Swatch
Omega
Founder
Louis Brandt
When was Omega founded?
Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1848, as a small workshop. The brand later became known as Omega in 1903.
Headquarter
Biel/Bienne, Switzerland
How much are Omega watches?
The price of Omega watches varies widely depending on the model, materials used, and the complexity of the timepiece. Entry-level Omega watches typically start at around $2,000 to $3,000, while more sophisticated or limited edition models can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Do Omega watches hold their value?
Omega watches are known for retaining their value fairly well, especially compared to many other luxury watch brands. Some models, particularly those with historical significance or limited production, may even appreciate in value over time. However, like all luxury goods, much depends on the specific model, its condition, and market demand.
Where are Omega watches made?
Omega watches are made in Switzerland, which is renowned for its watchmaking industry. The brand has a rich history and a reputation for precision and quality, adhering to the high standards of Swiss watchmaking.
Are Omega watches good?
Omega watches are highly regarded for their quality and craftsmanship. They are known for their precision, durability, and innovative design. Omega has a long history of excellence in watchmaking, including being the choice of NASA for space missions and the official timekeeping device of the Olympic Games.
What is the most popular Omega watch model?
The Omega Speedmaster Professional, often referred to as the "Moonwatch," is one of the brand's most popular models. It gained fame as the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. Its iconic design and historical significance make it a highly sought-after model among watch enthusiasts.
How often do Omega watches need servicing?
Omega recommends servicing their watches approximately every 5 to 8 years, depending on the model and usage. Regular servicing ensures the watch continues to function accurately and extends its lifespan. However, this can vary based on the individual watch's condition and how often it's worn.
What kind of warranty does Omega offer on its watches?
Omega offers a five-year warranty on all its watches, covering material and manufacturing defects. This warranty period, which was extended from the previous two-year coverage, reflects Omega's confidence in the quality and reliability of their timepieces.
1848
Louis Brandt founded La Generale Watch Co. in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, assembling key-wound precision pocket watches.
1894
Louis Brandt's sons, Louis-Paul and César, developed in-house manufacturing and production control systems, leading to the creation of watches under the Omega brand.
1903
The success of the Omega brand led La Generale Watch Co. to spin off Omega as its own company, officially establishing the Omega Watch Co.
1925
During economic difficulties, Paul-Emile Brandt worked towards the union of Omega and Tissot, leading to their merger into the SSIH group in 1930..
1955
Under the leadership of Brandt and Joseph Reiser, SSIH grew to include about fifty companies, becoming a top producer of finished watches in Switzerland and globally.
1970s
The quartz crisis saw Japanese manufacturers like Seiko and Citizen rise to dominance. Omega responded by entering the quartz watch market.
1981
SSIH, weakened by a severe monetary crisis, was bailed out by banks. During this period, there were talks of Seiko acquiring Omega, but nothing materialized.
1983
After financial restructuring, SSIH merged with ASUAG, forming a new holding company.
1985
The holding company was taken over by a group of private investors led by Nicolas Hayek, later becoming The Swatch Group in 1998, which now manufactures Omega watches.
1995
Omega experienced a resurgence, partly due to product placement in James Bond films, starting with "GoldenEye" where the character switched from Rolex to Omega Seamaster watches.
Early 2000s
Omega continued to innovate in watchmaking, introducing new models and variations to its existing lines, such as the Seamaster and Speedmaster.
2005
Omega launched the Planet Ocean line within the Seamaster collection, which quickly became popular for its robust design and professional dive watch features.
2008
The brand introduced the "Liquidmetal" technology, a first in the watch industry. This technology combines different metals for a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
2013
Omega celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first spacewalk by releasing the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33.
2015
The brand introduced the Master Chronometer certification, setting a new standard for precision and performance in the watch industry. This was also the year Omega introduced the Globemaster, the world's first Master Chronometer.
2016
To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission, Omega released the Speedmaster "Silver Snoopy Award" limited edition.
2018
Omega celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Seamaster Diver 300M with a complete redesign of the model, enhancing its technology and aesthetics.
2019
Omega launched the 50th-anniversary edition of the Apollo 11 Moonwatch, celebrating half a century since the first moon landing.
2020
Omega released new models in the Seamaster Diver 300M series, including the James Bond Limited Edition set to coincide with the (then upcoming) release of the movie "No Time To Die."
The brand continued to innovate in materials, using novel alloys and ceramics for enhanced durability and design.
2021
Omega updated the Seamaster 300 collection, introducing new models with aesthetic and technical improvements.
The brand also released new versions of the Speedmaster Moonwatch, incorporating the Master Chronometer certification for enhanced precision and magnetic resistance.
2022
To commemorate the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Omega launched special edition watches as part of its role as the Official Timekeeper.
Omega expanded its Constellation line with new models featuring distinctive design elements and advanced materials.
2023
Omega likely continued to release new models and update its classic collections, though specific details may depend on the exact date in 2023.
The brand may have also engaged in special collaborations, limited editions, or innovations in watch technology, consistent with its history of celebrating milestones and pushing the boundaries of horology.
One of their best ways to do so, is the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch series.
