The Omega Equinoxe Caliber 1655 is one of the most distinctive and technologically intriguing quartz timepieces produced by Omega in the 1980s. This model belongs to the family of dual-display watches—an era when the Swiss watch industry was exploring ways to blend digital and analog technologies to compete with Japanese innovation. The Caliber 1655 is a multi-function quartz movement with both analog hands and a digital LCD screen, offering a rich set of features packaged in a futuristic design.

Overview and Design

The Omega Equinoxe Cal. 1655 stands out immediately due to its dual-display layout:

• The analog display offers traditional timekeeping with hands.

• The digital display provides access to a range of functions, making it highly advanced for its time.

The watch was aimed at tech-oriented professionals and Omega fans interested in precision and versatility. It featured a symmetric case, available in both stainless steel and gold-plated variants, and used a sapphire or mineral crystal depending on the model. The design aligns with other experimental Omega models from the late '70s and '80s, where function often dictated form.

Technical Specifications of Caliber 1655

• Movement Type: Quartz (dual display: analog + digital)

• Functions:

  • Time display (analog + digital)

  • Alarm

  • Chronograph

  • Countdown timer

  • Date and calendar

  • Second time zone (GMT)

• Battery: 3V lithium cell (CR type)

• Display: LCD with backlight (in some models)

• Setting: Via recessed buttons and/or crown, depending on the function

• Accuracy: ±15 seconds/month (typical quartz performance)

The caliber 1655 was designed in such a way that the analog hands were driven independently of the digital functions, yet both systems synchronized for accurate timekeeping.

Setting and Operating the Watch

The watch typically uses a multi-button configuration:

• Mode selection button: Cycles through time, date, chronograph, countdown, etc.

• Set and Adjust buttons: Used to change values within each mode.

• The analog time is usually set via a crown, separate from the digital interface.

This separation allowed for high user flexibility, especially for travelers who preferred setting a different time zone digitally while keeping local time on the analog hands.

Durability and Maintenance

As a quartz watch, the Caliber 1655 is relatively low-maintenance:

• Battery replacement is required every 2–3 years.

• Gasket replacement is recommended during servicing to preserve water resistance.

• LCD segments may fade with age, and original replacement screens are rare.

Because this movement is complex and relatively rare, repairs today often require sourcing donor watches or specialized parts. The movement shares some architecture with other Omega multifunction quartz calibers from the same era, but intercompatibility is limited.

Collectibility

The Omega Equinoxe 1655 is now a sought-after piece among collectors of vintage digital and hybrid watches. It stands as a symbol of Omega’s experimentation during the quartz era and offers a unique look into the technology-driven watchmaking trends of the 1980s.

Conclusion

The Omega Equinoxe Cal. 1655 represents a rare marriage of analog elegance and digital functionality. Though it was ahead of its time, it now lives on in vintage watch circles as a reminder of Omega’s push toward innovation during a rapidly changing era in horology. With careful handling and proper maintenance, this multifunction quartz timepiece remains both a collectible and usable watch even decades after its release.