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 Seamaster 1660206 Automatic Steel Men's Watch
By Omega
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster Reference Number: 1660206 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Automatic Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case width: 35 mm....
Steel
Vintage 1957 Omega Seamaster Stainless Steel Automatic Watch Ref. 2635-10SC
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
A classic mid-century Omega Seamaster that captures the understated elegance of 1950s design. The stainless steel case is paired with a beautifully textured silver dial, giving it ad...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1960s Omega Seamaster 168.024 Stainless Steel Silver Dial Auto 36mm
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
The Original Go Anywhere Watch The Seamaster was conceived as a watch that could handle the demands of military use while remaining suitable for civilian life. This 1960s reference ...
Stainless Steel
Omega Seamaster De Ville Date Automatic Men’s Watch
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
This Omega Seamaster De Ville men’s watch features a polished stainless steel case with a silver-tone dial, applied baton hour markers, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is si...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Omega Seamaster Stainless Steel Automatic Watch
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Omega Seamaster automatic wristwatch featuring a stainless steel case and classic mid-century design. The silver tone dial is signed “Omega Automatic” with the Seamaster scri...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Omega Seamaster De Ville Stainless Steel Automatic Men's Watch
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Omega Seamaster De Ville automatic wristwatch featuring a stainless steel case, silver-tone dial, gold-tone applied hour markers, and matching gold-tone hands. The dial is si...
Stainless Steel
Omega Seamaster Calendar Vintage Stainless 34mm Case 2849 Automatic Wrist Watch
By Omega
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Good working condition, not checked for keeping time, Brand new Factory Omega Crystal installed with Omega logo, see pictures Omega Seamaster Calendar Vintage...
Stainless Steel
1978 Omega Seamaster Large Vintage Mens Quartz Stainless Steel Watch with Date
By Omega
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stDibs, but we have sold over 10,000 fine watches and exceptionally served thousands of customers with a 5.0 star rating. 1978 OMEGA...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Omega Seamaster De Ville Stainless Steel Automatic Watch
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
Omega’s Seamaster De Ville design brings together refined dress-watch styling and classic Swiss automatic craftsmanship. This vintage stainless steel watch features a warm champagne-...
Stainless Steel
1969 Omega Seamaster Chronometer Large Vintage Mens Cal. 751 Watch - Stainless S
By Omega
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Stainless Steel
Omega Seamaster – Ref. 2846 1958 – Honeycomb Dial – Cal. 503 – Automatic –
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Seamaster – Ref. 2846 (Calendar) – Honeycomb Dial – Cal. 503 – Automatic – 1958 A recently serviced Omega Seamaster Ref. 2846 (Calendar), this mid‑century classic stands out wi...
Omega Seamaster 30 135.007‑63 – Stainless Steel – 35mm 1963
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Seamaster 30 135.007‑63 – Stainless Steel – 35mm – Manual Wind 1963 A classic and highly respected vintage Omega, this 1963 Seamaster 30 reference 135.007‑63 is presented in ex...
Omega Seamaster 162002 – Stainless Steel – 35mm – Automatic Cal. 562 (1963)
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Seamaster 162002 automatic Cal. 562 vintage watch from 1963, a classic mid‑century timepiece presented in good overall condition and excellent working order. Recently serviced,...
Omega Seamaster Cosmic 166.036 – Day Date – 35mm – Vintage 1969
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Seamaster Cosmic 166.036 – Day Date – 35mm – Vintage 1969 A true and authentic vintage Omega Seamaster Cosmic reference 166.036, presented here as an honest, original example....
Steel
Omega Seamaster 2846 / 2848 – 34mm – Vintage Automatic 1956
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Seamaster 2846 / 2848 – 34mm – Vintage Automatic 1956 A very fine example of a vintage Omega Seamaster, beautifully preserved with natural patina that adds just the right amoun...
Steel
Vintage Omega Seamaster 35mm Automatic Watch, Circa 1962, Patina Dial
By Omega
Located in London, GB
This vintage Omega Seamaster Ref. 1470161 SC, dating to circa 1962, carries the unmistakable character of age and originality. The dial has gracefully developed a warm creamy champag...
Steel
