Omega

What were you doing when you were 23 years old? In 1848 Louis Brandt was 23 years old he was setting up what would go onto be one of the biggest and most famous luxury watch brands in the world.

Brandt started off by assembling watches made from local suppliers but the company reputation quickly grew and by 1894 had developed an in-house movement that was so precise and reliable that it could be mass-produced; something that was very rare at the time. This movement was nicknamed 'the Omega Caliber' and was such a success that the brand adopted 'Omega' as it's official name.

By 1932 the company was in a position and had such a reputation for precision that they were named the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games.

What makes them special?

You don't get to be top of the game for over a century without having a few strengths.

Personal bests

The relationship with the olympics means that every world record, personal best or historic Olympic moment is connected with Omega's timekeeping. That's quite an association to be able to point to.

The Moon...

Omega relentlessly point to this fact in their marketing, but it's still pretty cool. In 1965, NASA selected the Omega Speedmaster as the official watch for its astronauts after rigorous testing, making the Speedmaster the only timepiece certified for space travel. The Speedmaster became the first watch worn on the moon when astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore it during the Apollo 11 lunar landing in 1969, earning it the nickname “Moonwatch.”

Bond, James Bond

Omega has been the James Bond watch for around 30 years, with Goldeneye featuring a nice blue Seamaster professional. Bond hasn't always been with Omega; having worn Rolexes, a Breitling with a geiger counter, a few different quartz Seikos during the 1980s, and a Tag Heuer; however Omega have probably made the most of this link by regularly releasing James Bond special releases for those who want to buy into a little piece of the super-spy lifestyle.

Why do we like them?

Innovations in Watchmaking: The Co-Axial Movement

Omega’s influence on the watch industry isn’t limited to its associations with famous events and people. The brand is also known for groundbreaking technological advancements. In 1999, Omega introduced the Co-Axial Escapement, a revolutionary development by renowned watchmaker George Daniels. This innovation reduced friction within the movement, improving accuracy and extending the life of the watch. Omega’s Co-Axial movements are now a staple of the brand’s mechanical watches, showcasing its commitment to long-lasting precision.

More recently, Omega has focused on making its watches resistant to magnetic fields—a feature highly relevant in today’s world, where magnetic exposure from electronics can affect a watch’s accuracy. Omega’s Master Chronometer certification, developed in partnership with METAS (the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology), ensures that each watch meets the highest standards for precision, durability, and magnetic resistance.

Omega Today: Luxury, Reliability, and a Legacy of Excellence

In the modern luxury watch market, Omega continues to stand out for its blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking technology. While many of Omega’s models remain rooted in their historical designs, the brand is always innovating. Today, Omega offers a wide range of models to suit different tastes and lifestyles, from the sport-oriented Speedmaster and Seamaster collections to the elegant Constellation and De Ville series.

One of Omega’s defining qualities is its accessibility compared to some other Swiss luxury brands. Though Omega watches are undoubtedly an investment, they offer a strong value for their price, combining exquisite craftsmanship, durability, and innovation. The brand has also maintained its legacy through ambassador partnerships with prominent figures like George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, and, of course, the iconic Bond series, further cementing Omega as a symbol of timeless style.

Final Thoughts

Omega is more than a watch brand; it’s a part of history, blending precision, innovation, and cultural impact. From timing Olympic races to landing on the moon, from gracing the wrist of James Bond to pioneering horological advancements, Omega’s legacy is one of excellence and adventure. For anyone seeking a luxury watch that combines style, history, and reliability, Omega remains a top choice, offering a chance to wear a piece of a storied past—and a future driven by innovation.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply appreciate fine watches, Omega’s combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology makes it a brand worth exploring and celebrating.has context menu