Basel 2008: Omega Speedmaster GMT Solar Impulse Watch

The Omega Speedmaster GMT Solar Impulse watch is a limited edition timepiece which celebrates Omega's involvement with the "Solar Impulse" Project, whose goal is to circumnavigate the globe in a solar powered airplane--perhaps as early as 2009.  Extremely aware of the importance of creating and harnessing sustainable energy sources, Omega is a proud associate of the project, supplying capital and engineering technology.  

The Omega Speedmaster GMT Solar Impulse watch has been designed to pay tribute to the prototype plane--which has been designated as HB-SIA (Hotel Bravo Solar Impulse Alpha).  The 44.25mm case and matching bracelet are manufactured from Grade-2 titanium, as are the crown and pushpieces; the caseback is a screw-in design and is engraved with the inscription "Test Flight".  A crystal in sapphire provides outstanding protection from scratches, its legibility being enhanced by the application of anti-reflective coating on both sides.  Water resistance of the GMT Solar Impulse watch is 100 meters.

The carbon fiber dial of this unique Omega Speedmaster timepiece features recessed chronograph subdials; the inscription "HB-SIA" is proudly located at the 12 o'clock position, in a distinctive ochre color which matches the "Tachymetre Base 1000" printing on the aluminum bezel insert. The central 24-hour GMT hand features an airplane-shaped tip that is yet another subtle cue that illuminates the aeronautical inspiration of the timepiece.  Legibility is assured thanks to bold white luminous hands and hour and minute indications.  Chronograph displays are also unambiguous; the 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers appear at the 3 and 6 o'clock positions, while small seconds are shown in the subdial at 9 o'clock.  

The Omega Speedmaster GMT Solar Impulse watch is animated by the exclusive Omega 3603 caliber.  This self-winding movement, which has received COSC chronometer certification for its precision performance, features a vertically-coupled chronograph governed by a column-wheel.  The free-sprung balance, equipped with the friction-reducing Omega Co-Axial escapement, moves back and forth 28,800 times each hour, allowing the watch to record separate time intervals with precision to within 1/8th of a second.  In addition to the chronograph functions and the supplementary GMT indicator, the movement also offers a rapidly adjustable date display.  Power reserve of the 3603 caliber is 52 hours.  Omega has refined this prestigious mechanism with fine decorative elements, including 'Cotes de Geneve' and perlage.