Experience the Charm of OMEGA: New Models and Historic Movements

September is a season for watch fairs across Japan. This year, OMEGA will simultaneously host fairs at two Daimaru department stores in Kobe and Fukuoka.

Beginning September 1st is the "OMEGA Fair" at Daimaru Kobe, following a renovation after four years. The interior design, inspired by OMEGA boutiques in major global cities, centers on the theme of "Earth." With display cases layered like geological strata and warm, champagne-colored interiors reminiscent of sunlight, the watches can be viewed in a serene atmosphere. To commemorate this renovation, a selection of new 2010 models will be available for early purchase at Daimaru Kobe. Two models from the popular "Constellation" line, adorned with exquisite diamonds, have been chosen. (The first 50 customers purchasing an OMEGA watch will receive a mini champagne bottle.)



Meanwhile, from September 8th, Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin will host the "OMEGA Co-Axial Exhibition." The "Co-Axial escapement," a groundbreaking invention of the 20th century, maintains high precision over long periods. Developed by Dr. George Daniels of the UK, OMEGA succeeded in commercializing this escapement. Since its introduction in 1999, it has been refined and is now incorporated into many of OMEGA's automatic models. This exhibition will feature a large-scale model of the Co-Axial escapement, allowing visitors to observe its actual movement. Furthermore, on weekends and public holidays, watchmakers will conduct demonstrations, and a photo service will be available where participants can dress as watchmakers with white coats and loupes, offering an experience enjoyable for adults and families alike. (The first 100 customers purchasing an OMEGA watch will receive a novelty gift.)

One offers an elegant space to encounter special models in a luxurious fair, while the other provides an engaging exhibition to thoroughly appreciate a 20th-century invention. These fairs present diverse opportunities to connect with the world of OMEGA.

"OMEGA Fair"
Period | September 1 (Wed) - 30 (Thu), 2010
Venue | Daimaru Kobe Store, 8th Floor Watch Section, "OMEGA Corner"
40 Akashi-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe City
Tel. 078-331-8121 (General Inquiries)

"OMEGA Co-Axial Exhibition
- OMEGA Collection 2010: The All of OMEGA -"
Period | September 8 (Wed) - September 21 (Tue), 2010
Venue | Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin Store, Main Building 1st Floor Antenna Plus
1-4-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Tel. 092-712-8181 (General Inquiries)

BRAND HISTORY
A brand with one of the highest recognitions in the Swiss watch industry. Its roots trace back to a small workshop opened in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1848 by watchmaker Louis Brandt.

Initially a specialized assembly workshop, the company soon pioneered a sales strategy targeting all of Europe and America. As its business grew steadily, it was renamed "Louis Brandt & Fils" in 1877.

In the 1880s, the company relocated its headquarters to Bienne, where it remains today, establishing a manufacture factory for all aspects of watch production. The "Labrador" movement, boasting the highest precision standards of the time, was born in this factory.

Later, the "Caliber 19" (commonly known as the "Omega caliber"), developed during the era of "Louis Brandt & Frères" (renamed in 1890), led to the adoption of "Ω = Omega," the Greek letter representing the ultimate, as the company name in the early 20th century.

Since its first official timekeeping at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, OMEGA has been active globally, serving as the official timekeeper for sports events worldwide. In the realm of wristwatches, the "Speedmaster" was selected as official NASA equipment in 1965 after enduring rigorous testing, and in 1970, the "Seamaster" was used in deep-sea experiments at a depth of 250 meters during the "Janus Project." These achievements underscore OMEGA's legacy.

Having steadily increased its devoted clientele, OMEGA has not rested on its laurels but continues to pursue the perfection of its own products.

In 1999, OMEGA proved its advanced technological capabilities to the watchmaking world once again by succeeding in the mass production of the Co-Axial escapement invented by watchmaker George Daniels. Since the 21st century, this escapement has been progressively incorporated into new models. Furthermore, in 2007, OMEGA announced its first in-house movement in 30 years, demonstrating an unceasing drive for development.

Founding Year | 1848
Place of Founding | La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
Main Series Names | Speedmaster, Seamaster, De Ville, Constellation
Inquiries | Swatch Group Japan OMEGA Customer Service Center 03-5952-4400
Official Website: http://www.omegawatches.jp/