Omega Takes Its Central Tourbillon To New Heights

The central tourbillon has been a hallmark complication of Omega ever since it was introduced in 1994. What makes these watches so exceptional is that the tourbillon can literally take center stage. As Omega opted for a one-minute rotation of the tourbillon cage, it can conveniently double as a seconds indicator. Aesthetically, this has resulted in some stunning watches, but Omega is now taking it to new heights with the De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition.

Many things make this new Omega so exceptional. First of all, is the manual wind movement, where the bridges and main plate are made out of 18K Sedna gold, certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS, an independent institute. While it is already challenging for a regular movement to meet the requirements to get this certification, it is even more difficult for a tourbillon. The tests also require it to be exposed to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss, after which it still needs to remain precise. One of the ways Omega tackles this challenge is by making the tourbillon cage out of black ceramised titanium. The watch also features a co-axial escapement, which can be seen just behind the tourbillon cage.

The movement, which has a power reserve of 3-days, is housed in a 43mm case made out of Sedna gold. In fact, even the dial of this Omega is made out of this proprietary alloy. It has been given a black PVD treatment over a sunburst motif to provide it with that understated sense of luxury that has always been an intricate part of the De Ville collection. While one would expect a watch like this to be a limited edition, this is not the case. The new De Ville Tourbillon is only limited in production and will be, as its name already indicates, a numbered edition. The watches are made, by hand, in Omega’s Atelier Tourbillon, where it takes an entire month for one to be completed. This makes the De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition a technically advanced watch, yet one born out of craftsmanship and tradition.