Swiss certification testing watches for precision, magnetic resistance, water resistance, and performance to ensure superior reliability.
METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology) Master Chronometer certification is a rigorous testing standard used by Omega and Tudor. Watches must first be COSC-certified, then pass eight additional tests including resistance to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss, accuracy within 0/+5 seconds per day, water resistance, and power reserve verification — all tested on the complete assembled watch.
COSC tests only the movement, while METAS tests the fully assembled watch. METAS standards include magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss (far exceeding ISO standards), accuracy testing in multiple positions and on full and low power reserve, and all tests are performed on the complete watch. METAS is currently stricter and more comprehensive than COSC alone.
Omega introduced Master Chronometer certification in 2015 and applies it across its professional collections including Seamaster, Speedmaster, and Constellation. Tudor also adopted METAS certification for its movements. The certification represents a significant investment in quality assurance and is prominently featured in both brands' marketing as proof of exceptional performance standards.