Credits: Chrono24
When it comes to luxury watches, you can be almost certain that sooner or later the name Omega will be mentioned – and rightfully so. Why is this the case? There are after all many luxury watch manufacturers, so why does the manufacturer from Biel have so many loyal fans? In this article, we’ve got ten reasons why we love Omega. And who knows? Maybe you’ll fall in love too!
1. Omega And the Moon Landing
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch – the first watch on the Moon
In the 1960s, when the USA and the Soviet Union were vying for space supremacy, NASA was looking for a reliable wristwatch to equip its astronauts with on their missions. Numerous manufacturers submitted their watches, but only the Speedmaster from Omega was able to successfully pass the extremely rigid tests these timepieces were put up against. And so it was that on July 20, 1969, the Omega Speedmaster on Buzz Aldrin’s wrist became the first watch on the moon. The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is still a reminder of this great moment in human history.
2. Omega And Its Connection To 007
Vesper Lynd: “Rolex?” Bond: “Omega.” Vesper Lynd: “Beautiful.” This rather taciturn dialog between James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) from the 2006 film Casino Royale sums up what Bond and Omega have in common: elegant understatement paired with high functionality. Until 1996, the secret agent still wore watches from Rolex, Seiko, and other brands. It was only with Pierce Brosnan, who took on the role in the film GoldenEye, that Omega watches found their way onto 007’s wrist. The super spy usually chooses models from the Seamaster collection, such as the Seamaster Diver 300M, the Seamaster 300, the Aqua Terra, or the Planet Ocean. Omega has one of the best brand ambassadors of all time: one that does not age, and occasionally saves the world.
The James Bond watch from No Time To Die – Omega Seamaster Diver 300M ref. 210.90.42.20.01.001
3. 15,000 gauss? No problem!
When it comes to caliber technology, Omega has been one of the industry’s innovators for years. The watchmaker is not only the sole major brand to use the Co-Axial escapement, but has also been experimenting with new materials such as silicon for some time. These have the advantage that they are more robust against impacts, and require hardly any additional lubricants. However, the biggest advantage of these materials is that they are not affected by magnetic fields or temperature fluctuations. Omega is so sure of this that it has its watches certified as Master Chronometers by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). This goes beyond the usual COSC certification, and includes tests for accuracy, water resistance, power reserve, and magnetic field resistance. The METAS seal guarantees that a watch can withstand magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss.
4. The Deepest Dive In the World
The competition between Omega and Rolex has always been fierce. Among other things, this has been seen in their competition for the most water-resistant watch. Rolex had the edge here for years. Back in 1960, the Trieste submarine with the Rolex Deep Sea Special on its hull dove to a depth of 10,916 meters (35,800 feet) into the Mariana Trench. In 2012, filmmaker James Cameron took the Rolex Deepsea Challenge down to 10,908 meters (35,787 feet). In 2019, it was Omega’s turn to shine when it sent the Seamaster Planet Ultra Deep to a depth of 10,928 meters (35,853 feet) on the outside of the Limiting Factor submersible – a world record. Triton, Neptune, or Aquaman – if any of them were to buy a watch, it would certainly be this legendary Omega.
5. Cooperation With Orbis International
It’s not just in the movies and with the help of James Bond that Omega works for the cause of good. The company is also committed to making the world a better place in real life. By sponsoring Orbis International, Omega in developing countries supports the treatment and prevention of eye diseases, blindness, and visual impairment. Since 1982, the non-governmental organization has maintained a flying eye clinic – an aircraft with its own operating room. As Orbis International is financed exclusively by private donations, the non-profit organization relies on support from donors. It has been proud to list Omega as one of its sponsors since 2011. In 2024, Omega donated $600,000 from an auction in which a complete set of all eleven Moonshine Gold variants of the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch was auctioned off.
Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Mission to Moonshine Gold
6. Olympics Timekeeper
Omega has been the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games 31 times since 1932. The company also records athletes’ times at the Paralympics and the Youth Olympic Games with high-precision technology. Omega watches are known to be not only aesthetically beautiful, but also extremely functional. Omega regularly demonstrates this through its role at the Olympic Games. We’re impressed not only by Omega’s involvement in this historic event, but also by the special editions that the watchmaker regularly launches to celebrate the Olympic Games.
Omega Seamaster Olympics 2024 Special Edition
7. Impressive Variety Of Models
This is definitely one of the main reasons why we love Omega. The watch manufacturer’s enormous variety of models offers the right watch for every taste: from the elegant understatement of the De Ville, to the sporty design of models such as the Seamaster Diver 300M, and prestigious limited editions such as the Moonwatch in solid gold. The different series and individual models from Omega leave nothing to be desired.
8. Entry Into the World Of Luxury Watches
Due to the relatively low prices for pre-owned Omega watches, the brand is a particularly good choice for many people entering the world of luxury timepieces. Considering that with an Omega you’re right up there with the big names, you’re guaranteed never to go wrong with a watch from the Omega catalog. In addition to moderate prices, the aforementioned variety of models also means an Omega can be the perfect watch for starting out as a collector. Even if you just want to buy a special watch: You’ll never go wrong with an Omega!
9. Special Watch Boxes
While some luxury watch manufacturers are somewhat lacking in creativity when it comes to the presentation of their timepieces, Omega has plenty to offer here as well, from simple to extravagant. The watch boxes from Omega can be elegant, simple boxes made of red leather, or exclusive jewelry boxes constructed out of wood. Omega also offers more unusual presentation boxes, such as the Speedmaster Racing Michael Schumacher Edition box, which is based on the tire of a Formula 1 racing car. Older Omega boxes of various vintage models also often stand out from the crowd, providing additional enjoyment to the watch purchased.
10. Company History Since 1848
The Omega company began in 1848 in the small Swiss village of La Chaux-de-Fonds, when the young watchmaker Louis Brandt opened his first workshop. By the turn of the century, Omega had already developed into one of the largest watch manufacturers in Switzerland. During this time, the company was renamed Omega. In 1930, Omega merged with Tissot to form a holding company. Later in 1981 in the aftermath of the quartz crisis, it merged with Allgemeine Schweizer Uhrenindustrie AG (ASUAG) to form the Swatch Group. From the first small workshop in 1848 to the present day, Omega has not only become a true institution, but one of the great watchmakers in the world. Always forging its own path, Omega has always been on par with the very best in the industry. We think the company’s almost 180 years of existence is yet another reason to simply love Omega.
