Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXI

8 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I O mega is no stranger to the moon…or space. Omega watches have been on the lunar surface and in earth’s orbit many times, worn on the wrists of numerous astronauts. The Speedmaster was the first watch worn on the moon. Unsurprisingly, the brand knows what it’s doing when it comes to precision timing instruments with a space connection. The Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer is one of the striking novelties launched at Baselworld 2016. From a distance it is, undoubtedly, recognised as a Speedmaster… all those familiar design codes and the instant appeal is there. But look more closely at this new model and the representation of the moon on the moonphase complication is uncanny. It has been rendered as realistically as possible, and considering the aforementioned familiarity Omega has with the moon, they are really able to capture an almost photographic depiction. Our lovely moon is captured in high resolution and in monotone black and white. And as a Master Chronometer, this watch represents another pioneering achievement for Omega – the rigorous new METAS standard of testing, formalised in late 2015, by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. In reference to the watches technical prowess, Omega says, “True to its name, the timepiece displays the phases of the moon. Contrary to popular belief, a lunar month is not 30 days, but 29.5 days. A difficult time span to manage for a standard gear train, but Omega’s Moonphase is up to the task. Its highly accurate mechanism only needs adjusting after 10 years, and all it takes is a few turns of the crown.” There are still more ‘firsts’ yet on these highly desirable timepiece. Liquid metal has been used for the first time on the tachymeter scale and rhodium-plated circles make a debut on the beautifully balancing sub dials. Combined with the sun-brushed blue dial, ceramic bezel and stainless steel case, this is destined to be a classic. Powered by the new 9904 movement, which comprises 368 components and, being a Master Co-axial and a Chronometer, this signifies a new era in the brand’s calibres. Omega Speedma s t er Moonpha se Chronogr aph Ma s t er Chronome t er