Luxury Swiss watch brand Omega is never one to rest upon its laurels, and fresh from their visit to the hallowed halls of Baselworld they have now unveiled a new development in conjunction with one of their partners, Solar Impulse. A renowned project specialising in the development of solar-powered aircraft, Solar Impulse have now committed themselves to achieving a goal that seems almost insurmountable in terms of scale. By 2015, a flight team intends to circle the globe using nothing but solar energy, day and night, to fuel their endeavour. The aircraft in question, Solar Impulse 2, will be the second plane to stem from this scheme, and it will be undergoing its first tentative tests this May.
Such a feat will certainly go down as one of the standout accomplishments of its type, should it be carried out as scheduled, and Omega has proved to be instrumental when creating efficient technologies for use upon these aircraft. The peerless engineering expertise possessed by Omega has been proven time and time again when one looks at their latest watches, but these skills are just as applicable within wider realms too. For example, a lighter and more efficient landing light system has been pioneered by the Swiss horological brand, li
ghter electronics have been fitted to the dashboard of the plane as a direct result of Omega’s efforts, and they have also developed a system to enable an energy deficient engine to draw upon the reserves of another.
When Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the founders of Solar Impulse, attended the press conference to announce their intention to circumnavigate the globe, both were seen wearing the Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33. This new timepiece (see below) has been tested and developed in accordance with the European Space Agency, and is a fitting timepiece for those who frequent the arenas of adventure and exploration. Two functions have been bestowed upon this chronograph purely to serve those who are prepared for space exploration – namely the ability to observe both mission and phase elapsed time – so not only did this watch serve as a firm reminder of Omega’s contribution to this project, but it is also a superbly appropriate instrument for those who will undertake this landmark in aviation.
The Solar Impulse project is set to be a groundbreaking piece in the continued puzzle to find a sustainable energy source, so Omega is the latest horological brand name to be noted for its environmentally minded concerns. Just as Chopard has prioritised the sustainable mining of gold, so Omega has focused upon the area of energy, and both ventures stand as admirable witnesses to the commitment of many watch manufacturers to the wider world we live in. Omega is also providing capital funding for Solar Impulse, so should the flight be successful they will have undoubtedly played a major role in the proceedings.
Here at Banks Lyon, we will continue to watch this unfolding project with interest. As a registered stockist for Omega, including a wide range of Omega Speedmaster watches with equally impressive capabilities as the Solar Impulse timepiece, we are well used to Omega standing out from amid their competitors, so we expect that this latest mission will be another valued chapter within their storied history. To place an enquiry about any of our Omega watches, or indeed any of our other ranges, like the aforementioned Chopard watches, call us on 01524 38 48 58 and we will be only too pleased to assist you.
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