Omega Ambassadors & METAS Master

Quick Questions

Who are the most notable Omega brand ambassadors in film and sports?
What exactly does the METAS Master Chronometer certification test?
How does METAS certification differ from the traditional COSC standard?
Why is 15,000 gauss magnetic resistance a game-changer for watch durability?
Can any watch brand apply for METAS certification, or is it exclusive to Omega?

Omega’s ambassador roster and its partnership with METAS are two pillars that define the brand’s commitment to excellence. Let’s explore both in detail.

Omega’s Global Ambassadors: Icons in Film and Fashion

Omega has cultivated relationships with some of the most recognizable faces in entertainment and style. Cindy Crawford, a supermodel since the 1980s, has been with Omega since 1995, making her the longest-standing ambassador. Her involvement extends to Orbis International, where she has championed eye-care initiatives since 2014, with her children Kaia and Presley Gerber joining as ambassadors in 2017. Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman, known for her role in The Hours, also advocates for women’s and children’s rights with UNICEF. George Clooney, a UN Messenger of Peace, shares Omega’s fascination with space, while Daniel Craig, famous for his James Bond portrayal, participated in the documentary Through Their Eyes about Orbis’s flying eye hospital. Eddie Redmayne, who earned acclaim for playing Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, brings classic British charm. Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan and Chinese actress Liu Shishi round out the cinematic list, each adding global appeal.

Athletic Excellence: Ambassadors in Sports

In golf, Sergio García, Rory McIlroy, Michelle Wie, Stacy Lewis, and Charley Hull represent Omega with major victories and consistent top-tier performance. Swimmers Michael Phelps, Chad le Clos, and Alexander Popov, along with heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill, embody precision and determination. Phelps, the most decorated Olympian with 28 medals, and le Clos, who won gold by 0.05 seconds in 2012, highlight Omega’s link to timing accuracy.

METAS Master Chronometer: A New Standard of Precision

Omega’s collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) has introduced the Master Chronometer certification, which sets a higher bar for watch accuracy and resilience.

What Makes METAS Unique? Unlike COSC certification, which tests only the movement, METAS evaluates the fully assembled watch. It includes a stringent anti-magnetic test, requiring resistance to 15,000 gauss—far exceeding the ISO 764 standard of 60 gauss with a deviation of +/-30 seconds per day. The precision requirement is also tighter: 0 to +5 seconds per day versus COSC’s -4 to +6 seconds.

The Eight METAS Tests: The process begins with the movement, which must first pass COSC, then undergoes two magnetic field tests. The watch is exposed to 15,000 gauss while its functioning is verified via sound. Precision is then measured in a magnetic field over 24 hours, followed by a demagnetization and retest. Over four days, the watch is tested in six positions and two temperatures, with average deviation calculated. Positional deviation and power reserve tests compare accuracy at full wind and 33% power reserve. Finally, water resistance is tested by submerging the watch under increasing pressure.

Availability and Benefits: METAS certification is open to any brand whose movement first earns COSC. Each certified watch comes with a certificate detailing test results, and Omega offers a 4-year warranty on Master Chronometer models. For buyers, this certification provides an extra layer of confidence in durability and precision, making it a key factor in choosing a high-end timepiece.