INTRODUCTION
Omega Watches
Omega has been redefining watchmaking since 1848 with their pioneering spirit and extraordinary achievements. Today, they enjoy recognition and admiration all over the world as one of the greatest watch brands. 2017 also marks a very special anniversary for Omega, as it's 60 years since the birth of the much-loved Speedmaster.
We’re celebrating this special Speedmaster anniversary with some iconic and new timepieces, as well as delving into their rich history, exploring their revolutionary world and discovering why you should choose an Omega watch.
OMEGA HISTORY
Through The Years
Beginning in 1848, Omega’s history is rich with remarkable achievements and accolades. Travel through the years with this Omega timeline.
1848
Louis Brandt began assembling precision pocket watches with parts supplied by local craftsmen, deep in the Jura Mountains.
1881
Louis Brandt’s son, Louis-Paul, moved the company to a small factory in Biel, which is still Omega’s headquarters today, and got all the local craftsmen in one place to have full control over the manufacturing process.
1894
The revolutionary “Omega” movement was created. Ground-breaking at the time, the high level of precision meant that it was highly accurate and easy to repair – making it the perfect movement to build lots of watches with.
1903
The company renamed as the Omega Watch Company after the global success of this game-changing “Omega” movement. This creation, along with other major industry firsts like the first minute repeater wristwatch and first big date calendar, propelled Omega to the top of the industry.
1932
After setting and breaking records in major watchmaking trials and competitions, Omega’s unprecedented reputation for accuracy led to their appointment of Official Timekeeper of the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. This was the first time in Olympic history that one brand had been given this responsibility.
1936
A record that is still unbeaten today - a 47.7mm calibre that was adjusted by Alfred Jaccard sets the famous world precision record in all categories at Kew – Teddington observatory.
1948
A very special year. Omega celebrate their 100 year anniversary and launch their ocean-inspired Seamaster collection, designed with professional scuba divers in mind.
1952
The Constellation collection is launched with the Constellation chronometer watch. This watch was soon after known as ‘The Swiss Watch’ and continues to be an essential part of Omega’s heritage today.
1957
Omega introduce a new legend to their watch family – the Speedmaster collection. This chronograph watch went on to fulfil its destiny and later became the ‘Moonwatch’, thanks to NASA.
1965
The Omega Speedmaster was chosen by NASA as their official chronograph. They declared it flight-qualified for EVA (extra-vehicular activity) and for manned space missions.
1967
Previously part of the Seamaster collection, a selection of watches drop the Seamaster title and are taken out to become their own important collection – The De Ville Collection.
1969
On 21st July 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to step on the moon with the Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph watch. With this momentous achievement came a unique nickname; the Moon Watch.
1974
Omega created the Marine Chronometer 2400, which was the most accurate and technologically advanced wristwatch in the world at the time.
1995
Introducing another world first, Omega launched the first self-winding wristwatch with central tourbillon and automatic winding crown. Pierce Brosnan wore the Omega Seamaster Quartz Professional in the James Bond film Golden Eye, and Omega watches have since been James Bond’s timepiece of choice in every film.
1999
Omega perfected their revolutionary Co-Axial Escapement movement, invented by Englishman master watch craftsman George Daniels. This movement eliminates friction and is considered one of the most important advances in modern watchmaking. Most Omega watches today include this Co-Axial Escapement mechanism.
2015
Omega introduced its own “Master Chronometer” movement, which has passed tests approved by independent body METAS. To earn the name Master Chronometer, whose movement is COSC certified, the watch must pass tests approved by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) that replicate real-life wearing conditions.
OMEGA WORLD
The World Of Omega
From the far corners of space to unrivalled sports timekeeping and silver screen appearances, the world of Omega is full of extraordinary achievements.
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Space
Omega In Space
Since 1962, Omega has been quite literally on-hand as astronauts explore space. Its status as the first watch on the moon earned the Speedmaster its nickname in 1969; the Moonwatch. Now one of the most famous chronographs in the word, the Omega Speedmaster is celebrating 60 years in 2017. A true icon of space exploration and style.
Shop Omega Speedmaster
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Sport
Omega In Sport
Omega has a global reputation for its award-winning precision timekeeping, something which is brought to the world’s leading competitions. Omega has been Official Timekeeper of the Olympics since 1932, and also brings cutting-edge timekeeping to other top athletics, swimming, bobsleigh and sailing competitions.
Shop Omega Seamaster 2018 Winter Olympics Watch
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Ocean
Omega On The Sea
Decades before venturing into space, Omega set out to explore the sea. Since then, they have played a significant role in ocean exploration. In 1932, the Omega Marine was the first commercially-available divers’ watch and the Omega Seamaster 300 was launched in 1957, which would eventually be selected by the British Royal Navy.
Shop Omega Seamaster
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Film
Omega On The Big Screen
Showcasing a red-carpet cast of film star ambassadors, Omega continues to be seen on some of the world’s most admired stars including George Clooney, Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, as well as cinema’s greatest spy. The Omega Seamaster has accompanied 007 on every adventure since GoldenEye.
Shop Omega James Bond Limited Edition Watch
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Watchmaking
Omega’s Watchmaking Innovation
Constantly striving for world firsts, Omega created the world’s first Master Chronometer watch, which has passed tests approved by METAS, the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, that replicate real life wearing conditions and demonstrate resistance to water and magnetic fields.
Shop All Omega Watches