Anyone interested in horology is aware of the reputation OMEGA watches have garnered in the luxury timepiece market. With a rich history, four major collections, and countless iterations of its enduringly popular designs, the Swiss watch brand is famously considered one of the best in the business. Learn more about the company's fascinating start and discover the top designs.
How Long Has OMEGA Made Timepieces?
Though the name wasn't officially incorporated into the company until 1903, the OMEGA workshop has been producing high-quality timepieces since it was first founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt. The original workshop was located in a family villa in the small Swiss village of La Chaux-de-Fonds and was Brandt's everything. With a passion for precision and dedication to designing the most accurate wrist watches on the market, it was only a few years later that his reputation for excellence was solidified in Europe.
After Brandt passed away in 1879, the company was passed down to his two sons, Louis-Paul and César, who, following in his footsteps, soon changed the luxury timepiece business forever. The growing business moved to the larger town of Biel/Bienne and, within the first couple of years of taking over, the brothers launched their first-ever series-produced caliber known as the "Labrador," setting the tone for the countless innovative designs and movements found in OMEGA timepieces over the last 175 years.
How Did the 19-Ligne Calibre Change OMEGA Watches for Good?
When the Brandt brothers manufactured a brand-new watch movement in 1894 known as the 19-ligne calibre, they had no idea the waves they would cause in the horological world. Created using an assembly production line, the calibre was made with completely interchangeable parts, ensuring any watchmaker around the world could easily repair or replace them. This completely transformed traditional watchmaking practices from a small workshop trade to a powerful industry.
This unique calibre also featured a near-perfect method for winding the watch and setting the time using only the crown, something that is now patented and widely considered the standard in watchmaking. Reliable, precise, and successful, the 19-ligne calibre was given the name "OMEGA," symbolizing their ultimate accomplishment. It wasn't long after that that the company changed its name as well!
Who Wears OMEGA Watches?
While anyone can sport an OMEGA watch, it should be noted that these timepieces can be spotted on the wrists of countless Hollywood stars and icons from around the globe. Some of their most recognizable brand ambassadors include:
- George Clooney
- Coleman Domingo
- Kaia Gerber
- Michael Phelps
- Nicole Kidman
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson
- Daniel Craig
- Victor Vescovo
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at James Bond's OMEGA Watches
Ever heard of Bond? James, Bond? Have you ever noticed what luxury watch he wears on his wrist? Well, if you look closely, you'll notice that, starting in GoldenEye (1995), 007 began sporting OMEGA timepieces—and it's remained that way in every single action-packed installation to the franchise since!
In previous Bond movies, the special agent sported various brands. But when Pierce Brosnan took the role, costume designer Lindy Hemming got the urge to update the character's look, moving away from the flashy style of a Rolex and leaning towards more rugged designs found in OMEGA timepieces. The OMEGA Seamaster, with its maritime inspiration and sophisticated aesthetic, was the perfect solution.
This led to an important partnership between the franchise and OMEGA. Now, every single Bond movie features valuable product placement, integrating whichever OMEGA timepiece he's wearing into film stunts and crucial scenes. If you want to feel like James Bond when you get ready for the day, you need an OMEGA watch of your very own!
The 5 Factors That Make OMEGA Watches Worth Their Price Point
Let's be honest: OMEGA watches tend to be on the higher end of many people's budgets. But when you take a closer look and break down exactly what design elements are in play, the reason for the price becomes much clearer. If you have the financial capabilities, an OMEGA timepiece is worth it—here's why:
1. OMEGA Watches Feature High-Quality Swiss Craftsmanship
Every single OMEGA watch is a perfect example of why Swiss-made is preferred for luxury timepieces. Creating an OMEGA timepiece involves four different steps (planning, designing, assembling, and testing), and the company hires highly skilled craftsmen to oversee and execute each with flawless attention to detail. Before it is released to authorized retailers and boutique locations, each OMEGA watch undergoes extreme testing to ensure its reliability in real-world situations.
2. OMEGA Watches Meet Rigorous Standards for Precision
Precision has been a priority in OMEGA watch designs since the very beginning—and it's only improved over time! Modern OMEGA timepiece models must meet these high standards by making it through a set of advanced tests developed in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). When an OMEGA Speedmaster is proven to pass these eight tests, it receives the official Master Chronometer certification:
- Bare movement continues to function under magnetic exposure (15,000-gauss field)
- Fully cased watch continues to work under a magnetic exposure (15,000 gauss field)
- Chronometric performance is compared before magnetic exposure and afterwards
- Average daily accuracy remains in range over a period of four days
- Precision is checked in six different positions to simulate real-world wear
- Isochronism test to measure the watch's precision at different power reserve levels
- Power research is tested to ensure it can run for the expected duration
- The full model is tested under increasing pressure until it reaches its promised water resistance level
3. OMEGA Timepieces Feature Pioneering Escapement Technology
When OMEGA launched the Co-Axial escapement in 1999, it signaled a massive turning point in the world of mechanical watchmaking. Dreamt up by George Daniels, an inventor and master watchmaker, and developed by OMEGA, this escapement utilized smaller contact surfaces to control the energy from the mainspring, resulting in less friction, less lubrication, and even more reliability in precision. In 250 years of horological advancements, nothing changed the game quite like this!
4. OMEGA Timepieces are Known for Durability
When you invest in a designer watch from Cartier, HUBLOT, or any other big name in the business, you want it to tick for a lifetime of wear—and OMEGA timepieces make sure you can! Models like the OMEGA Speedmaster have quite the reputation for withstanding extreme real-world conditions, whether that's high temperatures, shock resistance, or water pressure, ensuring you can sport them on your wrist for any day-to-day activity without fear of damage.
When selecting a designer watch, it's always important to consider the materials used in the bracelet, case, and beyond. OMEGA watches are known for featuring a wide range of both innovative and traditional materials made to last, including:
- Ceramics
- Gold alloys (including the brands specially developed rose gold Sedna™ and 18K yellow gold Moonshine™)
- Titanium
- Stainless steel
- Meteorite
- Mother-of-pearl
- Liquidmetal™
- Synthetic rubies (inside movements)
- Sapphire crystal (for watch glass)
5. OMEGA Timepieces Hold Prestigious Heritage and Historical Significance
Any watch aficionado will tell you that part of the appeal of collecting OMEGA watches is getting the opportunity to be a part of the company's legacy. In all the years of OMEGA pushing the boundaries of watchmaking technology, it’s managed to create quite an impressive history.
From the NASA-certified OMEGA Speedmaster worn by astronaut Wally Schirra on the Mercury Sigma 7 mission in 1962 to Buzz Aldrin sporting his OMEGA Speedmaster Professional on the moon and beyond, the brand's design will go down in the space exploration history books. If a designer timepiece can keep ticking when it’s out of Earth’s atmosphere, what can't it do?
OMEGA timepieces have also been the Olympic timekeeper for nearly a century. What first began as a request to build 30 chronographs for the L.A. Olympics in 1932 has continued for decades. OMEGA has since timed over 30 games and provides multiple timekeeping services for other major sports. Every single foot race, lap in the pool, round of golf, climbing speed, and more are timed by trained professionals wearing OMEGA Speedmaster and Seamaster models.
Does OMEGA Make Men's or Women's Watches?
Though OMEGA has historically only made timepieces for men, the company now strives to release both men's OMEGA watches and women's OMEGA watches. The main differences lie in the materials, case sizes, and delicate design details. There are also certain models that are widely considered to be unisex.
OMEGA Timepiece Collections Made Primarily for Women:
- Ladymatic
- Trésor
- Constellation
A Deep Dive into the Pillar OMEGA Watch Collections
When the time comes to finally try on OMEGA watches, you have a myriad of exciting and elegant options. The majority of OMEGA watches fall under one of the company's four main collections. Each refined line of OMEGA timepieces serves a different purpose and carries its own aesthetic to ensure a perfect fit for every shopper:
The OMEGA Speedmaster Collection
Arguably the company's most famous collection, the OMEGA Speedmaster is often considered the Father of the Modern Chronograph, as it employed the three-counter layout and timing scale on the bezel used in most designs today. Most notably, the OMEGA Speedmaster was the only wristwatch to pass all of NASA's tests and has continued to carry on a space-travel legacy with every new model released.
But you don't have to be an astronaut to love the OMEGA Speedmaster! Plenty of average citizens appreciate the design for its iconic and classic look, versatile strap capabilities, and well-made movement. With the chronographic abilities provided by the OMEGA Speedmaster, timing things in your day-to-day is made easy—and stylish.
The OMEGA Seamaster Collection
Launched in 1948 as a series of dress watches, the OMEGA Seamaster Collection was designed to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary. It wasn't until the year 1957, with the release of the Seamaster 300, that these OMEGA watches were taken seriously as divers' watches. The model was eventually issued to the British Royal Navy, who gave feedback and influenced the later released civilian models.
This OMEGA timepiece may have a heritage deeply rooted in military use, but in modern day, you might recognize it more as the James Bond watch! People around the world rave about the refined yet timeless style and high-performance as both a diving instrument and an everyday watch. Lean into the oceanic inspiration and sport an OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra for a pop of turquoise!
Popular OMEGA Seamaster Models:
- Bullhead
- Soccer Timer
- Chronostop
- Regatta
- Memomatic
The OMEGA De Ville Collection
The original De Ville OMEGA watch model was created within the Seamaster Collection in 1960, but it was so popular that the designers decided to create an entire line around it instead! The OMEGA De Ville Collection encompasses the brand's most elegant dress watches and has won numerous watchmaking awards over the years. This was also the only OMEGA timepiece collection to experiment with rectangular case shapes.
Slender, simple, and sophisticated, OMEGA De Ville watches are the perfect pick for those who prefer a slim profile, refined style, and intricate finish, as most designs feature diamond embellishments, sunburst patterns, or mother-of-pearl. Consider customizing the back of an OMEGA De Ville Prestige with a special message for a one-of-a-kind gift alongside a December birthstone jewelry design she'll love for years to come!
The OMEGA Constellation Collection
Originally marketed as the Globemaster Collection, OMEGA's Constellation Collection stands out in the showcases. Each OMEGA timepiece in this line features a depiction of the Geneva Observatory with eight stars on the case back, and either Standard, Deluxe, or Grand Luxe finishing. These models showcase very different design elements compared to other OMEGA timepieces, including the polished metal claws at the 3 and 9 o'clock ticks and a small star emblem on the dial.
Inspired by celestial beauty, many women prefer the OMEGA Constellation designs over some of the more traditional, rugged OMEGA timepieces. If you're interested in something with a bit more sparkle, consider an OMEGA Constellation model with a lavender meteorite dial and enjoy the glitter of the diamond accents with every wave of your hand.
Owning an OMEGA watch is a symbol of your status and style. Known all over the world for its dedication to perfection, OMEGA continues to release amazingly accurate and beautiful models year after year. Whether it's your first or 50th designer watch, an OMEGA timepiece is sure to impress.
