Calibre 19''', 1894
This calibre made history. It incorporated revolutionary manufacturing methods and introduced a production line concept which was ultimately adopted by the entire Swiss watch industry. It was the calibre 19''' but it was better known by the name “Omega”.
Designer: François Chevillat
Description: The calibre 19''' occupies a very special place in OMEGA’s history. The renowned 19''' calibre (''' = lines; 19''' = 43 mm diameter) was characterised by the perfection of its design by François Chevillat, the ingenuity of certain mechanisms, such as time-setting using the winding stem and by its relatively modest price. It was manufactured using methods that were revolutionary at the time: mechanised or industrial-scale production and "divided" assembly whose production line was based on the complete interchangeability of each component in the movement, a system adopted progressively by the entire Swiss watch Industry.
Considered the last word in watchmaking technology of the time, the movement was named Omega by analogy with the 24th and last letter of the Greek alphabet, a synonym for accomplishment, completion, perfection and crowning excellence. It was an astonishing success and its name was given to the company in 1903.
