Yes, Omega has historically used ETA movements in many of its timepieces, particularly for a significant period in its history.
Omega's Use of ETA Movements
For decades, it was a common practice in the watch industry for brands to utilize ebauches (base movements) supplied by specialized manufacturers like ETA. Omega was no exception, integrating these reliable and high-quality movements into various models across its collections.
A prominent example of this integration is the Omega 2500 series, which features the revolutionary Co-Axial escapement. This significant movement, central to Omega's modern identity, was derived from the ETA 2892. Omega took the robust architecture of the ETA 2892 and extensively modified it to incorporate George Daniels' Co-Axial escapement, along with other critical enhancements to meet their stringent standards for precision and performance. This demonstrates Omega's approach of taking a proven base movement and innovating upon it to create proprietary calibres.
Transition to In-House Production
While ETA movements formed the backbone of many Omega watches for years, the brand has progressively shifted towards developing and manufacturing more of its own "in-house" movements. This strategic move gained significant momentum with the introduction of calibers like the Omega 8500 and subsequent Master Chronometer certified movements. This transition underscores Omega's commitment to greater independence, enhanced control over quality, and further innovation in horological technology. Nevertheless, the legacy of ETA movements, especially as the foundation for pioneering advancements like the early Co-Axial calibres, remains an important chapter in Omega's rich history.
