Omega has taken a significant step forward in advancing watchmaking by introducing chronometric testing at the new Laboratoire de Précision.
For more than 50 years, COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse Des Chronomètres) has been the primary destination in Switzerland for certifying mechanical movements post-assembly, granting them the prestigious “certified chronometer” title.
Now, the Laboratoire de Précision (LDP), officially authorised by SAS (the Swiss Accreditation Service), will perform functions similar to COSC, conducting alternative and independent testing.
“Offering an unparalleled level of precision, the LDP is a creation of Omega – a brand renowned for its commitment to enhancing watchmaking standards and elevating the quality of its esteemed calibres,” stated an Omega spokesperson.
Despite being established and operated by Omega, the Laboratoire de Précision remains entirely neutral and independent, providing chronometric testing services to all brands and movement manufacturers.
This neutrality and integrity were crucial prerequisites for its accreditation as a “testing Laboratory according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017” by the Swiss Accreditation Service, a distinguished authority authorised to grant such approval.
For consumers, this accreditation ensures that the LDP conducts dependable, independent and unbiased testing of watch movements.
Employing the ISO 3159 standard, commonly known as “chronometer”, the laboratory is accredited for rigorous testing methods.
In addition to standard chronometric equipment, the LDP has developed proprietary in-house technologies enabling precise measurements under tailored conditions such as varying positions and temperatures.
This enables it to significantly surpass industry standards, conducting more accurate measurements continuously over the 15-day chronometer testing period specified in ISO 3159.
Unlike the current practice, which takes precision measurements every 24 hours, at the Laboratoire de Précision, every heartbeat of the calibre is meticulously measured and evaluated, with 10 times greater measurement accuracy than the industry standard.
For Omega, the Laboratoire de Précision marks a monumental advancement in precision standards. Armed with extensive data and vital technical insights, Omega can now analyse and refine its calibres for the future, fine-tuning the subtle nuances that can shape a watchmaker’s reputation.
The Laboratoire de Précision will operate from two sites in Switzerland, one in Bienne and the other in Villeret, providing a dedicated space spanning more than 1,000 square metres for chronometric testing.
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