[Houston]

Ever since OMEGA launched its first Co-Axial Escapement, the cal 2500 in 1999, it sowed the seeds of a new dawn in modern mechanical watchmaking. In the words of its’ inventor George Daniels, the Co-Axial escapement was “.....the first practical new watch escapement in the 250 years following the invention of the lever escapement by Thomas Mudge in the 18th century.”

Not content with leaving it there, OMEGA introduced its own Co-Axial calibre, the 8500/8501 in 2007. I stress “ New “ since each component was designed specifically for the new calibre from inception. Taking it another step further, OMEGA optimised the precision of their Co-Axial Escapement and free sprung balance by improving the design and utilizing a larger (13-ligne) movement.

In its’ quest to create state-of-the-industry mechanical watches produced on an industrial scale, OMEGA developed the Si 14 silicon balance-spring, its’ name inspired by the chemical symbol and the atomic number for silicon.

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Silicon is non-magnetic so the performance of the Si 14 balance-spring is not disturbed by exposure to magnetic objects. This physical property of silicon allows watches with the Si 14 balance-spring to deliver significantly better chronometric performance than balance-springs made of traditional materials. While the performance of mechanical watches tends to deviate over time as a result of small everyday shocks, these disturbances have very little effect on Si 14 silicon balance-springs. There is substantial freedom in the fabrication of balance-springs made of silicon which allows the Si 14’s geometry to be modified for optimal isochronism, a factor that reduces the amount of deviation in the accuracy of a watch.

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The Si 14 silicon balance-springs are being introduced in the De Ville Hour Vision Annual Calendar watch and in the Seamaster Aqua Terra Ladies’ OMEGA Co-Axial Collection.

The “Si 14” identification marks engraved on the balance arm and on the caseback of the watch serve as a reminder that these are among the finest, most advanced, most accurate mechanical timepieces in the world.

Pictures and text assistance - omegawatches.com


A new standard has indeed been established

ZIN

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[diver88]

those pictures are worth far more than the price of admission
Mr Zin:thumbup1:
very nice, thanks again for bringing us this neat stuff:thumbup:

diver88

 

[Houston]

My pleasure Amigo. Thanks for your very kind reply.

Usually as you know I'm not the teknikal type but reading about this in the press pack got me really excited at Omega's approach to the future.

Guess I better save harder


The RG movement in the regular HV is such a visual treat. Can you imagine what it's like to see this one in the flesh?
Yeah, Drool City, Baby!!! :drool:


Havagood day pal

ZIN

 

[BlueHawaii]

This is very cool! Nice to see Omega taking it to another level. I wonder what it will do to prices though? Of course, our central bank seems to be bent on destroying every remaining once of value in the dollar, so all Swiss watches will likely be uber expensive!

 

[Houston]

A price rise would be inevitable considering the investment in producing a new movement from scratch Mr Blue Hawaii. With economies of scale once production and indeed sales rise the increase will appear less pronounced. In the meantime though there is plenty of the current stocks about to satisfy us I'm sure. In the end, buying what you like and which is affordable is the best way to enjoy one's watches. I once felt the way for me to go would be to be entirely Co-Axial but now, I just buy what I like.


Best WIShes

ZIN

 

[Houston]

I read in another place that someone mentioned Omega stating that the new 2008 Aqua Terra was shock-proof or words to that effect. While the BaselWorld literature mentions the Ladies' AT as having the Si 14 balance spring, there is no pointer to the Gents' models being similarly equipped. I'm pretty sure they must be, mustn't they, if that statement happened to be true? I appreciate the new Ladies' AT has an entirely new movement in the cal 8520/8521 but that said I think it would be pretty cool if the cal 8500 were to be similarly upgraded. The cal 8500 is already attractive in its' current form but one with the updated technology in the balance spring would be an added bonus :thumbup1:


Y'all have a nice day pals

ZIN

 

[G.J.]

Great info Zinster..:thumbup1:

Thanks pal..

 

[Houston]

Hey Gee Jaay good to see you pal. Glad you like this. I think it's definitely worth saving for.

Have a nice day pal

Zinster

 

[tricky dicky]

Hey Zin,

I agree with your last statement: Why not put the new Si14 balance wheel in the Gents AT? You would think that it would require very little reworking of the movement. Perhaps it has something to do with the balance spring or pinions. Who knows?:001_unsure: But I sure would like to.:biggrin: I'm sure Omega would have used it if it was this simple.

I also think the introduction of new materials highlights where Omega want to be in the future: At the very top of horological developments.

It's nice to know that they were prepared to take the risks involved with the Co-Axial movement. It is also nice to know that they are capable of making their own movements, dedicated to the Co-Axial movement. It is now also nice to know that they are willing to invest time and money into developing new materials, etc that can only benefit the longevity and time keeping of their watches.

The future's bright.:biggrin:

 

[Houston]

I wouldn't know about the intricacies of placing the Si 14 into the cal 8500 Tricks but it's exciting and confidence-winning to see Omega developing the cal 8500/8501. There was never any doubt that in embarking on this very ambitious project they were not going to leave anything to chance. In the new calibre I foresee some a great new future ahead for Omega. Think you feel the same way too.


Have a good weekend pal

ZIN