Manufacture
Kong's comprehensive report on the OMEGA Co-Axial Exhibition in Singapore offers a rare look at the brand's horological heritage, including a pivotal George Daniels prototype. This article provides an invaluable historical context for the Co-Axial escapement, tracing its journey from Daniels' initial concept to its adoption by Omega. Readers gain insight into the exhibition's structure and the significance of the displayed artifacts, particularly the never-before-seen museum pieces.
This section is some snapshots of the exhibited pieces for the Co-axial Exhibition Singapore ... Each showcase is accompanied with a well detailed description stand-card. Hope you will enjoy them. Beginning from Exhibit #1 ... The genesis of the company began in 1848 by a watchmaker, Louis Brandt. Understand that initial business was by buying components from various people and then assembled them to timepieces. Later upon his death, the business was taken over by his sons, Louis-Paul and Cesar.
This section consists of some closer pictures of the 2 star pieces of the exhibition, and a surprise piece which Mr Petros Protopapas, OMEGA Museum Manager, pulled out his pocket. Firstly, the First watch with the Co-Axial escapements, a prototype by English watchmaker, Dr George Daniels. He bought a Speedmaster by himself, and modified the Calibre 1045 with his Co-Axial escapement in 1974. Using this watch, he went to pitch to brands in Switzerland including some big names. However, no success
. . . déjà vu with the 1932 Marine, as though I've seen it before. Must've been here in Los Angeles at an Omega event - can't remember where or when, though. Thank you, Kong, for the absorbing article. From the wear marks, it looks as though Daniels enjoyed his gift watch on a fairly regular basis. One can scarcely imagine his feelings when he wore it, considering his crucial role in its development. Art
should be his most important piece, using his own money to buy and then modified and placed in his prototype Co-Axial escapement. With that watch, he persevered for at least two decades, to pitch his concept. Pretty remarkable. Both auctions were bought by OMEGA Museum from auctions. One of them from a British independent watchmaker too... wonder why he sold it off. Thanks for viewing, Art. Kong
. . . it's gracing the Masthead ;-) . . .
It was almost like the reader visiting the Exhibition himself/herself. I can say so cos a group of us were guided by Mr Protopapas through the museum pieces last evening & I dare said we learnt quite a fair bit. Allowed me to share a few photos taken using my mobile phone. Mr Protopapas passionately sharing about the actual prototype presented to Mr George Daniels. It was a very interactive session which catured the participants' attention. Exploded view of one of the calibres. A few enquired if
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