OMEGA Skeletonized Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition

18 January 2010 – The OMEGA Skeletonized Central Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition is the ultimate expression of the watchmaker’s art. Each watch is handcrafted in OMEGA’s Cellule Haut de Gamme (Tourbillon Atelier) in Bienne by a select group of horologists.

In a Tourbillon movement, all of the main components responsible for the timepiece’s precision are assembled in a rotating cage. OMEGA is the only watchmaker ever to have created a central Tourbillon. Its titanium cage rotates completely every 60 seconds, offsetting the effect of gravity on the performance of the watch.

Tourbillon technology, dazzling design

The Skeletonized Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition combines the complex Tourbillon technology with dazzling design elements.

The movement has a luxurious sun-brushed pearlescent finish; its bridges and mechanisms are hand polished. The rotor with its sapphire plate has been newly designed and is etched with the words “Limited Edition” and the watch’s individual serial number (out of 18). The Skeletonized Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition is equipped with a Breguet balance spring.

The Central Tourbillon’s hands cannot be mounted on a central shaft in the conventional way. They are etched on to sapphire crystal disks and propelled by gearing at the peripheries of the disks. The result is dramatic – they appear to float freely above the movement.

One watchmaker’s masterpiece

To make a skeletonized version of the Central Tourbillon, the watchmaker begins by sawing away any non-essential material from the plates and bridges, then bevelling their edges. Unlike products from conventional workshops, each Tourbillon is the work of one watchmaker who spends up to 540 hours on the creation of the skeletonized version of the watch. This means that every Skeletonized Central Tourbillon is unique – no two are exactly alike.

Each watchmaker engraves his or her personal initials on the underside of the Tourbillon base to assure that all parts can be returned to their maker after they have been galvanized. When a Central Tourbillon is returned to OMEGA for servicing, it will be placed in the hands of the original watchmaker.

Only 18 pieces of this Skeletonized Tourbillon Coaxial Platinum Limited Edition will be produced.

An OMEGA Co-Axial movement

The outstanding chronometric performance of OMEGA’s exclusive Co-Axial calibre 2636 is enhanced by the state-of-the-industry escapement which has re-defined the way mechanical wristwatches are being made. The complex movement is assembled from 320 individual parts.

The remarkable Central Tourbillon calibre is housed in a platinum case presented with a black alligator bracelet.

While the Skeletonized Central Tourbillon watches are accurate – each one is a COSC-certified chronometer – they are particularly valued for their beauty and the complexity of the Tourbillon mechanism. Every component in the movement and case is produced exclusively for the Central Tourbillons.

The OMEGA Skeletonized Central Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition is the exquisite creation of a legendary watch brand working at the peak of its powers.