Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
It’s a celebrated part of Omega lore that the brand’s Speedmaster Professional Chronograph was the first watch to make a lunar landing. But the universal love for vintage Omega watches isn't confined to astronomers, and there’s more to the company’s heritage than the story of the Moonwatch.
The house’s origins date to 1848, when Swiss watchmaker Louis Brandt first set up shop. His sons Louis-Paul and César took over after his death, and in 1894, the pair developed an intriguing new movement.
Not only was it highly accurate, but every part was replaceable, making it easy for any professional to service. The Brandts called their movement the Omega, and as its popularity spread, they changed their company’s name to that of its flagship product.
In 1917, the British Royal Flying Corps designated Omega as an official supplier, and during World War II it became the principal watch supplier for the British forces and their allies. These commissions further strengthened Omega’s commitment to ensuring its products’ reliability under extreme conditions. In 1948, it launched the versatile Seamaster. Developed as a dive watch, the Seamaster proved its durability at high altitudes and freezing temperatures, as well. (Here is the 1stDibs guide to spotting a fake Omega Seamaster.)
Thanks in part to its rugged reputation and Omega’s links to the British military, it became James Bond’s watch of choice in 1995, appearing in GoldenEye and every succeeding Bond movie; it returned in 2021’s No Time to Die. Nevertheless, the most famous Omega by far is the Speedmaster, introduced in 1957. The first chronograph to display its tachymeter scale on the bezel instead of the dial for easier readability, it was quickly adopted by engineers and scientists.
Worn by Buzz Aldrin during the 1969 Apollo 11 lunar mission, it’s the only watch certified by NASA for extravehicular activity (space walks) — and, as far as we know, the only one approved by the Russian space agency, too.
Watch aficionados and aficionadas alike can find vintage Omega watches today on 1stDibs.
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold Plate
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal, Gold
Late 20th Century Swiss Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Stainless Steel
2010s French Art Deco Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Steel
Late 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold Plate
21st Century and Contemporary European Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold
1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Steel
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold Plate
1980s American Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Plastic, Paper, Felt, Wood, Paint
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal, Brass, Chrome
1910s English Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal, Brass
1920s Art Deco Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold, Platinum
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Stainless Steel
1950s Swiss Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Steel
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Stainless Steel
1940s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
20th Century Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Gold
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Stainless Steel
1970s Swiss Vintage Omega Collectibles and Curiosities
Stainless Steel
Omega collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Omega has automatic watches. Most of the Omega Constellation watches, including the Omega Constellation Globemaster, are automatic watches. An automatic watch uses the motion of the wearer to power the winding mechanism. Find vintage and contemporary Omega watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- Is Omega worth the money?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Omega watches are Swiss-made and very high quality. Generally, Omega fans would agree that the watches are worth the money. However, it is a personal choice.
- Is Omega Deville waterproof?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It depends, as only some of the Omega Deville models are water resistant. The Omega De Ville Tresor is water-resistant up to 30 meters. The Omega Omega De Ville Hour Vision is water-resistant up to 100 meters. On 1stDibs, find a collection of water-resistant Omega Deville watches.
- Are Omega Seamasters automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Omega Seamaster diving watches come in automatic winding models. Consult the brand’s website for more information on specific models. Shop vintage and contemporary Omega Seamaster watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Where are Omega watches made?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Omega watches are made in Switzerland. The watchmaker owns a number of facilities in the country, including one located near its headquarters in the city of Bienne. Every day, the company makes approximately 2,000 timepieces. Find a variety of Omega watches on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Omega watch brand has recently opened a new production facility in Bienne, Switzerland. Since 1848 the Omega brand has been located in the Biel/Bienne region of Switzerland and they’re proud to continue this strong tradition of excellent Swiss-made watches. Find a collection of vintage and modern Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An Omega Speedmaster Racing is a timepiece produced by the luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega. It features a chronograph dial, a minute track for timing laps and a more streamlined, sportier strap or bracelet than other Omega Speedmaster models. On 1stDibs, find a range of Omega Speedmaster Racing watches.
- Who owns Omega watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Swatch Group owns Omega watches as of December 2021. The public company has its headquarters in Bienne, Switzerland, the same city that serves as Omega's base of operations. Swatch opened for business in 1983. Find a selection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- Is Omega a luxury watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Omega is a luxury watch. Generally, the term “luxury” refers to any product that is non-essential, aspirationally priced and crafted according to strict quality standards. Omega timepieces fit this definition. You can shop a collection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Omega watches automatic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022It depends. Some Omega watch models feature automatic movement, which charges itself from the motion of your wrist as you wear it. Omega also offers quartz watches as well, which must be wound. Browse a wide range of Omega watches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How do I pronounce Omega watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Pronounce Omega as “oh-MEH-guh.” This renowned luxury watch brand is named after the 24th letter in the Greek alphabet, which also serves as its logo. Shop a wide range of professionally authenticated Omega watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Omega watches are manufactured in Switzerland. They were first made in a town called La Chaux-de-Fonds, but Omega now has a new factory in Bienne, Switzerland, where its headquarters are also based. Take a look at a range of authenticated Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- Do Omega watches tick?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Sometimes. Omega watches that have automatic movement have a smoothly sweeping second hand, and therefore do not make the classic ticking sound. Omega quartz watches, which are powered by a battery, do have the classic ticking movement and sound. Browse an array of authentic Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- Does Omega sell straps?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, Omega sells straps. You can purchase two-piece leather straps in a wide range of colors and styles on the Swiss watchmaker's official website. Be sure to double-check the size of your watch before purchasing to ensure an optimal fit. Explore a collection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- Can you swap Omega straps?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can swap Omega straps to give your watch a makeover. You can purchase leather watch straps in a wide range of styles, colors and sizes through the brand's official website and authorized Omega dealers. To protect your timepiece, follow the instructions for changing the strap included in the owner's manual. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Omega watches.
- What was the first Omega watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023The first Omega watch to be produced in a series was the Labrador. It debuted in 1885 and featured an advanced movement. Its technology went on to provide the basis for the Swiss watchmaker's 19-ligne Omega Caliber, which came out 10 years later. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Omega watches.
- Is Omega a respected watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, Omega is a respected watch. Omega has been producing quality timepieces since Louis Brandt founded the company in 1848 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. His sons Louis-Paul and C�sar took over after his death, and in 1894, the pair developed an intriguing new movement that they called the Omega. Not only was it highly accurate, but every part was replaceable, making it easy for any professional to service. In 1917, the British Royal Flying Corps designated Omega as an official supplier, and during World War II, it became the principal watch supplier for the British forces and their allies. These commissions further strengthened Omega's commitment to ensuring its products' reliability under extreme conditions. Thanks in part to its rugged reputation and Omega's links to the British military, it became James Bond's watch of choice in 1995, appearing in GoldenEye and every subsequent Bond movie. Buzz Aldrin also wore an Omega watch when he became the first man to walk on the moon. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Omega watches.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the Omega Railmaster was discontinued in 1973. The Omega Railmaster was designed to assist railroad workers by featuring a Faraday Cage as its inner case and a thicker dial that would prevent the disruption caused by magnetic fields. Shop a selection of expertly vetted Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- Are Omega watches gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Whether Omega watches are gold depends on the timepiece. The luxury watchmaker does make pieces out of genuine rose, white and yellow gold, but also manufactures timepieces out of steel and other metals. Shop a collection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- Is Tissot owned by Omega?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Tissot is not owned by Omega. The Swatch Group actually owns both luxury watchmakers. In addition, Swatch controls a number of other brands, including Swatch, Longines and Bregeut. You can find a collection of Tissot and Omega watches on 1stDibs.
- Does Omega have quartz watches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Omega has quartz watches. Some popular models include the Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Quartz and the Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M Quartz timepieces. You can find a collection of Omega watches on 1stDibs.