Manfredi Jewels and Omega gave watch collectors and enthusiasts the rare opportunity to become watchmakers for an evening at a private dinner and demonstration.

The Sept. 25 event was the second “Collector Dinner” in a series kicked off by the retailer earlier this year and the first ever to be held at Manfredi’s newly renovated 3,300-sf store in Greenwich, Conn. 

The night included an in-depth demonstration with acclaimed watchmaking, trainer, and horologist Dan Fenwick (pictured left and above). Guests were given a first look at photos of the new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Quantum of Solace Limited Edition watch. Plus the opportunity to try on and model Omega’s special edition Speedmaster “Alaska Project” as well as their limited edition JFK watch, an Omega Ultra-Thin that closely resembles the Omega watch worn by President John F. Kennedy during his 1961 inauguration. The watch, released last Father’s Day, was limited to 261 numbered commemorative pieces. 

Fenwick also briefed the group on the history of watchmaking that included a discussion on Omega’s Co-Axial Escapement technology invented by George Daniels in 1986. Co-Axial Escapement helps reduce the friction in the heart of the watch mechanism for improved long-term reliability and accuracy. And he presented Hour Vision along with the technical features of the Calibre 8500 timepiece. This is the first ever in-house proprietary movement for Omega.

The evening ended with guests being given the chance to disassemble an Omega timepiece. The activity not only educated the collectors on horology, but also demonstrated the precision and patience required in watchmaking.

Dressed in official Omega watchmaker’s coat and armed with a toolkit, each guest tried their hand at watchmaking, working with some of the 300 tiny parts, ranging from the size of a grain of salt to no wider than a human hair, to fully disassemble the watch down to the main plate of the movement and see up close the intricate mechanics of an Omega timepiece. Everyone was allowed to take home their coats and kits, plus the knowledge of specifics of movements and a greater appreciation for Omega’s 160-year history of excellence.

“We look forward to hosting additional “Collector Dinners” in our newly remodeled store, but must say that future brands have a tough act to follow as Omega set the bar with an evening filled with education and excellence,” said Manfredi owner Roberto Chiappelloni.

JCK