Omega has traditionally used standard ETA or Valjoux movements in almost all of their pieces. The movements are considerably improved over the regular models, but they still come from the same pot. Now, however, they’re making their own COSC-certified movement with 202 components. It’s called the 8500/8501 and will wind up in their higher-end pieces for now.

Always at the forefront of technical innovations and renowned as the watchmaking company which produced the first-ever industrialised movement, OMEGA presented its exclusive in-house manufacture calibre 8500/8501 to a select audience during a press conference which took place today at the Cité du Temps in Geneva.
Replete with technologically- advanced features, the new automatic movement is a COSC*-certified chronometer comprising 202 completely redesigned components. It is naturally equipped with an upgraded version of OMEGA’s proprietary Co-Axial technology guaranteeing prolonged timekeeping accuracy and reliability over time. This virtuoso 13-lines movement has two barrels which increase the energy source to provide greater stability, thus ensuring an impressive 60-hour power reserve.

OMEGA unveils its exclusive in-house manufacture movement and launches its new Hour Vision collection. [Press Release]

Mmmm… tasty Speedmaster. As an aside, I just opened up my Seamaster Chrono to dry it out and let me tell you the finish on Omega movements are incredible. I should have taken a picture, but I wanted to button it back up without destroying it. This model uses the Omega 3301.