Simply Abu Dhabi XXII

2 2 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T his year marks the 25th anniversary of the co-axial escapement’s patent. It is the invention of George Daniels, universally recognised as one of the most important watchmakers of the last century. Daniels developed the co-axial escapement for OMEGA andwas not shy about declaring its seminal significance. “Everymaker who continues with other escapements will ultimately be trampled by the co-axial for the very simple reason that it’s better,” Daniels said unequivocally. The co-axial also has fewer parts than the more traditional lever escapement, which allows for greater mechanical efficiency and more stable precision over a longer time period. Daniels was a genius andOmega believed in himwhile others were unsure. “[OMEGAwas] brave enough to take on this revolutionary technology in the face of a lot of criticism and scepticism from the rest of the industry,” Daniels said. “At the time there was no praise for Omega and there was certainly none for me.” Launched at Baselworld 2016, the Planet Ocean Master Chronometer Collection continues a long heritage of superlative watches with co-axial movements. All certified by the Swiss Federal Institute ofMetrology (METAS), the collection reveals new sizes andmovements, exciting new bezels, and innovative materials such as 18-carat Sedna gold, Liquidmetal, rubber and ceramic. The latter is used in the rubber and ceramic bezel watch and represents a brand newdiving bezel. An eye-catching and on-trend shade of orange rubber covers the first 15 minutes of the bezel, while Liquidmetal is used for themarkings. The 43.5mm stainless steel case has a black ceramic dial and attaches to a patterned rubber strap. This dynamic timepiece is powered by theOMEGA Master Chronometer 8900. The bold newMaster Chronograph watch is more substantial in size measuring in at 45.5mm. Introducing 18-carat Sedna gold to the Planet Ocean collection for the first time, the case for this striking watch is made from an appealing combination of stainless steel and 18-carat Sedna gold, with a blue ceramic dial and bezel. OMEGA Ceragold has been used for the bezel’s attractive diving scale and the watch is powered by the new OMEGA Master Chronometer Chronograph calibre. In another premierewe get the latest GMTmodel, which introducesOMEGA’s first bi-ceramic bezel with its cool black and white effect and the ring and markings indicating night and day. The 43.5mm stainless steel case features a black ceramic dial and at the heart of the watch is the newMaster Chronometer GMT 8906 movement. Each of the newwatches areMasterChronometers representing the highest standard of precision and performance and a quality standard that OMEGA plan to achieve for every watch they produce in the near future. OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean Collection