Swiss watchmaker Omega says it is proud to have been a part of the historic round-the-world solar flight which was undertaken by two Swiss pilots to promote renewable energy. 

The odyssey started in March last year with Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg leaving Abu Dhabi on an aircraft called Solar Impulse and ended last week with the aircraft flying into the capital after having undertaken a 42,000-km journey across four continents, three seas and two oceans.

Along the way, the duo set a number of records including the new world record for a solo endurance flight (117 hours and 51 minutes from Japan to Hawaii).

The entire journey was done without a drop of oil.

As one of main sponsors, Omega says journey was a great achievement by Piccard, Borschberg and the Solar Impulse team for the future of renewable energy. For the project, Omega not only provided capital but has also made some key technological contributions. 

In the early days of Solar Impulse, Omega developed a performance simulation and testing system for the project. Soon afterwards, the Omega Instrument, an easy-to-read device that displays important parameters to assist the pilot during approach and landing, was invented by astronaut and Swatch Group Board Member Claude Nicollier. 

Omega also developed a landing light system which, including cables and mounts, weighing only about a kilogramme and delivering an incredible "watt to weight" ratio. The brand was also been responsible for an energy dispatcher that can transfer energy from one engine to another. 

In support of Solar Impulse’s journey, Omega also created a special addition to its legendary Speedmaster family: the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Solar Impulse Limited Edition. 

The blue and green dial, with its white transferred indexes and hour markers coated with white Super-LumiNova, has a central opening allowing the wearer to read the LCD digital elements. The grade 2 titanium Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Solar Impulse Limited Edition is powered by the multi-functional quartz chronograph movement, Omega calibre 5619, and its grade 2 titanium outer caseback is stamped with the Solar Impulse “Around the World” patch and engraved with the name of the timepiece as well as the words “Tested and Qualified by Esa" (European Space Agency). 

The timepiece, of which only 1,924 models have been produced, is presented on a blue and green-bordered polyamide Nato strap. 

Through its work with Solar Impulse, Omega says it has “once again been an enduring partner in mankind's greatest dreams”.