To celebrate its 24th anniversary, GMT Magazine is organizing a week-long adventure for 24 watch enthusiasts, spanning from Geneva to Schaffhausen, with stops in Neuchâtel and the Vallée de Joux. The itinerary includes an exclusive exploration of the workshops and manufactures where exceptional timepieces are born. Here's a sneak preview of the morning programme for Day 4: participants will depart from the 4-star Hotel Beaulac, in Neuchâtel, and head to Schaffhausen, home of the renowned H. Moser & Cie. manufacture.
The oldest single-brand watch museum
Established in Biel/Bienne in 1984, the Omega Museum underwent a complete renovation in 2010, offering more space, a carefully curated selection of watches (out of the 8,000 models owned by the Omega Museum, only 500 watches and 150 movements are displayed), and an educational approach. Its expansion and thematic presentation allow visitors to fully grasp Omega’s significant contributions to sports timekeeping. Approached by the Olympic Organizing Committee in 1932 to improve the reliability and consistency of athletes' performance results, Omega has been pivotal in enhancing the accuracy of athletic performance measurements. Innovations include the first photo finish in track and field and the introduction of touchpads for swimmers in 1967, a decade after NASA sent the Speedmaster into space for its first manned mission. From lunar missions to Hollywood, it’s a small leap and Omega watches have graced the wrists of James Bond, Brad Pitt, or Tom Cruise. Even more impressive, watches worn by George Clooney, Lawrence of Arabia, John F. Kennedy, and even Albert Einstein are proudly displayed in the museum.
Visitors can also explore Omega’s role in global culture through carefully crafted and immersive displays. Its participation as the official timekeeper at the Olympics is represented by two running lanes and a stadium chronometer that invite you to sprint, with a photo finish as a bonus. There's also a miniature bobsleigh track where visitors can calculate their descent time. The space section features a lunar rover and astronaut, offering a glimpse into boarding a space rocket and walking on the Moon after a successful landing. Last but not least, the Seamaster model, worn by 007 in all his perilous missions since "GoldenEye" in 1995, is showcased alongside his Commander uniform.
The Swatch Group’s flagship production facility
In a completely different style from the museum, Omega’s state-of-the-art production facility, which was inaugurated in 2017, reflects the brand’s power and the volume of the Speedmaster production. Designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the 16,000 square meter facility spans five floors (30 meters in height and width, and 70 meters in length), with a mix of concrete wood and glass, resembling an aerospace laboratory straight out of a James Bond movie. Two robots tirelessly and swiftly manage component distribution across the various floors, thanks to a massive concrete spine that’s oxygen-reduced to prevent fires, equipped with mini-distribution corridors connecting all operators. The entire facility combines technical innovation with human expertise for a fully streamlined manufacturing process.
All production stages, including watch assembly, bracelet creation, packaging, stock management, and logistics, occur in this facility, which is also designed for training and tours.
To finish off with style, participants will enjoy a presentation of new products and a light lunch after the tour, perfect for a relaxing nap on the luxury minibusses en route to Schaffhausen.
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