====== Co-Axial ======
**Co-Axial** is a trademarked term for an [[Omega]] [[escapement]] based on the work of English watchmaker [[Daniels, George|George Daniels]].

===== History =====
The well known watch company [[Omega]] caused a stir in [[1999]] with the unveiling of a production watch movement with a co-axial [[escapement]]. This invention by the English watchmaker [[Daniels, George|George Daniels]] was hailed as one of the first real advances to basic timekeeping in over two centuries. Although many other watchmakers had considered adopting Daniels' design, only Omega moved to production, purchasing the patent from him in [[1993]]. The Co-Axial movement was developed for [[Omega]] by [[ETA]] engineer [[Eisenegger, Kilian|Kilian Eisenegger]] after he suggested industrializing it. Daniels credited Eisenegger as his primary source of contact with ETA and Omega.

A co-axial escapement differs from the conventional [[Swiss lever]] escapement by a significant reduction of friction. Consequently this system requires less or no lubrication and runs for a longer period free of maintenance. In a co-axial escapement, there are two stacked (co-axial) [[escape wheel]]s and a three-pointed pallet fork One of these star-shaped gears interacts with the outer "entry" and and "exit" [[pallet]]s, while the other sends power impulses back to the regulator.

With the [[Omega 2500|Cal. 2500]] in the [[Omega De Ville Co-Axial|De Ville Co-axial]], an automatically driven [[chronometer]], the technology came to serial production for the first time. In the following years it was introduced in an increasing number of [[Omega]] movements, and is now found in most models.

[[Omega 2500|Cal. 2500]] was based on the existing [[Omega 1120|Cal. 1120]], itself an [[ETA]] [[ETA 2892-A2|movement]].

In [[2007]], Omega introduced their first movement designed for the Co-Axial escapement. [[Omega 8500|Cal. 8500]] allowed the technology to be enhanced, with more room for the system. As of [[2011]], Cal. 8500 also features a silicon hairspring, as do later Co-Axial movements. The first in-house Co-Axial chronograph movement, [[Omega 9300|Cal. 9300]], was introduced in [[2011]].

===== Co-Axial Calibres =====
Omega has adapted or designed in the Co-Axial escapement for the following movement families 

  * [[1999]] [[Omega 2500]] (2402, 2403, 2500, 2507, 2520, 2627, 2628) Automatic (based on [[Omega 1120]])
  * [[2005]] [[Omega 3313]] (3201, 3202, 3203, 3205, 3113, 3313, 3603, 3612) Automatic [[chronograph]] (based on [[Omega 3301]])
  * [[2005]] [[Omega 2202]] Automatic with small seconds (based on [[ETA 2895-2]])
  * [[2006]] [[Omega 2610]] Automatic (based on [[ETA 2896]])
  * [[2007]] [[Omega 8500]] (8400, 8401, 8500, 8501, 8507, 8508, 8511, 8601, 8602, 8605, 8611, 8612, 8615) Automatic
  * [[2007]] [[Omega 2007]] Hand winding
  * [[2007]] [[Omega 2635]] (2635, 2636, 2637, 2638) Tourbillon
  * [[2008]] [[Omega 8520]] (8520, 8521, 8421) Ladies automatic
  * [[2008]] [[Omega 3888]] (3888, 3890) 4 or 5 register automatic chronograph
  * [[2010]] [[Omega 8520]] (8520, 8521, 8421) Ladies automatic
  * [[2011]] [[Omega 9300]] (9300, 9301) Automatic [[chronograph]]
  * [[2011]] [[Omega 9300]] (9300, 9301, 9605, 9615, 9900, 9901, 9904, 9905) Next-generation automatic chronograph
  * [[2013]] [[Omega 3330]] Automatic column wheel chronograph (based on [[ETA 7753]])
  * [[2015]] [[Omega 8900]] (8900, 8901, 8902, 8903, 8906, 8912, 8913, 8922, 8923) Next-generation automatic movement (to replace 8500), magnetic resistant
  * [[2016]] [[Omega 8704]] (8704, 8705) Ladies automatic
  * [[2016]] [[Omega 8800]] (8800, 8801) Automatic

===== Videos =====
  * [[Omega co-axial escapement video]]
  * [[Omega_co-axial_escapement_demo_video|Demo video]]

===== External Links =====
  * [[http://www.ablogtowatch.com/watchmaker-compares-omega-seamaster-timepieces-caliber-1120-2500-8500-movements/|Watchmaker Compares Omega Seamaster Timepieces With Caliber 1120, 2500, & 8500 Movements]]
  * [[https://www.bernardwatch.com/blog/omega-2500-8500-movements/|A Progression of Movements: Omega 2500 & 8500 Calibers]]


{{tag>Terms Omega_Co-Axial_calibres}}