zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

which are chronometer rated. But these are limited and released a couple of years ago. They are very expensive (mainly due the limitedness) and almost impossible to find. The current collection, like Keith write, has only the Broad Arrow and Spit Second as Chronometer.

They didn't select it as Chronometer because when the Speedmaster came out, in 1957, the Constellation was the flagship of Omega and the only wristwatch (together with Rolex) with chronometer certificate in mass production. So it was quite a prestige object. The Speedmaster was an entirely different line and had other priorities. Like solid, robust movements, readible dial, chronograph function and air-tight cases. A chronometer label was quite expensive as well.

And Chronometer doesn't say much, it is only a measurement on one certain moment. If you have Rolex for example, the chronometer movement caliber 3135 is way different than the non-chronometer movement caliber 3000. Not only the date feature and the chronometer function are lacking on the caliber 3000, but the construction is different as well.

If you would rate an Omega caliber 1861 (Lemania 1871 I think) for a chronometer certificate, the movement would be no different from other Lemania 1871 or Omega caliber 1861 movements. So it is only about regulation of the movement in 5 different positions and with different temperatures. How long would it hold out? If after 2 years the watch runs without chronometer specifications (-4/+6 seconds a day), you have the same watch again as the non-chronometer Speedmaster Pro (with caliber 1861).

To my knowlegde, the caliber 1861 is regulated at a few (not 5 I think) different positions before it leaves the Omega factory in Bienne. So you will get an accurate watch anyway. If it is not accurate again, you can bring it to your watchmaker to have it regulated again.

Personally, I couldn't care less about accuracy. As long as it don't run +15 seconds a day, I am fine with it. If I want to know the exact time, I check www.time.gov of my cellular phone. Who needs to be in time with the precision of -4/+6 seconds? If I would, I would be stressed out the whole day :-)

I have these mechanical pieces for fun. It is part of the charme when it runs a few seconds fast or slow per day. I don't mind it at all.

Best regards,
Robert-Jan