The Omega Co Axial Calibre may not be the very latest word in the world of watchmaking anymore, but this revolutionary movement – now 15 years old – is still making headlines for Omega even today.

The lifespan of the Co Axial has thus far been littered with accolades, and the enthusiasm surrounding this piece of marvellous engineering has clearly not died down quite yet. For example, Omega has recently brought this signature innovation to Guatemala, allowing another area of the world to gain access to this legendary mechanism, and the recent unveiling of the Master Co Axial Calibre at Baselworld 2014 suggests that the evolution of this horological landmark is not yet complete.

When it was first released in 1999, the Co Axial movement was hailed by Omega as being the first true breakthrough in the world of new watch escapements, and it differs from a more ‘normal’ mechanical movement in several key ways. These include:

  • Greater stability and precision, thanks to a more direct transfer of energy.
  • Better longevity as a result of less friction between components (the Co Axial Calibre comes with a 4 year warranty).
  • More robust shock resistance that comes from a free sprung-balance.
  • COSC chronometer certification.
  • In the case of the new Master Co Axial Calibre, the movement has a magnetic resistance of more than 15,000 gauss.

The Co Axial movement was doubly significant because it represented a challenge to the rather comfortable patterns that many luxury Swiss watches had settled into at the time, and even today Omega is still leading the way with regards to innovation, as no other watch brand has yet elected to make the transition to such a movement. Although each other manufacturer has undoubtedly pioneered their own trademark advances, the Co Axial has remained a purely Omega staple.

More and more Omega watches have now adopted the Co Axial Calibre as their chosen power source, and so the movement is by no means exclusive to just a small range of privileged models. One of the Co Axial’s strengths is its aforementioned longevity and less regular service intervals, yet even this superb feat of engineering needs some attention from time to time, and great care must naturally be taken when dealing with such a notable instrument of precision.

Whenever you need Omega watch repairs, whether your timepiece boasts a Co Axial Calibre or another type of mechanical or quartz movement, we welcome you to contact Martin at any time you choose.  We’ve dealt with a variety of new movements since we were founded in 1987, and can conduct any repairs or servicing that you might require at a very reasonable price. Call 0141 946 6333 or email Martin at martin@martinsjewellers.co.uk to find out more.