Watch collectors typically consider several key factors when purchasing a timepiece. Prestige and heritage tend to be on top of the list, with collectors often gravitating towards brands with a storied history and a reputation for quality and innovation. All things considered, Omega definitely fits the bill.
Known for being the first watch on the moon, Omega, the official timekeeper for the Olympics since 1932 and a mainstay on James Bond’s wrist since 1995, has a storied legacy and rich history. Ahead, learn more about the brand's iconic collections and its must-have timepieces.
A Brief History of Omega
Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt (over five decades earlier than Rolex), Omega began as La Generale Watch Co. It wasn’t until 1894 when they introduced the “Omega” caliber in 1894, a 19-ligne, crown-set movement designed with interchangeable parts for easy servicing that they would change the brand’s name to Louis Brandt et Frère-Omega Watch & Co. in 1903.
During the tumultuous period of the First World War in 1917, the British Royal Flying Corps officially adopted Omega timepieces. This decision marked the beginning of a long-lasting relationship with the organization that would eventually become the Royal Air Force (RAF), enduring for many years. In 1918, the U.S. Army followed suit by incorporating Omega watches into their equipment. By 1932, Omega's precision timekeeping was recognized on the global stage as they provided the official timing equipment for the Olympic Games. That same year, Omega introduced the Marine, widely recognized as the first civilian dive watch.
During the Second World War, Omega provided over 100,000 timepieces to British forces, including the 6B/159 and the "Dirty Dozen" W.W.W. models. The Omega Suveran also played a role in supporting Sweden's wartime economy. In 1948, Omega introduced the Seamaster, which started as a water-resistant dress watch and later evolved into a full dive watch with the Seamaster 300.
The Speedmaster, released in 1957, was initially inspired by automotive racing but gained fame for its association with space exploration. It was worn by Buzz Aldrin during the 1969 moonwalk and played a crucial role in the survival of the Apollo 13 crew in 1970, cementing its status as an iconic watch.
In 1984, the company officially became Omega SA and joined the Swatch Group. Today, Omega watches adorn the wrists of celebrity A-listers, presidents, and even royalty—and now, they can adorn yours too.
Omega’s Watch Collections
Speedmaster
Often referred to as the Porsche 911 of watches, the Speedmaster was originally designed for motorsports but instead secured its iconic status as "The Moonwatch" when Buzz Aldrin wore it on the moon in 1969. Over the years, Speedmasters have evolved into a diverse range of styles and sizes, from faithful recreations of vintage models to opulent, diamond-encrusted pieces, ultra-light carbon marvels, and even intricate chronographs with chiming features. The cherished ‘Speedy’ remains Omega’s flagship model, propelled to fame by its role in the Apollo 11 mission. Neil Armstrong also had a Speedmaster, which he left in the lunar module, and it has been housed at the National Air and Space Museum since 1973. Stars like Tom Hanks and Ryan Reynolds were captivated by its storied space legacy, convincing them to get one of their own.
Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 42mm Steel on Coated Nylon Fabric Strap, $6600 (approx. P385,671), OMEGA, omegawatches.com
Seamaster
As its name suggests, the Seamaster range is known for its waterproofness, but it’s also known to be the iconic 007 spy watch. James Bond has sported an Omega since Pierce Brosnan's Golden Eye in 1995 and Daniel Craig continued the tradition in Casino Royale (2006) up until his last Bond film in 2021 with No Time to Die, where he wore an Omega Seamaster Diver 300 M 42mm titanium 007 Edition.
Seamaster Diver 300M 42mm Titanium on Titanium, $10,000 (approx. P584,350), OMEGA, omegawatches.com
Constellation
Omega’s dress watches, aptly named the Constellation line, showcases the brand’s more elegant designs with many inspired by vintage models from the 1940s and 50s, including the famous “pie-pan” dial. The collection also features exquisite diamond-encrusted watches for women. Launched in 1952 to offer a 'deluxe' option, the Constellation became a favorite of Elvis Presley during his service in the army in the late '50s.
Constellation 29mm Sedna Gold on Sedna Gold, $32,600 (approx. P1,904,900), OMEGA, omegawatches.com
De Ville
The De Ville name has adorned many Omega dials since the 50s and 60s, embodying a distinctly American flair. Today’s De Villes are Omega's most sophisticated and intricate models, transcending the dress watch category into haute horology. Fans of vintage dress styles with a taste for luxury will appreciate this collection, which even includes Omega tourbillons. Initially a designation for dress versions of the Seamaster, De Ville became a standalone model in 1967. Its pinnacle came in 1999 when it became the first watch to feature George Daniels' renowned Co-Axial escapement. Celebrities like George Clooney and Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield are frequently spotted sporting De Ville watches.
De Ville Trésor 40mm Yellow Gold on Leather Strap, $20,000 (approx. P1,168,660), OMEGA, omegawatches.com
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