The main focus of this site is to show the development of prototypes within the Omega firm, with a considerable extension covering the revolutionary development of electric and electronic Swiss watches. However, also other manufacturers have contributed, either technically or aesthetically, in creating watches iconic for a certain era or a specific use and which in most instances fuelled the creativity of the whole watchmaking sector.
The creation or evolution of some well known watch models always started with interesting experimental pieces and prototypes. These prototypes permit an additional insight into the normally hidden and sometimes forgotten research and development departments of the respective manufacturers.
Some interesting creations arise from the need to circumvent existing systems, which are protected by patents and which encounter a considerable success, such as the self winding system. Other developments focus on the aesthetics or specific professions and target specific clients, while using commercially available movements. To attain their goal, most manufacturers follow the same pattern of development as described in the ‘Prototype Definition’ section, however as these procedures are by no means precisely protocolled one can encounter variations.
The examples in the subsections are listed in chronological order, independently of the manufacturer.
Omega Prototypes 