Omega - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Founded in 1848, Omega is one of the oldest and most respected brand in the industry. The story of Omega is punctuated by innovations, technological achievements and a constant quest for precision. Steeped in exploration and adventure and closely associated with the conquest of the Moon, the brand has left an indelible mark on global watchmaking.

History of the Omega brand

In La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, a young man named Louis Brandt opened a watch assembly workshop. Using parts from various local artisans, he builds and sells his watches throughout Europe. These first watches simply bore his name, but it was the beginning of what would become a global brand. After his death in 1879, his sons took over the business and introduced revolutionary manufacturing techniques. In 1894, a new caliber for pocket watches was introduced, named "Omega", symbolizing the ultimate achievement in watchmaking. It was so successful that the company would later adopt the name as a brand.

The conquest of precision (1900-1940)

The 20th century saw Omega rise as a dominant force in the field of watchmaking precision. In 1931, Omega watches won all the prizes during chronometry tests at the Geneva Observatory. This quest for precision led the brand to be chosen as official timekeeper of the Olympic Games from 1932, a title it still holds today.

Innovations et exploits (1940-1970)

During and after World War II, Omega supplied watches to the British armed forces, cementing its reputation for reliability and durability. It was also at this time that the Seamaster was launched, a waterproof watch designed to withstand the most difficult conditions.

These thirty glorious years saw the launch of the Omega Seamaster in 1948 and the Omega Constellation in 1952. But it was the Speedmaster, introduced in 1957, which stood out the most. In 1965, it was officially chosen by NASA to accompany astronauts on space missions, and in 1969, it became the first watch worn on the moon, earning the nickname "Moonwatch".

The dark years (1970-2000)

Faced with the rise of Japanese quartz watches, Omega is fighting to maintain its position. The brand launches its own quartz watch, the "Marine Chronometer", which is recognized as one of the most precise quartz watches ever produced. Omega, like the entire Swiss watch industry, is very impacted by this new competition from Japan and must significantly reduce its workforce.

The 90s saw a resurgence of interest in luxury mechanical watches, and Omega, with its classic models and innovations, such as the co-axial movement, remained at the forefront.

The new millennium (2000 to the present)

The 21st century sees Omega go from strength to strength with famous collaborations and ambassadors, such as James Bond and actor Daniel Craig. Innovative technologies, such as movements resistant to magnetic fields and the use of materials such as ceramic, demonstrate the brand's desire to combine tradition and modernity.

What are the main models of the Omega brand?

Omega Speedmaster

The Omega Speedmaster collection is one of the most iconic and recognized watch ranges in the world. Launched in 1957, the Speedmaster was initially designed to meet the needs of motorsport professionals, with its distinctive tachometer for measuring speed.

However, it is best known for its role in space exploration. In 1965, after rigorous testing, NASA selected the Speedmaster as its official watch for all manned missions. It was worn during the first lunar landing in 1969 by astronaut Buzz Aldrin and has since been nicknamed "Moonwatch".

Aside from its space pedigree, the Speedmaster is also appreciated for its timeless design and robust mechanics. Over the years, Omega has introduced many variations of the Speedmaster such as the Omega Speedmaster Mark II, Mark III or Omega Speedmaster 38. It is often considered a must-have watch for collectors and watch enthusiasts.

Omega Seamaster

The Omega Seamaster collection, introduced in 1948, is one of the oldest and most popular luxury watches. Originally designed as a dive watch, it combines robust functionality with elegant design. Water resistance and durability have been key features of the Seamaster from its inception. Over time, this collection has evolved, encompassing a diverse range of models from professional diving watches to sophisticated pieces suitable for formal occasions.

A notable turning point for the Seamaster was its association with James Bond. Since 1995, with the film "GoldenEye", James Bond has worn a Seamaster in almost all of his films, cementing his status as a cultural icon. 

The different variants, such as Seamaster Diver 300M, the Aqua Terra or the Planet Ocean or the PLOPROF show the adaptability of the collection to various needs and aesthetic preferences. Each watch is a reflection of Omega's watchmaking expertise and commitment to quality and innovation.

Omega Planet Ocean

The Seamaster Planet Ocean collection, first introduced in 2005, is a modern homage to Omega's rich maritime heritage. These watches are true diving instruments, offering water resistance of up to 60 ATM. They often feature ceramic bezels, dials with luminescent indexes, and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. 

Omega Aqua Terra

The Seamaster Aqua Terra is another illustrious member of the Seamaster family, launched in the early 2000s. With its aesthetic inspired by the wooden decks of luxury yachts, the Aqua Terra is a perfect mix between a dive watch and a dress watch. It is water resistant to 150 meters and is equally suited to a day at the office or a trip to the sea. The Aqua Terra has also been a showcase for some of Omega's most recent innovations, including co-axial movement and improved resistance to magnetic fields, making these watches some of the most reliable and precise timepieces available.

These two models, like the previous ones, reflect Omega's ongoing commitment to combining technical innovation with timeless design. They embody all the diversity of the Seamaster collection.

Omega Constellation

The Omega Constellation collection, introduced in 1952, is the symbol of excellence in watchmaking and design. Known for its timeless elegance, the Constellation is a demonstration of Omega's expertise in precision and craftsmanship. Distinctive for its unique claws on the case, which were originally intended to ensure the water resistance of the watch, it has become one of the characteristic features of the Constellation design.

Over time, Omega has continued to innovate within this collection, introducing new movements, designs and materials, while maintaining the distinctive character and elegance of the Constellation. The range has branched out to include models for men and women, offering a variety of sizes, dials and straps.

Omega De Ville

The Omega De Ville collection is a reflection of refinement and urban elegance within Omega's extensive portfolio. Introduced in the 1960s, the De Ville was created as a more dressy and contemporary line, distinguishing itself from the brand's sports and diving watches.

Since its beginnings, the De Ville has been synonymous with sophistication and technical innovation. While preserving a classic design, it has often been the testing ground for Omega's new watchmaking technologies, such as reducing the complexity of movement components or the introduction of Co-Axial movements. With its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, the De Ville collection is perfect for a professional setting or formal occasions. It includes several sub-collections, including the famous Hour Vision, Ladymatic and Tresor, each bringing its own touch of distinction.

Sophistication and simplicity. Designed for those who appreciate understated luxury, the De Ville is elegant while being technically impressive. Co-Axial movements and varied designs, ranging from simple models to complications like the tourbillon.

Omega Geneva

In the 1950s and into the 1970s, the name “Geneva” was associated with the Omega watch line intended to honor the birthplace of Swiss watchmaking, Geneva. This range was meant to reflect the high quality standards for which the city was known. The Geneva model was finally integrated into the DeVille collection. Featuring a sober and elegant design, the Omega Genève was appreciated for its versatility, being both a dress watch and suitable for everyday use and positioned at that time as an entry-level Omega.

Omega Dynamic

First launched in 1967, the Omega Dynamic is a distinctive model with a very '70s design. Initially designed as a watch for the younger generation, it had an elliptical case shape and colorful dials, reflecting the bold aesthetic of the era. Later, in the 1990s, the Dynamic was relaunched with a very different design inspired by pilot watches, under the name Omega Dynamic III.

Omega Seamaster Omegamatic

Combining the precision of quartz with the autonomy of an automatic watch, the Omegamatic, launched in the 1990s, is a hybrid auto-quartz watch. It uses a rotor, similar to that of automatic watches, to charge a battery which powers a quartz movement, thus providing exceptional precision while retaining certain mechanical elements.

Omega Polaris

Introduced in the 1980s, the Omega Polaris collection is remarkable for its unique design combining stainless steel and gold, often in a surprising so-called "two-tone" construction. These watches were equipped with quartz movements and equipped with complications, such as alarms or chronographs Their geometric aesthetic and multi-layered design made them immediately recognizable and accessible at low prices on the vintage market.

Each of these models brings a unique touch to the rich history of the Omega house, demonstrating its ability to innovate and adapt to changing watchmaking trends while remaining true to its roots of quality and precision.

How much does an Omega watch cost?

Prices for Omega watches change every year, but most Omega models cost between $3,500 and $40,000. An Omega De Ville Prestige Co-Axial Chronometer costs $3,500 while an Omega Speedmaster in yellow gold Sedna costs $45,800. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at buying an Omega potentially cheaper than new.

Omega: Eclectic models for all tastes 

The story of Omega is one of a relentless quest for precision, innovation and excellence. From its humble beginnings in a small Swiss workshop to its presence on the moon, in the depths of the ocean and on the Olympic slopes, Omega has demonstrated its watchmaking mastery time and again. As a pioneer, innovator and explorer, Omega continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of luxury watchmaking. Omega stands out for its fusion of styles, performance and history. Whether exploring the depths of the ocean, timing Olympic athletes, or accompanying astronauts into space, Omega has proven its excellence time and time again.

For those looking to learn more about Omega watches, the brand's official website offers a wealth of information. In addition, to obtain authentic and detailed reviews, do not hesitate to consult customer feedback on Dialicious. This perspective could prove valuable to those considering an Omega watch.

The Omega brand belongs to the Swatch Group, in the same way as other prestigious brands such as Breguet, Blancpain or Jaquet Droz and produces around 600,000 watches per year, all models combined. The Omega brand is also part of the ranking Ranking of most popular luxury watch brands. To choose the Omega model that best suits you, the Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating different models through real customer experience.

(Updated December 2023)