Solar Impulse Completes Round-the-World Flight

Over the past year we have been avidly following the progress of the Solar Impulse 2, a solar powered aircraft with a simple mission – to fly around the globe using nothing but solar power. The Solar Impulse team began their incredible journey back in March 2015, taking to the skies of Abu Dhabi in a completely fuel-less flight, clocking up over 40,000km over 16 months.

Tuesday 26^th July marked the end to the Solar Impulse journey as pilot Bertrand Piccard touched down in Abu Dhabi, their starting point. This marks the first ever round-the-world flight powered by the Sun rather than fuel.

BREAKING: we flew 40’000km without fuel. It’s a first for energy, take it further! #futureisclean pic.twitter.com/JCvKTDBVZx

— SOLAR IMPULSE (@solarimpulse) July 26, 2016

Piccard and his fellow pilot André Borschberg described their journey as the ‘definition of adventure’, and they have certainly displayed their thirst for adventure through their record breaking flight. The project is a huge step forward for the renewables industry, proving that incredible things can be achieved without the use of traditional fuels.

The project has benefitted from a number of backers, even giving the general public the opportunity to ‘sponsor a cell’ for a small fee. However, one of the most prominent backers of the project is Swiss watch makers, Omega. Not only have Omega supported the team financially, they also applied their expertise, providing simulation equipment, the Omega instrument and a landing light system.

To celebrate the partnership, Omega released a special collection of watches inspired by the Solar Impulse 2. With features reminiscent of the Solar Impulse aircraft itself, the collection is the perfect homage to the project.

The black or orange rubber strap is similar to the carbon fibre-honeycomb composite structure of the aircraft itself, tying the designs together seamlessly. The design is also available with a titanium strap which gives an elegant and timeless feel to the piece.

The project is also celebrated with the Speedmaster X-33 Solar Impulse Limited Edition. The timepiece reflects the Solar Impulse aircraft in a number of ways, such as the lightweight watch head which weighs just 59.50 grams, replicating the lightweight nature of the aircraft itself.

The face also boasts luminescent features, making it easy to read no matter the situation. The ceramic bezel features a minute track scale which is coated in white Super-LumiNova.

Its NATO style strap gives the watch a modern and relaxed feel with the comfortable blue polyamide strap perfectly complemented by its green trim. This timepiece seems like the perfect piece for any adventurer who is looking for something to fit in with their lifestyle.

Omega are at the cutting edge of innovation as can be seen through their work with the Solar Impulse project. However, this is not the only partnership which displays their work at the forefront of technological advancements. Omega are also the official timekeepers of the Rio 2016 Olympics, as they have been for the Olympic Games since 1932.

Omega’s thirst for adventure is mirrored in the projects they support, from the Solar Impulse to the Olympic Games. This truly is a brand that is perfect for those who have a thrill-seeking streak – something that is reflected in their cutting-edge chronograph designs.

Here at Banks Lyon, we are proud to be official stockists of Omega watches, providing the right timepiece to any adventurer who walks into our Lancaster store. We invite you to visit us in store to view our collection of Omega timepieces. If you would like to contact us, please don’t hesitate to call us on 01524 38 10 20 to speak to a member of our team.