Omega Skeletonized Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition

This week Swiss watch brand has presented their new Omega Skeletonized Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition watch with a central tourbillon complication.

Although mostly known for their mainstream chronographs and diving watches, like the Speedmaster and Seamaster (James Bond’s favorite, right) series, Omega also produces a number of high-tech and models with central tourbillon escapement.

First introduced 16 years ago, these rue haute horlogerie timepieces, usually retail at around $100,000, which is out of financial reach even for the creme de la creme of Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Like the earlier models in the series, the Omega Skeletonized Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition watch lacks traditional hour and minute hands, because it is technically impossible to mount the hands on the central tourbillon. Instead, the hands are etched on to a pair of sapphire crystals. The disks are motivated by gearing moved to the outer parts of the platinum case, which is an integral part of the movement.

The movement itself derivates from the 2002 Omega Caliber 2600B movement. Like it predecessor, the Caliber 2636 is built totally in-house by one of company’s master horologists and then sent to COSC Bienne for further testing. It then receives an official COSC chronometer certificate. When time comes, the movement is serviced by the same person that initially assembled the watch. So, now you understand why Omega plans to limit the watch’s production to only 18 numbered pieces.

Photos: Omega

Omega Skeletonized Tourbillon Co-Axial Platinum Limited Edition watch specification

Price range: N/A, around €100,000
Movement: Omega Calibre 2636, automatic, skeletonized and assembled by hand, COSC-certified
Complications: Central tourbillon
Power reserve: 45 hours
Case material: Platinum
Bezel material: Platinum
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire caseback
Case size: N/A
Case height: N/A
Dial: Black, skeletonized
Numerals: N/A
Hands: Etched on sapphire disks
Strap: Black leather
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 meters