Are you a watch aficionado who is willing to pay thousands of dollars for a luxury watch? If you are, you probably encountered a lot of people questioning your decision. They might consider you irrational or impulsive for splurging on something without much value. They don’t see any special reason to spend their hard-earned money on a time-telling tool. There are new gadgets that can offer the same function while allowing you to communicate with your loved ones and play various games. It is understandable to hear opinions like that, especially from ordinary people not into luxurious stuff. But they should not stop you from buying a watch from companies with horological heritage and precision timekeeping.
Below, we’ll talk about Omega, one of the most popular luxury brands that you might want to buy from. Continue reading if you want to know its rich history and take a closer look at some of its watch models.
How did Omega start?
Omega started as a small workshop with a single watchmaker in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland in 1848. Louis Brandt was the person behind its establishment and he continued to manage it for 30 years. In that period, he sold numerous watches to customers around the globe. When he died in 1879, his sons replaced him to carry on his vision for the company. The brothers decided to expand the business by relocating the workshop to Bienne. Aside from expansion, they also made their own parts instead of sourcing from other companies. After 5 years, they became popular in the watch industry for developing their first-mass produced caliber, known as Labrador.
Omega became the official timekeeper
One of the many milestones of Omega was in 1905 when it became the official timekeeper for different sporting events in Switzerland. It is the start of the company’s popularity among sports teams and players. After this, it partnered with Olympic Games to become the first single timekeeper of the games during the Summer Olympics in California. It paved the way for the company to increase its presence in the global market.
Omega in the 20th century
1948 marked the 100th year of the company in the watchmaking industry. It celebrated this milestone by launching one of the coolest Omega watches, the Seamaster. It continued to attain success in the 20th century. The most remarkable achievement was in 1962 when the Speedmaster became the first Omega in space. It became possible because it was on the wrist of astronaut Wally Schirra. When NASA searched for their official watch, the company beat other brands and secured the spot. In 1969, it became the first brand with a watch that reached the moon. However, just like any other company, the Quartz Crisis affected the company. It was only through partnership that helped it survive. It made its comeback in the industry by becoming the official watch of James Bond in the film GoldenEye. Before the end of the 20th century, it developed the Co-Axial Escapement caliber 2500 which resulted in unmatched chronometric precision.
Omega in the 21st century
In the 21st century, Omega focuses on improving the functionality of the co-axial movement. In 2007, it manufactured the Co-Axial caliber 2500. Aside from this, it maintains a good relationship with NASA, the Bond franchise, and Olympic Games. It even leveled up its game in the sports industry by becoming the official timekeeper of the PGA of America in 2011.
Top 3 Omega watches for new collectors
- Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
The company launched the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch professional in 1957. Several decades after its first release, the changes made in its design are little to none. It is a strategy adopted by the company to make this watch recognizable in different parts of the world. You will surely love its black dial, hesalite crystal cover, thin hour and minute hands, and its chronograph complication with mechanical caliber 1861. It has a 42-mm stainless steel case that is perfect for those with small wrists. It can also withstand the conditions underwater of up to 50 meters.
If you plan to buy a Moonwatch, you will have to choose whether to get the one with a strap or a bracelet. The box of the watch will include the tools to change the straps and a book detailing the adventures of Speedmaster.
- Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
Omega has a long history of offering timepieces that can perform well under the seas just like how they can survive in space. The brand established a good reputation in both realms. The Marine was the first watch manufactured by the company for deep diving. A lot of popular personalities trusted and used Omega watches in their explorations, such as William Beebe, Yves le Prieur, and Jacques Mayol.
Just in 20015, Omega launched the Planet Ocean collection which features a black ceramic unidirectional rotating dive bezel with a 42-mm stainless steel case. It is resistant to water up to 600 meters. It also used a helium-escape valve that guarantees you that it can stand the test of time even if you will often expose it to water.
- Omega De Ville Prestige
If you are not into diving and explorations, then this Omega de Ville Prestige is for you. It is a dress watch featuring a pure, classic style and luxurious appearance that will never get out of style. Unlike the two watch models mentioned above with a 44-mm stainless steel case, this one has only a 39.5-mm stainless steel case. You will fall in love with its striking two-zone, sun-brushed blue dial covered with sapphire crystal making it resistant to scratch. It can survive in water for up to 30-meters.
In Conclusion
For sure, you want to wear a timepiece from Omega because it has relevant contributions to the history of horology. Omega watches are not just accessories that can improve your overall fashion style. They are great investments since they can survive unfavorable conditions whether you use them as a diving watch or an everyday watch. So to start your watch collection journey, buy an Omega watch now from TheWatchCompany.com!