Kong
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The Special Museum Pieces !
This section consists of some closer pictures of the 2 star pieces of the exhibition, and a surprise piece which Mr Petros Protopapas, OMEGA Museum Manager, pulled out his pocket.
Firstly, the First watch with the Co-Axial escapements, a prototype by English watchmaker, Dr George Daniels. He bought a Speedmaster by himself, and modified the Calibre 1045 with his Co-Axial escapement in 1974. Using this watch, he went to pitch to brands in Switzerland including some big names. However, no success of being adopted till near three decades later, till he met another legend, Mr Nicolas G. Hayek in the 90s and third round of presenting to OMEGA, the concept was accepted. In 1999, the first OMEGA Co-Axial escapement watch (with Calibre 2500) was launched. Subsequently, to industrialized the technology, more work was being done, and OMEGA introduced Calibre 8500/8501 in 2007.
Firstly, the First watch with the Co-Axial escapements, a prototype by English watchmaker, Dr George Daniels. He bought a Speedmaster by himself, and modified the Calibre 1045 with his Co-Axial escapement in 1974. Using this watch, he went to pitch to brands in Switzerland including some big names. However, no success of being adopted till near three decades later, till he met another legend, Mr Nicolas G. Hayek in the 90s and third round of presenting to OMEGA, the concept was accepted. In 1999, the first OMEGA Co-Axial escapement watch (with Calibre 2500) was launched. Subsequently, to industrialized the technology, more work was being done, and OMEGA introduced Calibre 8500/8501 in 2007.
George Daniels' Co-Axial Prototype Watch - Circa 1970s
Dr George Daniels
The second piece - OMEGA first watch with Co-Axial Escapement, launched in 1999, with a De Ville Limited edition of 999 pieces.
The first yellow gold piece, numbered '000' was presented to Dr George Daniels, with engraving on the caseback - " To Our Friend George Daniels, From OMEGA Ltd, April 30, 1999" ...
The first yellow gold piece, numbered '000' was presented to Dr George Daniels, with engraving on the caseback - " To Our Friend George Daniels, From OMEGA Ltd, April 30, 1999" ...
The '000" of 999 and the engraving ...
Last surprise.... has at last, the opportunity to hold it, the original water-proof OMEGA "Marine" 1932 with original sealskin-straps!
Said to be tested live to a depth of 73 metres in nearby Lake Geneva for 30 minutes in 5 degree Celcius water in 1936.
Sealskins ... said to be unaffected even by sea-water ...
Remarkable thinking in the 30s to have adjustable clasp!
The securing clip ... fastening the watch into the waterproof case.
Mr Protopapas opening the Marine ...
Lifting the securing clip ...
voila ..
Crown at 12H ...
OMEGA brand inside the triangle marking.
The rest of the engravings are patents granted.
Hope you enjoy the e-tour of the Co-Axial Exhibition.
Kong
This message has been edited by Kong on 2013-08-29 21:27:03
OMEGA Co-Axial Exhibition Singapore with George Daniels Prototype Watch
Singapore, 23 August, 2013 - OMEGA Co-axial Exhibition kicks of on that with a media event in the afternoon and an opening party for both OMEGA Boutiques' and Cortina Watch guests. Though this is not the first Co-axial Exhibition for OMEGA, something spec...
Exhibition Timepieces
This section is some snapshots of the exhibited pieces for the Co-axial Exhibition Singapore ... Each showcase is accompanied with a well detailed description stand-card. Hope you will enjoy them. Beginning from Exhibit #1 ... The genesis of the company b...
The Special Museum Pieces !
This section consists of some closer pictures of the 2 star pieces of the exhibition, and a surprise piece which Mr Petros Protopapas, OMEGA Museum Manager, pulled out his pocket. Firstly, the First watch with the Co-Axial escapements, a prototype by Engl...
I have a sense of . . .
. . . déjà vu with the 1932 Marine, as though I've seen it before. Must've been here in Los Angeles at an Omega event - can't remember where or when, though. Thank you, Kong, for the absorbing article. From the wear marks, it looks as though Daniels enjoy...
The Speedmaster ...
should be his most important piece, using his own money to buy and then modified and placed in his prototype Co-Axial escapement. With that watch, he persevered for at least two decades, to pitch his concept. Pretty remarkable. Both auctions were bought b...
Thank you for the excellent sharing, Kong
It was almost like the reader visiting the Exhibition himself/herself. I can say so cos a group of us were guided by Mr Protopapas through the museum pieces last evening & I dare said we learnt quite a fair bit. Allowed me to share a few photos taken usin...
Dear Kong
Just when I thought that it is impossible you managed to outdid yourself Bravo and thank you for another epic "as good as been there" report Cheers Damjan
Thanks for the add-on, Melvin ...
Mr Protopapas was top form yesterday afternoon. 2 hours a bit short, 3 hours is just right. So did he convinced all of you to visit OMEGA Museum? :-) He just returned from Houston with some declassified materials about the moonwatch testing and has the ma...
Indeed he did & he promised
to tell us the other 3 exact timepieces submitted to NASA when we visit him ;p Melvin