Omega since 1848

“The Sign of Excellence”

Omega Company History

In 1948 the 23 year old Louis Brandt decided to start a small workshop in the family villa, located in La Chaux- de- Fonds. This would later be the start point of the watch company Omega that we know today. His two sons would take over the tradition of watchmaking and relocated the company in 1880 to Bienne where they are still located today. To speed things up a bit. The company has underwent several merges and unions, with the final merge being that with the SSIH and the ASUAG in the 1970 being bailed out both by the Banking system due to the monetary crisis. The two merged into the Swatch Group under which it still operates today.

The Models

Omega made name with reliable and accurate watches. An even bigger selling point in those days was easy to replace parts. It wasn’t like you could sent your watch back as easy as you would today. To get back to the models. You will see a lot of these smaller for instance  32mm Omega’s since they made millions of them. Noteworthy is that aside from the hand wound watches Omega used a so-called “Bumper automatic” because Rolex had patented the 360 winding mechanism in these days. As soon as this patent fell they also switched to the 360 rotor, as many other brands. The more recognizable models that we know today are for instance the Seamaster, Constellation or Speedmaster models.

The first Seamaster, initaily launched in 1948 as a strong and reliable all-purpose watch. Today we would mark it as a dress watch. So it was until 1957 when they launched the Seamaster 300 as their answer to the Rolex Submariner. We all know it never came near it. But a path was chosen and over the years the Seamaster would  evolve in many different shapes and designs. One of them noteworthy is the Omega Seamaster Pro-Plof of course. With its distinctive case design it really stands out, even today! With its solid and massive case and it’s recognizable pusher to set the bezel. It is easy to spot from a distance. Another cool thing is that COMEX and Jacques Cousteau were involved with the making of this model.

The Constellation, was launched in 1952 with its astronomical name. It has been the flagship of Omega for many years. Being so important to the brand means that they are available in different materials and complications. The Omega Constellation Sedna is made in Omega’s Sedna (Rosé) Gold. An alloy made by Omega consisting of Gold, Copper and palladium. The Sedna Constellation is made in a Limited Edition of 1952 pieces.

Then for most of you finally the Omega Speedmaster. It first saw light in 1957 and saw some early changes even in the first few years. The arrow hands were replaced by dauphine hands and the case was redesigned from the straight lugs tot the rounded lugs we know today.

But what the watch is most famous for, is off course that it is the “First watch worn on the moon”. Something Omega is extremely proud of, as they should! The story goes that 2 NASA employees walked in a Houston jeweller and bought several watches from different brands. After rigorous testing the Speedmaster came out on top and was granted the honour of being the official watch for the Space Missions.  The fact that Omega was unaware of the testing and possible marketing options makes the whole story even better! The Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz missions were al celebrated with a special or limited edition in their name.

Aside from the Speedmaster Professional there are quite a few other Omega’s that bear the name “Speedmaster” all are quite collectible. Over the years some have lost some collectability due to the fact that they are perhaps not as “timeless” design wise. This is not uncommon since collectability is affected by many different factors. For instance Re-Editions also do well for previous models. This year, a Speedmaster 1957 Re-edition has been introduced with straight lugs, broad arrow hands and yes a date function.

James Bond

We like to think most James Bond enthusiasts watch the movies for the watches. We all know that this is just one of the reasons. There are Bond Girls, Bond Cars and that classic Bond coolness. Omega has been providing England’s favourite spy with watches for over 7 movies. And with these collaborations most of the times a special or limited edition is made. So is the case with Omega. 

Co-Axial

It is printed on many Omega dials but what is it actually? Most of you might know the Co-Axial escapement technology that Omega uses in their watches. But do most of you realize that it is quite an achievement in the history of watchmaking? And will other brands adapt the Co-Axial escapement in the future? George Daniels inventor of the Co-Axial escapement is proud of his achievement. He hopes it furthermore enhances the modern day mechanical watch. And also speaks to the future watch enthusiasts. I could tell you how it works but this clip does is it so much better!

Kind regards,