Everything You Need to Know About Omega Watches
If you’re George Clooney, you wear one when cruising in your Vespa. If you were Buzz Aldrin, you would have stepped onto the moon with one. Elvis Presley, JFK and Mao Zedong all had one too. Of course, we’re referring to Omega watches. If the time has come for you to add an Omega watch to your collection, you’ll want to do a little research first. Lucky for you, everything you need to know about Omega watches is right here in this article. It includes details on whether an Omega watch holds its value, where to get one serviced and the history of the manufacturer, along with its best-selling models. Without further ado, here is your e-version of a pocket notebook on “Everything you Need to Know About Omega Watches”.
A Bit About Omega
Omega is perhaps the one brand that gives Rolex a run for its money. The brand has been the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games over and over and is thoroughly deserved of its reputation for being one of the greatest Swiss watchmakers of all time. You may know the brand for its precise chronometer-certified movements or its presence on the wrist of 007 agent, James Bond. You may even recognise the brand for its Co-Axial escapement or its iconic Speedmaster design. Either way, there is a lot to explore when it comes to Omega.
Recreational and professional divers alike have been putting their trust in the Biel/Bienne-based watchmaker’s Seamaster range for many years. The company has excelled in refining its dive watches, some of which offer a staggering 6000-meter water resistance. The collection has been around for over 60 years now and some of its models have been styled on the wrist of James Bond, the fictional British secret agent. What’s more, Omega offers elegant timepieces like the De Ville, the Globemaster and the Constellation and has produced its own proprietary materials like O-Megasteel and Sedna Gold. Some of the manufacturer’s complication watches boast minute repeaters, world time functions and tourbillons. Above all, however, is the Maison’s iconic Speedy. The collection is a pillar of the brand’s successful catalogue.
The Omega Speedmaster – The Moonwatches
The Omega Speedmaster Chronograph is loved the world over by devoted watch enthusiasts. The most important model in the catalogue has to be the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. It was first introduced in 1957 but was originally designed for racing enthusiasts. Since the mid-1960s, however, it became a piece of standard-issue equipment for NASA and went down in history when it landed on the moon in 1969, strapped to the wrist of Buzz Aldrin, a crew member of the Apollo 11 mission. Since then, Omega has issued many variants of the model, including a 60th-anniversary Speedmaster, the ’57 Chronograph, the Skywalker X-33 and the Spacemaster Z-33. In addition to these variants, the brand also offers a Dark Side of the Moon model crafted from ceramic.
The Omega Constellation De Ville watches - The Dress Watches
Aside from the Speedmaster range, Omega has experienced immeasurable success with lines like the Constellation and DeVille watches. The Constellation is much less technical than the Speedmaster. The collection was first launched in the 1950s but since the 1980s, its design has been characterised by a fixed bezel. It bears Roman numeral markings and the famous claws that are positioned upon its surface at 3 and 9 o’clock. The DeVille collection was first released in the 1960s and is still going strong. Its classic, clean designs are available in white, yellow and rose gold with the added allure of diamonds on the dial or bezel.
The Omega Seamaster – The Dive Watches
Omega’s dive watch collection is incredibly vast and incredibly impressive. As one of the largest dive watch collections out there, it has been categorised into separate sub-families. The Aqua Terra, Planet Ocean and Diver 300M models are the most recognised of all. The Aqua Terra is a straightforward tool watch that can double up as an elegant dress watch too. A variety of these models are available with mother-of-pearl dials and decorated diamond accents. The Aqua Terra is also available in sizes 38, 41, 43 and more recently, a 34mm option (as of 2022). As such, it caters to a broad range of wrist sizes making it one of the most versatile of all. The Planet Ocean range of dive watches is designed for professional use. The standard dive watches are equipped with a 600-meter water resistance and a helium escape valve. You can get the Planet Ocean in a GMT version or a model with a much higher water-resistant rating. The latter, named the Ultra Deep, is a nod to a 2019 model that broke records when it plunged to the bottom of the Marina Trench whilst strapped to the exterior of a submarine.
A Brief History of Omega Watches
Omega was founded in 1848 and quickly made a name for itself, developing a minute repeating instrument in 1892. Two years later, the brand released a calibre with a crown-set movement and interchangeable parts for an easy service. In 1971, the British Royal Flying Corps adopted Omega watches, signifying a relationship that would last decades. The same could be said for the US Army, while the Olympic Games used Omega’s timing devices from the year 1932. Throughout the Second World War, Omega was still a trusted supplier, with over 100,000 timepieces supplied to the British Forces during this time. By 1957, the Speedmaster had arrived. Following its appearance on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin in the 1969 moon landing, the watch also played a role in saving the crew of Apollo 13 the following year. As well as remaining the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games, Omega is also the timekeeper for the America’s Cup and enjoys its strong links to the world of sports today.
About Omega Watch Movements
Omega uses a mix of different movements for its watches. Some are sourced from third parties and decorated by the brand’s own specialists, others are completely made in-house. It makes for a diverse range of timepieces to explore. Surprisingly, even the most popular Speedmaster models were powered by Lemania movements. Some of the brand’s most notable movements include the 30T2, which debuted in 1939. It would feature in the WWW Dirty Dozen watches along with many oversized dress watches. Around 7 years later, the Calibre 321 arrived. It powered the Moonwatch and is based on a Lemania movement. It has also served as a base for movements created by Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin and is known for its robustness and stamina. The movement was later replaced in the Speedmaster by the more modern Calibre 3861.
Many masters in horology got their names officially put on the map by achieving a breakthrough in technology or doing something industry-changing. That can certainly be said for George Daniels who worked during the 1970s and 80s on fixing a friction problem identified in the lever escapement of a movement. The component had regulated mechanical watches for over three centuries. The fix to the problem was named the “Co-Axial” escapement. Omega purchased the rights to this patent in 1999 and has continued to build new technologies around it. It reduces service intervals, helping to maintain accuracy in a watch. Understandably, the feature has only boosted Omega’s impressive reputation further, giving consumers the peace of mind they need that every watch powered by the Co-Axial escapement is not only an important part of horological history but a technological feature that no other watch houses.
Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value?
Arguably, Omega is one of the most sought-after manufacturers in the world. Its steeped history in producing quality timepieces that are both functional and beautiful makes it a key competitor of Rolex. With such an esteemed reputation, a common question surrounding Omega watches is whether they hold their value. There are tips and tricks to the trade of luxury watch collecting however. The key is to choose Omega watch models that have a good chance of retaining their value or even appreciating over time.
Omega watches aren’t cheap but depending on supply and demand, many are deemed highly desirable on the pre-owned market. It all depends on which model you own. One of the factors that affects the value of your Omega watch is supply and demand. If more people are wanting to own a particular model than there are watches produced, the demand rises and often, so does the price. This is another reason why vintage watches, discontinued models and limited releases demand a high price.
The retail price is another factor that affects the value of your Omega watch. The retail price is what the timepiece sold for in brand new condition with the original supplier or retailer. The value of a watch tends to reduce thereafter unless there is a huge manufacturer waiting list. Then, prices on the pre-owned market can triple. The retail price, therefore, is not always the same as the resale value of a watch. Brand recognition is also key. Luckily, Omega has an incredibly good reputation in crafting wristwatches, helping to retain the value of each timepiece.
Models that are the most popular understandably sell for a higher price. This is true for watches like the Speedmaster and Seamaster from Omega. The condition of your watch will also determine its value. Take good care of it and ensure you get it serviced every 5 to 8 years and your Omega watch should retain its value well.
Servicing an Omega Watch
Omega watches are made to last an entire lifetime. To maintain the horological health of your timepiece, Omega advises that it is checked once a year for water resistance and serviced every 5-8 years. To accompany you through life, it needs to receive regular care, as any luxury item does. Of course, regular servicing will depend on how much the watch is worn and in what environment. For example, the water resistance of your Omega watch can be affected by accidental or unexpected impact or shock or by ageing. Omega boutiques and authorised service centres are the best place to get a service on your Omega watch carried out. Here at Charles Martin, we are authorised Omega repair and service specialists. It means that we know how to take care of your watch and how to repair or replace any parts that need attention.
Remember, your Omega watch is not covered under warranty for normal wear and tear or damage that is caused by accidents or negligence. If you choose to have your timepiece repaired by any persons who are not authorised to do so by Omega SA, your warranty will be void. It certainly pays to have your beloved Omega seen by someone trained in this specialist field of expertise. For more information on our Omega servicing, visit our watch servicing section online here.
The Takeaway
That concludes our guide to everything you need to know about Omega watches. Whether it’s your first time welcoming an Omega into your collection or you’re looking to extend your horde with another of the brand’s offerings, know that the brand produces solid, reliable and highly accurate wristwatches that are sure to stand the test of time.
Omega watches make for great heirlooms, especially those that carry a piece of history within their designs. Limited edition Omega watches are also highly collectable and are sought-after for their scarcity. Most importantly of all, remember to take optimum care of your Omega watch by getting it checked for water resistance and keeping up to date with services every 5 to 8 years. For more information on the services we offer here at Charles Martin and to learn about our team of authorised Omega specialist repairers. Get in touch with us today at (info@charlesmartinwatchcompany.com).