We’ve had cause to mention Solar Impulse 2 before, as this landmark project in world aviation has been affiliated with Omega watches for quite a few years. However, all of these references have been very much the calm before the storm, as Solar Impulse’s planned voyage – an undertaking that should, if successful, make the dream of circumnavigating the sun using only solar power into a reality – had yet to begin. However, as you may have surmised from our last blog on this subject, the journey now unfolds before the eyes of the watching world, so we thought an update was due.
At the close of April, the Solar Impulse flight was logged as having touched down in Nanjing, China, and that’s where it shall remain until at least the 9th of May, when the next stage in this modern-day odyssey gets underway. Having completed a full 6 legs of an around-the-globe journey that’s been divided into 12 legs, one of the most ambitious sections now approaches in the form of the crossing of the mighty Pacific Ocean. Needless to say, this leg could decide the fate of the project as a whole.
Having set the Solar Impulse journey in motion during the take off in Abu Dhabi, the pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg are championing the noble cause that strives to locate sustainable resources, and both men fully intend that this mission should greatly bolster confidence in solar power. The story of mankind presumably has many long ages still to come, and a reduction in dependence on non-renewable resources – already a priority – is likely to grow ever more vital.
The Solar Impulse flight actually owes far more to Omega than you may immediately think, as Omega’s luminaries have proved pivotal in the development of an instrument that deals with the approach and touch-down stages of an aircraft, a landing light system and even an energy transferral device for use in the plane’s engine system. Omega may have made their name through the creation of luxury Swiss watches, but their whole-hearted support of this project couldn’t be more obvious.
Of course, Omega’s involvement in Solar Impulse extends beyond lending their technical expertise to the engineers, as their support for this headline event in the world of sustainable development also means that they’re doing what they can to raise awareness of the feat. As you may quite rightly expect, that means reaching their own audience of watch-aficionados with the news, and we’ve showcased two timepieces that have been released to that end in some of our previous posts.
However, if you missed those articles, you don’t need to think that you’ve missed the wristwatches, as we still have both ‘Skywalker’ Speedmaster models in stock at Banks Lyon Jewellers. Endorsed by Piccard and Borschberg themselves, our Omega Speedmaster X33 Skywalker Watch (above) retails for £3,720, and is obtainable on 0% finance for £82.67 and a 20% deposit. Meanwhile, the Solar Impulse limited edition Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 (seen below) is also priced at £3,720, and is the ultimate way to commemorate the flight. With only 1924 pieces in circulation, though, you’ll need to act fast!
If you’d like to express your interest in either of these timepieces, or have an enquiry about any of the watches that you can see on our Omega Speedmaster page, our helpful and friendly team are on hand to assist with your query. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 01524 38 48 58 to find out more.
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