watchmakers the means to demonstrate the quality and timekeeping performance of their watches to a greater extent than ever before.

For the watch, this means overcoming magnetism, less friction within the movement, greater mechanical efficiency and outstanding chronometric performance over time.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Omega

For the customer, this means that precision lasts longer and that there will be much longer intervals between servicing a watch. Omega is also providing customers with total transparency.

The owner of a certified Master Co-Axial Omega will be able to log onto a site using the watch’s warranty card. There, the specific results of the individual watch, as well as the testing parameters, will be readily available.

When Omega introduced its METAS-approved testing in 2015, the Globemaster marked the start of a new era. Since then, the brand has subjected more and more of its mechanical timepieces to the stringent 10-day process.

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Above Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M (Photo: Courtesy of Omega)

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M

For women with an intrepid spirit and a love of elegance, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M is beautifully designed and engineered for wearing on land or on sea.

Encircled by diamonds, this 34mm case stainless steel and 18K Sedna gold model features a diamond-set bezel and integrated stainless steel and 18K Sedna gold bracelet, while the mother-of-pearl dial is soft and lustrous.

The Omega Master Chronometer Calibre 8800, certified at the highest level for precision and performance as approved by METAS, keeps this irresistible watch resistant to magnetism.

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Above Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer (Photo: Courtesy of Omega)

Omega Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer

For men, the Omega Speedmaster Racing Master Chronometer carries the spirit and design inspiration of the past.

Driven by the Omega Master Chronometer Calibre 9900, this 44.25 mm stainless steel model features a black ceramic ring with the Speedmaster’s famous tachymeter scale, and the distinctive racing style minute-track which gives the watch its name.

Antimagnetic, highly accurate and with a strong power reserve, this timepiece is thoroughly tested and ready for the fast lane.

See also: Inside Omega's Sustainable Manufacture

Learn more about Omega's Master Chronometer Certification here.

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