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.
Omega Vintage Yellow Gold Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Omega
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1940s Omega Wrist Watch, 35 M.M. 14k Yellow Gold 3 piece case with an unusual and scarce Hinged case back. Mechanical, Manual wind 15 Jewel Nickle Lever Movement. Silver Satin ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Dress Wrist Watch with Box
By Omega
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Bold, all in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, this sleek Omega Men's Dress Wrist Watch evokes the revered elegance and style of its era. Circa mid 1960's, this retro Omega beauty has an Swiss automatic movement #23162809. The satin polished gold square case #161922-222, measuring 29.6mm x 30mm presents a silver-toned face with gold match stick markers. The lush integrated 18 karat gold 7.5 inch mesh band bracelet is a substantial 1.36mm gauge and ranges in width from 24mm to 16.5mm. The time piece is finished with an integrated Omega signed adjustable fold-snap buckle adding to its smooth styling. Included is the original burgundy Omega Watch Box.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Omega De Ville Yellow 18k Gold Co-Axial Chronometer Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
Type: Rare Omega De Ville 18K Yellow Gold Co-Axial Automatic Chronometer, Full Set, Ref. 413.30.00, Circa 2001 Signed: Omega on dial, case, crown, movement, and deployment clasp Mode...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
H 7.01 in W 0.25 in Dm 1.38 in
18k Yellow Gold Omega Seamaster De Ville Men Watch
By Omega
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 18k yellow gold Omega Men Watch. It is a Seamaster De Ville model. It is known as an elegant dress watch. It has a manual winding movemen...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega De Ville , dual reference 1953378 / 3953378, 30mm Case, 18K Yellow Gold.
By Omega
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and classical Omega De Ville , dual reference 1953378 / 3953378 ,features an 18k yellow gold case of 30mm (31.5mm inc crown) x 35.8mm lug to lug. This is an ultra thin (4...
14 Kt Solid Yellow Gold Omega Jumbo, Cal 30 T2 SCPC Collectors Wrist Watch
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare Collectors 14 Kt Yellow Gold Omega Jumbo, Cal 30 T2 SCPC Movement : Mechanical Manual Winding, Caliber 30 T2 SCPC Case : Solid 14 Kt Yellow Gold wit...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dm 1.42 in
Omega Vintage Constellation Yellow Gold
By Omega
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A vintage 36mm yellow gold Constellation by Omega. Features a champagne dial, complemented by a yellow gold smooth bezel. Fitted with plastic glass, an automatic movement, and a new ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Omega Bumper 18K Yellow Gold ref 2709 Cal 344 Automatic 35mm Watch, c1952.
By Omega
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
TO U.S.A BUYERS: DON’T SWEAT ABOUT 15% TRUMP’S TARIFF - WE COVER IT BY GIVING YOU 15% DISCOUNT! Timepieces by Omega have been long admired for their functionality, desirability &...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Omega Retro Ladies Watch - Yellow Gold 14k Manual
By Omega
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Omega Movement: Manual Era: Retro Movement Maker: Swiss Dial Color: Silver Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Fastening Type: Buckle Clasp Features: Dashes marking the hours, Fl...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Omega “Bumper” Automatic Wristwatch, 18ct Yellow Gold Case
By Omega
Located in London, GB
A classic vintage Omega “bumper” automatic wristwatch, featuring Omega’s early automatic movement with its distinctive bumper winding system. The watch is housed in an elegant gold ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
