Just 19 of the rebuilt movements will be finished and placed inside a series of commemorative pocket watches coming later this year

by James Buttery

Watch brands love an anniversary and Omega is no different in that regard. But this year is not the 125th anniversary of the company, it is not even the 125th anniversary of the brand being known as Omega. It is however the 125th anniversary of the creation of the ?Omega? 19?? pocket watch movement, which represented such a technological achievement that the company would be renamed after it nine years later. Sure, it’s a bit niche – but we’re talking about one of the world’s most famous watch names here (not to mention a thoroughly significant calibre).
To celebrate the milestone, Omega revealed two very different watches at the Omega Museum in Bien last week. The launch event was also noteworthy as the final event to be held at the existing Omega museum before it moves to a new, far more modern space as a result of Swatch Group?s continuing modernisation of its brands in the city.
The company began life in 1848 as the workshop of watchmaker Louis Brandt, then 46 years after their father established the company (and 15 years after his death), brothers Louis-Paul and César created a 19?? (ligne) pocket watch movement that not only refined the functionality of time-setting and winding through the crown, but also introduced industrialised production standards, meaning the watch could be produced in lar...