It is undeniably true that Omega has been crafting timepieces of high quality and precision. Along with its reputation of being a moon watch, diving watch, sports watch, Omega watches are truly out of this world. And there’s nothing you could ask for more. And surely, the brand will create more stylish and interesting pieces for generations to come. Here are some things that you should know about the iconic brand:
Omega Watches’ Reputation
1. The First Watch on the Moon
Being the first watch to ever reach the moon is indeed one of Omega’s greatest feats. However, to achieve such a milestone is not a walk in the park. To be NASA’s space program’s official timekeeper, it had to pass the extremely tough NASA watch trials. It consists of extreme temperature testing to guarantee that it can withstand the intense climate on the moon. Then it is followed by the acceleration test, high-pressure test, and decompression test.
These trials are so extreme that most watches that went through it gave up. Together with Omega’s Speedmaster are watches from known brands such as Longines-Wittnauer, Rolex, and Hamilton, but Omega came on top amongst them. And after several reformations that NASA suggested, Speedmaster came to be.
2. Official Timekeeper of the Olympics
The company did not just prove to be out of this world but they also took expertise in sports. As early as 1905, they have been the trusted partner of different sports events, locally and internationally. They became more popular in 1931 when an Omega chronometer set a record in all six chronometry trials in Geneva Observatory. This record proved that the watch kept time more accurately than any watch produced before it.
A year after, Omega took over as the official timekeeper of the entire Olympics. They timed all competitions of the 1932 Los Angeles Games using 30 split-seconds chronographs. And until today, they continue to live up to that with their enhanced timepieces.
3. James Bond Watch
Omega’s reputation does not end in sports, naval, and space programs. One of their watches appears regularly in films like the James Bond movies. Although Rolex Oysters was the stated watch the suave spy wears in books, designer Lindy Hemming chose Omega Seamaster. She said that Seamaster’s beauty fits perfectly the naval man who saves the world secretly. And she did not lie because many people truly admired the Omega Seamaster’s looks.
How Much Do Omega Watches Cost?
Prices for the Speedmaster
The Speedmaster is the collection that paved the way for Omega watches’ popularity. Its name was derived from the tachymetric scale of its bezel. It was introduced in 1957 as a motoring watch with a chronograph function. It is also known as the first watch to reach the moon.
In 1969, the astronauts of the Apollo 11 mission wore the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Chronograph. These watches cost around $6,350 and are almost like the original model with a manual movement and period-correct plexiglass. It also comes in special editions, such as the Anniversary Series Limited Edition Apollo 11 and the Apollo 17 45th Anniversary, which cost $39,299 and $7,189, respectively.
For motorsports, this collection offers the Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial Master Chronometers, which is smaller than the Moonwatch by 40mm and runs on COSC chronometer automatic calibers. The cheapest find of this costs around $4,700 while the most expensive costs around $11,700.
If looking for something unique, there is the Speedmaster Spacemaster. It is a combination of digital and quartz and has a black LCD screen with red segments. It also has excellent durability with its grade 5 titanium case, a second-time zone, an alarm, and a perpetual calendar. However, despite these features, it still comes at a cheap price of $4,449.
Prices for the Seamaster
This collection is not just a “James Bond watch” but is also one of the most sought-after dive watches for men and women. It is unique because of its high water resistance feature.
Seamaster Diver 300m is a popular piece that you can get for $5,200 on its stainless steel model. It is water-resistant for up to 300 meters. It also comes in yellow gold that costs about $6,800. Both pieces have the iconic ripple pattern on their dial. Thus, whichever model you choose it still is a classic with its James Bond association.
For more serious diving, some may opt for the Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m, which is water-resistant of up to 600 meters. It costs more with $7,900, but it is justified by its additional professional features like the helium valve and security pusher on the diving bezel.
Lastly, the Seamaster Aqua Terra goes far from the usual build of Seamaster. It is the most stylish Seamaster but is still a tool watch. It is available in different complications from day-date to GMT. Hence, depending on the feature, each model’s price ranges from $5,500 to $13,000.
Prices for the Railmaster
The Railmaster is the last member of the Omega Masters trifecta. These men’s watches were made special in 1957 for people who are always exposed to strong magnetic fields and electric current. Also, magnetic field-resistant watches were a need at that time, because magnetic fields cause watches to lose accuracy.
In the early 1960s, the company created special editions of this collection for the North American and Canadian Pacific Railways. These are almost like the original version just that it has a design specific for railroad employees. With that, these models are rare and are wished to be collected by many Omega vintage watch aficionados.
However, the Railmaster has an unfortunate fate upon its first and second release. But this icon proved that third time’s a charm because when it came back in 2017 as part of the Seamaster series, it appealed to the public. It is then called the Seamaster Railmaster with a price tag of $4,900.
Prices for the De Ville
In 1960, De Ville was introduced as part of the Seamaster series, but it was later on made as a separate collection in 1967. That is why the first pieces had an inscription of “Seamaster De Ville” on their dials. But, the new breed has a sleeker look and is an instant best-seller.
Today, this collection comes in various complications and styles and is available for both men and women. The cheapest and most basic version of this is the De Ville Prestige Co-Axial 39.5mm that costs only $3,750. It has a date complication aside from the time, making it an on-the-go dress watch. And if you are lucky enough and want a vintage piece of this collection, you can get one for as low as $400.
For more timing needs but still has a classy design, you can get the Omega De Ville Chronograph at $6,599. Furthermore, the De Ville is also available for women with smaller sizes like 24.4mm, which comes at a low price of $2,550.
Takeaway
To own even just one piece of the Omega watches collection brings so much honor and pride to its wearer. Given the history of this brand, it is without a second thought that this is worth the price. From reaching the moon and diving the deepest of waters, Omega watches prove to be the best find in the world of horology.
