When talking about this very famous brand we should probably start by saying that “Omega” is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. It is the international symbol for perfection and remarkable accomplishments. Watch experts agree on one thing- Since Louis Brandt founded the Omega Company in 1848, in La Chaux-de Fonds, Switzerland these two qualities have been representative for every single timepiece it has designed.
With over 160-years heritage, the brand has been in a continuous search for innovation and outstanding quality. Its rich history started in 1900 at the Paris World Fair when it sponsored the Grand Prix and it continued by achieving the world precision record of 97.8 points in 1936, in England, at the Kew-Teddington observatory.
By being a continuous presence at some of the most important competitions on the globe, Omega built a name for itself. The company was the official timekeeper at more than 21 Olympic Games. Over the years, it has brought many innovations to Olympic sports. For instance, in 1952 at the Helsinki games it offered the first electronic timekeeping device. In the same year, the brand received the much sought after Olympic Cross of Merit as an appreciation of its remarkable contribution to sports.
Omega’s accomplishments touched unparalleled peeks in 1965 when the iconic Speedmaster was chosen by NASA as its official Chronometer. Out of the numerous candidates, this model was selected because it met the most rigorous requirements of precision and reliability. On the 21st of July 1969 the Omega Speedmaster became the first watch on the moon when Neil Armstrong walked on the lunar surface with this model on its wrist.
After this unique achievement, Omega focused on building some of the most unique and impressive watches on the planet. In 1994, it enriched its collection with the first self-winding wristwatch with a central tourbillon. Then in 1999 it created the innovative coaxial escapement feature that was integrated in one of the limited series James Bond watches. This association was a true success and, if possible, the brand’s fame and prestige touched even higher limits.
The popularity and success of Omega are a consequence of both its inspired marketing strategies and incredible performances. The quality of its movements and its watchmaking excellence turned its splendid timepieces into collectible luxury products that occupy a very important place in every collector’s showcase.
For more than 160 years, Omega watches have kept a close track of the planet’s history. “The first watch on the moon”, “21 times the official Olympic’s timekeeper”, a sea adventurer, the companion of the mysterious 007 and the number one choice for world leaders and explorers, this brand has offered us great moments in time, around the world and beyond.
Behind each Omega model there is a legacy of horological innovations and quality. For instance, the first master chronometer was constructed by Omega. Its movement is truly revolutionary and designed to pass even the most rigorous tests conducted by the Swiss Federal Office of Metrology. This COSC certified chronometer calibre is one of the main reasons why the brand is renowned for its performances and high functionality.
Currently, Omega makes the best series-produced mechanical movements on the planet. This bold goal was actually the idea of Swatch Group Chairman Nicolas G. Hayek who obtained from inventor George Daniels the rights of using the Co-Axial technology. Plus, when it comes to magnetic fields the company has some of the most resistant mechanisms. These timepieces can be used in magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss without compromising its performances. For centuries horologists have tried to achieve this, but in 2013 Omega finally did it.
The company’s name was inspired a very famous automatic movement that existed more than a century ago. That exceptional caliber constructed in 1894 was the catalyst for the brand’s commitment to quality and excellence.