The OMEGA De Ville Chronoscope Co-Axial Rattrapante represents a rare and sophisticated blend of complications in the luxury watch world. This exceptional timepiece combines OMEGA’s elegant De Ville aesthetic with advanced chronograph functionality, including the prestigious split-seconds (rattrapante) complication typically found only in haute horlogerie pieces from the most exclusive Swiss manufactures.
Presented on a sleek black leather strap that perfectly balances sportiness with sophistication, this 41mm stainless steel masterpiece showcases a unique “Chronoscope” dial configuration with multiple timing scales and distinctively positioned subdials. The sector-style date window at 11 o’clock breaks from conventional chronograph designs, while the additional pusher at 10 o’clock controls the prestigious rattrapante hand, making this one of the most technically accomplished timepieces in OMEGA’s distinguished collection.
Condition: Excellent pre-owned condition with brand new leather strap
Includes: Full box set
Original Warranty: Dated 2014
Shipping: Free UK delivery
The De Ville Chronoscope Rattrapante showcases OMEGA’s exceptional ability to combine traditional watchmaking complications with modern engineering and design philosophy. While the De Ville collection is typically renowned for its classical elegance and refined aesthetic, this extraordinary model demonstrates OMEGA’s technical prowess in creating complex chronograph mechanisms that rival the finest achievements in Swiss haute horlogerie.
The rattrapante complication represents one of chronograph making’s most prestigious achievements, requiring exceptional skill to manufacture and assemble. By incorporating this sophisticated mechanism into the De Ville line, OMEGA has created a timepiece that bridges the gap between accessible luxury and exclusive haute horlogerie, offering collectors the opportunity to own a genuinely rare and technically accomplished piece from one of Switzerland’s most respected manufactures.
A rattrapante (from French meaning “to catch up”) represents one of watchmaking’s most prestigious and technically demanding complications. This sophisticated mechanism features two chronograph seconds hands that are superimposed and move together initially. When the rattrapante pusher is activated, one hand stops to record a split time while the other continues running uninterrupted. When the pusher is pressed again, the stopped hand instantly “catches up” to rejoin the running hand in a dramatic leap across the dial.
This complication allows for timing multiple events that start simultaneously but end at different times—perfect for timing lap times in racing, measuring intervals in athletic events, or any professional application requiring precise comparative timing. The mechanical complexity required to achieve this function involves intricate gear trains, additional wheels, and precise engineering that has traditionally been the domain of haute horlogerie manufactures. The instantaneous catch-up action demonstrates exceptional mechanical precision and remains one of the most visually spectacular complications in watchmaking, making any rattrapante chronograph a highly prized collector’s piece.
The De Ville Chronoscope Rattrapante represents one of OMEGA’s most limited and specialised offerings, occupying a unique position within the brand’s extensive catalogue. Split-seconds chronographs are exceptionally uncommon in OMEGA’s lineup, with the brand typically focusing on simpler chronograph complications for their sports collections like the Speedmaster. This makes the Chronoscope particularly significant for collectors who appreciate both technical watchmaking complexity and OMEGA’s distinguished heritage.
The model was produced in relatively small numbers compared to OMEGA’s mainstream offerings, and the complexity of the rattrapante mechanism naturally limited production capacity. Finding examples in excellent condition with complete documentation has become increasingly challenging, as serious collectors have recognised the model’s significance and rarity. This scarcity, combined with the technical sophistication and distinctive design, has made the Chronoscope one of the most sought-after modern OMEGA pieces among knowledgeable collectors who understand its place in the brand’s technical evolution.
The Co-Axial Escapement represents one of the most significant advances in mechanical watchmaking in over 250 years, developed by master watchmaker George Daniels and successfully industrialised by OMEGA. In chronograph movements like the Calibre 3612, this revolutionary mechanism provides exceptional advantages over traditional lever escapements, particularly given the additional complexity of the split-seconds complication.
The Co-Axial design significantly reduces friction at the heart of the movement by eliminating the sliding contact between the escape wheel teeth and pallet stones that characterises traditional escapements. Instead, it uses a system of impulse and locking that involves minimal friction, resulting in greater mechanical efficiency, more stable timekeeping over extended periods, and dramatically longer service intervals. For a complex chronograph with rattrapante function, this reduction in friction is particularly valuable, as it ensures the intricate gear trains remain precise and reliable despite the additional mechanical stress of operating multiple timing functions simultaneously.
The Chronoscope features a highly specialised dial layout that incorporates multiple timing scales and uniquely positioned elements that distinguish it from standard chronograph designs. Most notably, the sector-style date window positioned at 11 o’clock breaks from conventional chronograph paradigms, where date displays typically appear at 3, 4:30, or 6 o’clock positions. This unconventional placement creates a distinctive asymmetrical balance that gives the watch its characteristic personality.
The dial incorporates multiple timing scales that extend beyond basic tachymeter functions, providing professional-grade measurement capabilities. The subdial configuration, with small seconds at 9 o’clock, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and 12-hour recorder—creates a balanced layout optimised for the rattrapante function. The overall design emphasises functionality while maintaining the refined aesthetic expected from the De Ville collection, achieving a sophisticated balance between technical complexity and visual clarity that makes the multiple complications easily readable despite their mechanical sophistication.
COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certification holds particular significance in a complex movement like the Calibre 3612, as achieving chronometer status becomes exponentially more challenging with additional complications. The certification process subjects the movement to rigorous testing across multiple positions and temperature conditions for 15 consecutive days, measuring precision to strict standards that allow for minimal deviation.
For a rattrapante chronograph, COSC certification demonstrates that despite the mechanical complexity of the split-seconds mechanism—with its additional wheels, levers, and gear trains, the movement maintains exceptional accuracy comparable to much simpler time-only calibres. This achievement reflects OMEGA’s manufacturing precision and the sophisticated engineering of the Co-Axial system, which helps maintain stable timekeeping despite the additional mechanical stresses. The certification provides confidence that this complex timepiece will deliver reliable, precise performance in daily use, making it not merely a mechanical showcase but a practical instrument worthy of regular wear.
Despite its exceptional technical complexity, the De Ville Chronoscope has been thoughtfully designed for regular wear, balancing sophisticated complications with practical usability. The 41mm case size provides substantial presence without being overly large, while the refined proportions and elegant De Ville aesthetic make it appropriate for professional environments where more overtly sporty chronographs might appear inappropriate.
The stainless steel construction offers excellent durability for daily wear, while the leather strap provides comfort during extended wearing sessions. The rattrapante function, while mechanically complex, operates intuitively once understood, and the multiple timing capabilities can prove genuinely useful in professional or sporting contexts. The 52-hour power reserve ensures the watch continues running through typical weekend non-wear periods, while the COSC certification guarantees reliable timekeeping accuracy. Perhaps most importantly, the watch’s design successfully bridges the gap between technical sophistication and versatile styling, making it suitable for everything from business meetings to casual weekend activities, proving that haute horlogerie complications can indeed be practical daily companions.
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