History

Louis Brandt founded his watchmaking business in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1848. The company incorporated the Omega name in 1903 — a reference to its finest calibre. Omega is today a subsidiary of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch conglomerate, alongside brands including Longines, Tissot and Breguet.

The Moon

Omega's defining moment came on 20 July 1969, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the Moon wearing a Speedmaster Professional — making it the first watch worn on the lunar surface. The Speedmaster had won its NASA certification through rigorous testing in 1965, beating Rolex, Longines and Breitling in trials that included extreme temperature, humidity, vibration, shock and vacuum conditions. The Speedmaster remains the only watch certified by NASA for extravehicular activity.

James Bond & The Olympics

The Seamaster collection, introduced in 1948, became globally famous through another association: James Bond. Since GoldenEye in 1995, every actor to play 007 has worn an Omega Seamaster. Omega has also been the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932 — a partnership spanning over 30 editions of the Games.

Technical Innovation

Omega's Co-Axial escapement — developed by master watchmaker George Daniels, first used by Omega in 1999 — significantly reduces friction and extends service intervals. The Master Chronometer certification, verified by METAS, covers resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss — the most stringent standard in the industry.

Prices

The Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional retails from approximately $7,400 in steel. The Seamaster Diver 300M starts around $5,500. Precious metal and grand complication pieces reach into six figures. On the secondary market, Omega watches typically trade at 15–30% below retail, making them one of the more accessible Swiss luxury brands.