Omega’s New Watch Certification: What Makes It Different?
In December, Omega and METAS, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, held a joint press conference in Geneva to announce a new collaboration. Starting in 2015, Omega watches that are badged “Master Co-Axial” will be officially certified by METAS, using a new testing system. But what does this mean for Omega, and for watch certification systems in general? Let’s take a look.At the December Press Conference, held at the Cit�� du Temps in Geneva, Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek was joined by Omega President Stephen Urquhart and Christian Bock, the director of METAS, to discuss the new system.The new certification represents a higher standard of accuracy. Omega watches will now be certified for not just consistent timekeeping but also for antimagnetism and water resistance. METAS, which describes itself as “the federal centre of competence for all issues related to measurement and for measuring equipment and measuring procedures,” will become the impartial regul

Unique Blancpain Villeret for Only Watch
You may be accustomed to seeing the dial side of the watches featured here, but in the case of this Blancpain Villeret for Only Watch 2011, the case back reveals the art that makes this watch special. The bridges of the “Villeret Grande D��coration” unique piece are hand engraved to depict a typical Monegasque scene, representing the Rock and its hinterland. Find the wish price and wallpaper inside. The 18K red gold case measures 45mm in diameter and the case back is engraved Pi��ce Unique and Only Watch 2011 . The dial is white Grand Feu enamel with 12 painted enamel black Roman numerals. Red gold feuille hands indicate the time.The movement is a caliber 15B, rhodium-plated, with 20 jewels and a 40-hour power-reserve. The dial, case and movement are signed. This piece is accompanied by a fitted box and certificate.The wish price is 45,000 to 65,000 euros. The image may be enlarged with a click.Additional information, including the dates and locations for the U.S. Only W

How Manually Wound Watch Movements Compare To Their Automatic Counterparts
One thing we have noticed over the years at ABTW is, with watches, nothing is as simple as it may first seem. Take, for example, the humble automatic watch movement that we see in numerous watches today. This could be the reliable ETA 2892 or 2894 that are used by various companies, the Soprod A10 that is seen more frequently nowadays, or an in-house watch movement made by Omega or Rolex. Whatever the watch movement, the automatic rotor and its works is a basic complication that is seen so frequently that it is almost taken for granted.As we know, the benefits of an automatic rotor are constant winding of the mainspring and �C thanks to the higher average tension in the mainspring when the watch is being worn �C more consistent power through the gear train. This means the watch should keep better time as you avoid the diminished amplitude and associated rate loss as the mainspring winds down. It is also convenient in our hectic lives, when we may forget to wind our watch each morning bef

Strap?
Hi All, I have an Omega Aqua Terra Master 41.5mm, model: 231.10.42.21.03.003. I have it with the steel bracelet. I fell in love with the leather strap on it's brother, the 231.13.42.21.03.001 (blue strap), but it's about $1000 to get it from Omega w/ the clasp. I'm open to getting it third party, but I'm not sure how to look for aftermarket straps. What size do I ask for? Will any strap fit? Is there a special thing to ask for? Looking forward to hearing some insight! Thanks

Where in Europe to find a pp5711?
Wondering if anyone can advise, where in Europe could I possibly find a 5711? Willing to travel to find it...