Who are OMEGA?
In 1848 Omega began, from a small workshop in the village of La-Chaux-de-Fonds. Louis Brandt was aged 23 at the time (a young watchmaker), who held the unknown legacy of what OMEGA was to become. Brandt was a talented watchmaker who was best known throughout Switzerland for his ability and capability of precision. It only took him a few years for Switzerland, and the rest of Europe to understand his ability.
Fast forward 31 years, the family business was passed down to the two sons of Brant, after he sadly passed away in 1866. In 1879, the two sons were to ready to follow in the footsteps of their father. They made some changes within the first year, as in 1880 they switched the name to Louis Brandt & Fils, and moved from La-Chaux-de-Fonds to Bienne. Here’s a brief summary of OMEGA’s history:
Brief timeline
1885 – The first series-produced calibre.
1892 – The first minute-repeater for the wrist.
1894 – They created a calibre which the brothers called “OMEGA” after the success it had within the watch industry. This movement was a pinnacle point in Omega’s history as it allowed them to change the name to what it’s known as today, “OMEGA”.
1895 – The first publicity for the OMEGA brand and symbol.
1905 – Served as the official timekeeper for 16 sporting events in Switzerland.
1909 – Had become a worldwide watch brand.
1932 – The world’s first available divers watch was created by OMEGA in 1932 (called the Marine).
1940 – Named the largest supplier of watches for the British armed forces and it’s allies.
1947 – OMEGA had created one of the world’s first tourbillon movements.
1948 – The Seamaster was brought to life.
1962 – The first OMEGA Speedmaster in space
1969 – The first watch to be worn whilst on the moon – a truly wonderful achievement which has been a great branding and marketing tool they have been able to use. Not only that, it also is a proud moment for the brand as a whole, as it goes down in the history books.
1970 – Received the silver snoopy award
1989 – The first for Antarctic exploration
2002 – 2020 – Starred in all James Bond films
2019 – A world record dive into the Mariana Trench was completed, whilst wearing a Seamaster.
2020 – Set to star in “No time to die” the newest James Bond film – Daniel Craig’s ‘last’ appearance will show him wearing the Seamaster diver.
What are the Best 5 Omega Watches to buy and why?
1. OMEGA SPEEDMASTER MOONWATCH PROFESSIONAL 42MM MENS WATCH
About this watch
The OMEGA Speedmaster is a stunning timepiece, which has captured the story of being the first watch on the moon – what a title to have. It has been a part of all six Lunar missions which is truly remarkable, as well as being endorsed by NASA themselves. The story of the moon, and how this watch came about to being the first timepiece on it, is a true representation of the adventurous and innovative traits OMEGA hold. This watch has allowed a new audience of people to appreciate the craftsmanship, as well as the story behind it, as whoever wears this watch on their wrist, carries the story forward.
The features this watch includes:
A 42mm stainless steel case protects the calibre 1863 manual winding movement which sits underneath the black dial – which is equipped with a seconds sub-dial, a 30 minute and a 12 hour recorder. The dial is protected by sapphire crystal glass ensuring quality is of exceptional standard. In addition, the bezel on this watch includes a tachymeter scale, which is another great bonus. The caseback displays the movement as it’s open view, something which is important, as it adds that personal touch to the timepiece. Lastly, the 50 metre water resistant depth is a wonderful feature, that expresses that adventurous side OMEGA possess.
2. OMEGA SEAMASTER DIVER 300M JAMES BOND 007 2020 EDITION
About this watch
This watch is identical of that in the film “No Time To Die”, a James Bond film being released later on in 2021. The 007-edition Seamaster presents it’s design in effortless fashion, but it also delivers a performance which you’d expect from an OMEGA timepiece. OMEGA have a proud relationship with the Bond films, being starred in 8 films so far, and it’ll be the 9th, when the release of “No Time To Die” is premiered on the 8th October 2021.
The features this watch includes:
Powered by a Chronometer 8806 calibre – a self winding movement, which lives up to their well deserved, industry’s highest standards of precision and performance. In addition to that, this timepiece has a 300 metre water resistant depth and a resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, a truly impressive number for both measurements. No wonder James Bond will find so much use out of the watch – We at Lux Horology look forward to viewing the watch in the film, and we hope you are too.
3. OMEGA SEAMASTER PLANET OCEAN 600M CO-AXIAL 43.5MM MENS WATCH
About this watch
The OMEGA Planet ocean collection became part of the Seamaster group back in 2005. OMEGA have built their brand on their pioneering attitude towards each and every watch, something which does not change here. This timepiece honours the legacy in which they have imprinted within the watch world, and of course, we’re talking about their maritime, and diving heritage. Lux Horology chose this watch to be featured in “The best 5 OMEGA watches” because of it’s idea behind paying homage to it’s legacy, and the specifications it has equipped.
The features this watch includes:
The OMEGA Master Chronometer calibre 8901 which is a self winding movement, is sitting comfortably in between the 18ct Rose Gold. Yep! you heard that right – an 18ct Rose Gold case, displaying the high quality materials in which OMEGA have used, you can start to understand why the price is just over £20,000. The dial is protected with sapphire crystal glass, and the blue colour on the dial, as well as the strap blend in smoothly with the rose gold. It’s a rich blue which also adds a luxurious feel when on the wrist. Lastly, this timepiece has a water resistant depth of 600m, which is remarkable, especially for those of you who show interest in diving or like to test the elements in the different environments.
4. OMEGA DE VILLE PRESTIGE CO-AXIAL POWER RESERVE 39.5MM MENS WATCH
About this watch
This watch is part of the De Ville Prestige collection, which showcases quality and design in stunning fashion. We at Lux Horology, like the finer things in life, whether that be choosing the best watch strap or enjoying a drink whilst admiring our luxury watch displays – but we certainly love a simplistic, but luxurious design throughout a watch, and boy have we got that here. The design allows it to be a classy and formal timepiece but also an everyday wear.
The features this watch includes:
The watch itself, is driven by an OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 2627, which is a self-winding movement. The Co-Axial movement was invented by George Daniels, who sadly passed away in 2011, but he left behind a great legacy which has been sketched into the history books. The benefits of the Co-Axial movement, is that it causes less friction to occur, so if you don’t want to get your watch serviced as often as you usually would, then this would be a great piece for your collection. Moreover, the white dial blends in beautifully with the green leather strap, and it also features a bit of character, with the date display window at 3 o’clock, and the power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, which is something you don’t see as often.
5. OMEGA SEAMASTER NEKTON 42MM MENS WATCH
About this watch
OMEGA are in connection with the maritime timepieces and have pioneered their work towards the environments, and showed how impressive their creations are. This has been done in numerous ways, and we wouldn’t be able to mention all of them here, because we would be here for a long time – but a few examples are: The first watch on the moon, The record for the deepest dive with a watch, and the World’s first available divers watch.
Linking to the idea of new and exciting innovative ideas, OMEGA are a proud partner to Nekton, a not-for-profit research foundation, whom are protecting and managing the World’s oceans. And this watch has been released in support of Nekton – Which is truly remarkable, and something I would be honoured to display, and we at Lux Horology love to see.
The features this watch includes:
This watch is powered by the Master Chronometer Calibre 8806, which has been tested and approved at the industry’s highest level. The water resistant depth is an impressive 300 metres, and the uni-directional bezel is in grade 5 Titanium – these statistics are pretty astounding, and the quality is not hard to see or feel within this watch. A stainless steel case keeps this watch robust and durable, so if you’re looking for a watch which is created for all environments and honours a good cause, then this is perfect for you.
