OMEGA patented the first divers' watches for commercial use in the early 1930s. The 1932 marine paved the way for a generation of professional divers' watches and the creation of the Seamaster range. It employed an innovative double sliding and removable case in stainless steel which was designed to protect the mechanism from extreme variations in temperature and pressure. The first rudimentary tests were conducted in 1936 and records bear out the robust qualities of the seal leather strap and its' ability to withstand water damage after a period of three weeks in sea water. A further series of trials was undertaken by the Swiss Laboratory for Horology in Neuchatel in May 1937. There, the watch was certified as being able to withstand a pressure of 13.5 atmospheres which is equivalent to a depth of 135 metres. Dr. Charles William Beebe, a famous American ocean explorer, weighted himself down and took a 14-metre plunge in the Pacific Ocean with his OMEGA Marine. Upon surfacing, Beebe proclaimed that the Marine’s “resistance to water and dust, its robustness and resilience to rust represent true progress in watchmaking science”.
The Limited Edition Marine 1932 takes its inspiration from the watch that was so successful in the trials at Neuchatel of 1937. The philosophy behind the creation of this, the latest addition to The Museum Collection was to take the famed timepiece of the past and mary it to the latest technological breakthrough in watchmaking. The Marine 1932 has been fitted with a personalised movement, the OMEGA Calibre 2007 which has been exclusively designed for the occasion. It powers the heart of this historic hand-winding watch transporting it into the 21st century with the incorporation of a Co-Axial escapement. The Co-Axial escapement represents one of the most important advances in watchmaking over the last 250 years. It considerably reduces friction in the heart of the watch mechanism for improved long-term reliability and accuracy. Performance is further enhanced by a free-sprung balance allowing for more precise adjustments of the watch. The Marine 1932 offers a 48-hour power reserve.
Its' double interlocking case remains one of OMEGA’s crowning design feats with its ingenious coupling of resiliency and beauty. The two cases, in contrasting red and white gold slide in and out of one another with absolutely no resistance. The external case of the museum piece has been enlarged (33.05 mm wide and 50.50 mm long) and showcases the unmistakable Art Deco elements of the watch with its smooth edges and tiered, curved lugs. The 18-carat red gold case, designed to protect the inner case from external aggressions, has been satin brushed and polished to provide contrasting textures. The 1930 patented locking lever seals the two bodies hermetically for underwater immersions of up to 135 metres/450 feet. By releasing the lever, the 18-carat white gold interior case glides out revealing its movement and the manual winding crown at 12 o’clock. The sapphire crystal case back allows a view of the luxury finish with the white rhodium-plated movement and Geneva waves, circular-graining and gold plated engraving.
Pictures - omegawatches.com
The OMEGA Marine 1932, then as now.
Enjoy it pals
ZIN
