Omega is a Main Partner in the Solar Impulse project, which aims to circumnavigate the globe in an airplane powered only by the sun. In this role, OMEGA is providing financial support and significant technological expertise. This venture will contribute substantially to the scientific and ecological development of alternative means of sustainable energy for the future.
The Solar Impulse Project also aims to inspire people to realize that the sun is an enormously powerful energy source which has the potential to reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources and fossil fuels.
As a Solar Impulse Main Partner, Omega has not only invested in the project but has made a number of critical contributions in the area of engineering technology including:
1- The development of a performance simulation and testing system (a test bench)
2- The OMEGA Instrument, consisting of light bars which indicate the flight path or lateral drift on a horizontal scale of light bars and on two vertical scales, the angle of the wing
3- Vibrating sleeves that serve as alarm devices in the pilots’ flight uniforms that alert distracted or fatigued pilots to any flight abnormalities
4- A Landing Light System with an astonishing watts per weight ratio (4.4 pounds)
Solar Impulse successfully completed its maiden flight over Payerne, Switzerland just last week. To commemorate this partnership OMEGA created the Speedmaster Broad Arrow GMT “Solar Impulse” watch. The “Solar Impulse” watch is a fitting tribute from a watchmaker renowned for its pioneering spirit to its partner in one of the most significant adventures in the planet’s history. It’s a logical step for OMEGA: after the Moon, the sun.
Movement
Exclusive Omega calibre 3603
Self-winding GMT chronograph
Officially certified chronometer
Jewels: 37 Frequency: 28’800 A/h (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 52 hours
Exclusive features with:
Co-Axial Escapement
Column wheel chronograph mechanism
Omega free sprung-balance
Luxury finish
Case
Diameter: 44.25 mm Height: 15.75 mm
Water resistant up to: 100 m (330 ft)
Polished-brushed grade 2 titanium case
Brushed grade 2 titanium bezel with black tachymetre ring, “Tachymetre base 1000” in ochre
Brushed crown and pushers in grade 2 titanium, crown embossed with polished Omega logo
Box-form scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Screw-in caseback in brushed grade 2 titanium, laser engraved with “Test Flight” and numbered edition number; central sapphire crystal etched with
Omega logo-name, “SolarImpulse”, “HB-SIA” and the plane patch
Display
Central hour-minute-GMT hands, small seconds at 9H, date window at 4H30
Central chronograph seconds hand, 30-minute recorder at 3H, 12-hour recorder at 6H
Dial
Black dial in carbon fibre with black counters
Transferred white Omega name-logo and readings; transferred licence plate “HB-SIA” in ochre
Indexes coated with Super-LumiNova
Hands
Matt black & white hour-minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova
Matt white chronograph seconds-hand coated with Super-LumiNova; ochre tip
Matt white counter- and recorder-hands
Matt black GMT hand with ochre “North” on counterweight, ochre “GMT” and line on hand and plane-shaped tip painted with Super-LumiNova
Bracelet
Polished and brushed grade 2 titanium bracelet with safety clasp engraved with “HB-SIA Solar Impulse”
Fitting: 21 mm between lugs, 18 mm on clasp
The retail is $8,600.
