Background
What is an Omega Watch? It was the first watch to be on the moon. It’s one of James Bond’s favourite brands, as well as President JFK. Even Elvis had one.
Omega has been producing sensational mechanical movements that have changed watchmaking in our time. Omega is the only real brand to go head-to-head with Rolex. This Swiss brand is the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games and is accredited as one of the most accurate brands in the world.
Founded in 1848, we still see classic designs in today’s Omega timepieces. It has developed incrementally and so we get a vintage feel with modern developments.
This article is a whistlestop tour of the Omega range to get you going if you’re thinking of investing.
Speedmasters
Considered to be the Porche of watches. This is the type of watch that made it to the moon on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin.
In 2020 you can expect many different style of Speedmaster, including designs in real gold as decorated with diamonds.
Moonwatch Chronograph ($5,349.00)
This model has a hand-wound in-house calibre. It’s a 42mm polished stainless steel case with a matching bracelet. You have the option to swap this for leather, NATO, or if you’re inclined to, velcro.
It’s 50m water-resistant. It has a fixed bezel, black dial and luminous hands and hour markings.
Co-Axial Chronograph, aka, “Dark Side of the Moon” ($8,900.00)
This a really modern look with a carbon case and co-axis movement offering exceptional performance. It’s just shy of 45mm in black ceramic with a nylon fabric strap. You can see some versions reach $12,000.
Skywalker X-33 ($5,799.99)
Released in 1998, this Speedmaster was made for astronauts. It has a quartz movement with dual display. It will give you multiple time zones, up to three alarms, a chronograph capability and countdown timer.
The case is 45mm of titanium with a matching bracelet.
Seamasters
These are the most robust dive watches packed with tech.
Ceramic Diver 300M Co-Axial ($4,325.00)
Here’s one found on the wrist of Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond.
The 300m hasn’t lost its looks over the years. It has a helium escape valve located at the 10 position that completes a look of asymmetry.
Although the look is consistent, there are a lot of variants. You can also get a chronograph version and, budget-dependent, ones decorated with precious metals.
The case is 42mm of stainless steel and the bracelet comes in any material you could want.
Planet Ocean 600M ($5,054.50)
This Seamaster is larger than the previous and has twice the level of water-resistance. You have a lot of choice here between GMT movements (and if you’re wondering what that is, we wrote an article on that here), carbon cases, chronograph functions and other features.
The 43.5mm case comes in stainless steel with a NATO strap.
Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial ($6,899.00)
The Aqua Terra has a dual personality in that it is both a sport and dress watch. It’s both rugged and elegant. You can dive in it or wear it for a formal occasion.
It comes in either 38mm or 41.5mm stainless steel cases with matching bracelet.
The Aqua Terra also offers a 24 hour format and GMT hand. This is handy for setting the local time as well as knowing what time it is in your hometown, if you’re travelling.
You can also get hold of a chronograph version, and this is $5,250.00.
Constellation
Here is where we find the most formal dress watches that Omega produce. There is a huge nod to the styles of the 40s and 50s. There’s a distinctive dial edge with a ruffle that’s common on the Constellation case. Women can find a diamond decorated timepiece here.
Globemaster Co-Axial ($9,140.29)
This design leans toward a classic 1950s vibe. This is a modern day dress watch rather than a sports watch. It’s a bread-and-butter dress watch that was made to complement your Italian leather tan brogues.
You can get stainless steel, solid gold or a two-tone if you like a bit of both.
The case is 39mm and the bracelet comes in a supple leather.
Devilles
The Devilles range has the same dial as a lot of the older Omega watches. It has a decidedly vintage feel ranging from the 1950s and 60s. Largely due to the fact that, at this time, Americans were the core market for Omega.
The Devilles you see today are the most elegant as well as the most complicated of all Omega timepieces.
These watches are so fancy they extend from dress watches into haute horlogerie (high quality watchmaking).
If you like retro class and have the big dollars to spend, the Devilles collection will be bang on.
Co-Axial Chronograph ($4,944.50)
This is instantly recognisable as a classic, however, it’s also packed with tech. This offers a co-axial movement and this meets the Master Chronometer specification required for the utmost accuracy in mechanical timekeeping.
This offers a 42mm case and comes in various materials such as stainless steel, gold, leather, etc.
Hour Vision Co-Axial
This timepiece offers a sapphire case for the purpose of allowing a lateral view into the famous co-axial movement. Omega developed this window in the early stages purely for this function. It remains a unique characteristic of the Deville range. This, and they offer a calendar that will keep rotating all year thanks to the co-axial movement behind it.
The case is 44mm and comes in stainless steel with a leather strap. You’ll find it around $7,500.
Tresor Co-Axial
A Tresor is part of a sub-line offering a sleek case and is made of precious metals and diamonds. They’re usually something you reserve for occasions where you’re wearing a tuxedo.
If you wash caviar down with Dom Perignon, this will be something to your taste.
It’s a 40mm case of yellow gold with a leather strap. It has a hand-wound movement on the inside, which is of course, co-axial.
You can find a Tresor for around $18,000.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about the Omega collections, you should read our Swiss Watches for Men Guide. Thanks!
Follow Us
    |
Last Updated on May 7, 2020
Maygen is a multifaceted writer, proofreader and an experienced smartwatch industry writing and editing professional.
Leave a Reply