For the 2004 Omega European Masters, Omega launches new chronograph models in the Constellation Double Eagle collection that was first presented in spectacular style at last year's tournament by Cindy Crawford, Estelle Lefebure, Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia. Combining the finest mechanical timekeeping with the Double Eagle's thoroughly modern and masculine design, they represent the top of the range in the Double Eagle collection and fit perfectly with the standing of one of Switzerland's biggest sporting events.
The humble wrist chronograph remains a sought-after timepiece, in spite of the advent of the computer and the electronic age. Chronographs still represent the pinnacle of many of today's mechanical watch collections, furthermore adding a discreet sporty touch to their chronometer counterparts. The chronograph's enduring popularity stems from the fact that it is one of the "complications" that add to the appeal of a mechanical wristwatch, so called because of the additional design work, components and technical prowess required in their implementation.
The Omega calibre 3313 movement used in the new Double Eagle chronograph is itself a complication among chronographs: not only is it fitted with Omega's unique and revolutionary Co-Axial Escapement, which reduces friction in the movement and offers better long-term accuracy, it also has a column-wheel chronograph mechanism. The column-wheel chronograph ensures precision operation of the chronograph functions, with a vertical coupling ensuring zero delay in the start, stop and reset functions. Few such chronographs are available on the market today, since only a handful of prestige watchmakers are capable of producing this highly sophisticated mechanism. In the Double Eagle chronograph, the Omega 3313 has an intricate rhodium-plated finish of circular graining, Geneva wave decor and gold-plated engravings, with a blue-steel screw as the centrepiece of this mechanical and aesthetic marvel. As a prestige movement, it naturally boasts top specifications, with official COSC chronometer certification and a self-winding mechanism that gives the watch a power reserve of 55 hours.
The completely redesigned case used for the Constellation Double Eagle has been enlarged by 3mm to 41mm to accommodate the chronograph movement. It maintains the typical Constellation features, with the four distinguishing polished stainless-steel "claws" that clamp the bezel to the case contrasting elegantly with the brushed stainless-steel finish of the case and bezel, which bears stamped Roman numerals - another distinctive feature of the Constellation line. The asymmetric design of the claws presents a more modern interpretation of the Constellation look and at the same time protects the time-setting crown. The brushed-steel bracelet, with its polished stainless-steel linking bars, offers a similar contrast and is fitted with an elegantly symmetrical butterfly clasp that is totally concealed when closed, further accentuating the sleek lines of the watch.
The chronograph version of the Double Eagle is available with a polished lacquered white dial or a matt black dial, both of which have facetted rhodium-plated hour markers andfacetted, rhodium plated and truncated Dauphine hands. The high quality of the watch is reflected in an attention to detail that includes an applied Omega symbol and name and rhodium-plated rings surrounding the chronograph counters and small seconds sub-dial. A date window at 6 o’clock completes the high-end Omega chronograph look, which is protected by a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides.
True to the sporty origins of the chronograph, the Double Eagle remains a robust watch for all seasons, with its screw-in case helping to guarantee water resistance to 100 metres - more than enough for everyday use. It is perfect for those looking for a classic watch using the latest technology which nevertheless has a subtle sporting edge to it.
