Omega is synonymous with quality. It is a brand name known around the world, associated with innovation, excellence, and designs that stand the test of time.
Omega's History
Omega has a history that spans 170 years, although for the first 50 years of the brand's life it had a different name. Back in 1848, when the company was initially founded by Louis Brandt, it operated as the La Generale Watch Co. with the now iconic Omega branding introduced in 1903.
For its entire history, the company has been based in Switzerland, and headquartered in the small town of Bienne, around 40 km from Bern, the country's capital. Bienne is relatively unassuming, far from brash, and incredibly beautiful. One couldn't hope to find a more fitting location for Omega.
So rich is Omega's history that the brand even has its own dedicated museum, located in Bienne. Within the museum, visitors can view an array of movements, clocks, luxury watches and tools, and can also learn more about the brand's origins, key milestones, and long-term plans for the future.
Fancy a visit? Check out the Omega Museum.
Visit Now
For its entire history, the company has been based in Switzerland, and headquartered in the small town of Bienne, around 40 km from Bern, the country's capital. Bienne is relatively unassuming, far from brash, and incredibly beautiful. One couldn't hope to find a more fitting location for Omega.
So rich is Omega's history that the brand even has its own dedicated museum, located in Bienne. Within the museum, visitors can view an array of movements, clocks, luxury watches and tools, and can also learn more about the brand's origins, key milestones, and long-term plans for the future.
Fancy a visit? Check out the Omega Museum.
Visit Now
Louis Brandt
So what of the man behind Omega? From a very young age, Louis Brandt found that he was adept at assembling key-wound precision watches made from parts that he sourced himself, often created by craftsmen from his hometown.
As well as being incredibly skilled when it came to designing watches, he was also something of a master marketer and businessman. Instead of selling within Switzerland, he saw that there were far more opportunities overseas.
At the time he was getting started, Switzerland was the home of the world's greatest watchmakers, and so there was - to a certain degree - an abundance of high-quality timepieces to be found in the country. However, throughout the rest of Europe, that wasn't the case.
Brandt realised that the best way to build his profile was to sell in countries such as Italy, Sweden, Norway and England. This approach served the company well, and allowed his two sons - Louis-Paul and César - to continue Brandt's legacy following his death in 1879. However, they did more than simply continue in their father's footsteps; they took their own giant leaps forward. They introduced revolutionary techniques for creating more accurate timepieces, and incorporated the Omega brand name that we all know today. And, what's more, they took marketing to the next level.
The First Timepiece On The Moon
Honours don't get much bigger for a watchmaker than having one of your devices picked to be the first timepiece on the moon. And, in 1969, that's exactly what happened. The Omega Speedmaster Professional Chronograph, worn by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, will forever be known as the first watch on the moon.
Although Aldrin was the second person to leave Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong had declined to wear a watch as he left the craft. However, Omega had something of a monopoly when it came to NASA's finest; Armstrong's misplaced watch was also an Omega. This Speedmaster can, quite literally, be regarded as the first watch to be truly out of this world.
Omega In Popular Culture
It would probably be easier for us to jot down a list of icons who haven't worn an Omega, but that's not quite as fun. So here's a rundown of ten of the most famous faces to have worn a classic Omega timepiece in times gone by:
It would probably be easier for us to jot down a list of icons who haven't worn an Omega, but that's not quite as fun. So here's a rundown of ten of the most famous faces to have worn a classic Omega timepiece in times gone by:
Pierce Brosnan
(actor)
Chris Hadfield
(astronaut)
Sergio Garcia
(golfer)
Elvis Presley
(singer)
Tom Hanks
(actor)
Joe Biden
(U.S. politician)
Stone Cold Steve Austin
(wrestler)
John F. Kennedy
(U.S. president)
Chairman Mao Zedong
(Chinese politician)
Jeremy Clarkson
(journalist)
Chris Hadfield (astronaut)
Joe Biden (U.S. politician)
Stone Cold Steve Austin (wrestler)
John F. Kennedy (U.S. president)
Chairman Mao Zedong (Chinese politician)
Jeremy Clarkson (journalist)
Omega watches are also favoured by fictional super spy James Bond. Not a bad collection of ambassadors, we're sure you'll agree.
Omega watches are also favoured by fictional super spy James Bond. Not a bad collection of ambassadors, we're sure you'll agree.
Perfect Time, Every Time
For almost two centuries, Omega has thrived because of an inherent desire to do one thing perfectly; give people the correct time. Back in the days before quartz and GPS, it was incredibly difficult to keep track of the time accurately, and there was something of an arms race to find the best ways of accurately measuring and telling time.
During the early 1900s, Geneva Observatory held numerous trials where top watchmakers around the world competed to test the quality of their timepieces over extended periods of time. In 1931, Omega won in all of the six categories at the trials, and in the same year adopted the slogan 'Exact time for life'. It's a motto that the company still strives to adhere to today.
Omega was also the official timekeeper at both the London and Rio Olympics, as it has been at the previous 26 summer and winter Olympic Games.
Given Omega's constant focus on perfection, it's a partnership that doesn't seem likely to end any time soon.
Why Omega?
Whether you're looking for a modern classic or a timeless piece from an era gone by, Omega has exactly what you need. For almost 200 years, Omega has been focused on perfection, both in terms of timekeeping precision and lasting design. It has a proud history, and is dedicated to continuing that legacy well into the future.
So if you're after a Speedmaster, a Seamaster, a Constellation or a DeVille, we can help you find your perfect device. Pre-owned Omega watches are just a few clicks away.
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