A
couple of years ago Raynald Aeschlimann, CEO of Omega, kindly invited my eldest
son and I to Bienne to visit the new Omega Museum and the production line. My health prevented me from taking up the
invitation at that time, but, more recently, plans were put together for the trip
from England to be made on 27 September. In the event, medical advice was against my
going after all, but Omega generously arranged for my second son to be
accommodated in my place.
My
boys had a great time and came away even more Omega brand-enthusiastic. I’m
attaching a few of their photographs, but am mainly posting to record my
appreciation of the exceptional generosity, friendliness and efficiency of
Reynald and his PA, Alexandra Buraglio.
They represent a watch brand which manages to be very charismatic, yet
accessible. The company’s history is a
highly interesting one, and the role of the Speedmaster in the NASA moon
programmes has been a considerable feature in all the Apollo coverage in this
year of the 50th anniversary of the live broadcast of this goose bumps-inducing
dialogue:
“Engine arm is off. Houston,
Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed.”
“Roger, Tranquillity. We
copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We're
breathing again. Thanks a lot.”
