Omega has produced numerous iconic watches over the years, including perhaps the world’s most famous chronograph, known worldwide as the Omega Moonwatch. Here are five affordable models for both new and experienced collectors.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
Launched in 1957, Omega Speedmaster is synonymous with space flight and adventure. Like most brilliant icons, the design has changed little over the decades, which means that today, the Moon Moon is known all over the world. Last updated in early 2021, the flagship Speedmaster features a distinctive black dial covered in a branded fine and minute sapphire or sapphire crystal, small second recorders, 30-minute recorders and 12- hours and a central hand chronograph seconds feature.
At the center of this chronograph is the mechanical caliber Omega 3861, essentially an updated certified version Master Chronometer of the famous caliber 1861. Although this hand-wound movement has been updated several times over the years, it remains essentially the same as that which enabled the clocks that accompanied NASA astronauts on six trips to the moon.
Omega Co-Axial Constellation
Omega started the Constellation family in 1952, although in the United States, the collection was originally known as the Globemaster, due to a trademark conflict that was resolved in 1956.
The dome of the Geneva Observatory served as the crest of the family, as Omega had just broken its record of measuring prudence there last year. The dome was surrounded by eight stars representing Omega's greatest chronometric achievements to world observers, including the 1931 "clean sweep" at the Geneva Observatory in which Omega broke the record for accuracy in each category.
In 1982, Omega launched the constellation "Manhattan". This watch introduced the four "griffins," or claws, already known, at 3 and 9 o'clock, which initially held the sapphire crystal in place and helped keep the watch waterproof.
In 2007, Omega introduced its Co-Axial proprietary calibers with new and unique escapes that offer less friction, greater mechanical efficiency, and excellent chronometric performance over time. The performance of the new escape is such that every hour Omega equipped with a Omega Co-Axial caliber is a COSC certified stopwatch delivered with a full four year warranty, which is one of the best in the business for a mechanical watch. The exclusive movement is set in a 38 mm case with a sapphire tape and water resistance 100 meters.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-axial Master
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a solid watch with clean, distinctive lines. The dialogues of the Aqua Terra 150 M collection are reminiscent of the beautiful wooden decks found on the best luxury sailing boats. The example shown above was launched in 2021 and features a lacquered silver roll decorated with the Teak Concept model, and is best known by the seconds running the first sub-caller introduced this year.
The 41 mm stainless steel case has the best feature: a certified Omega Master Co-Axial 8916 COSC caliber chronometer motion which is specially manufactured for resistant magnetic fields larger than 15,000 gauss. Unlike most antimagnetic clocks, the movement of the Aqua Terra can be viewed through a transparent straw.
Some brands offer mechanical watches with movement protected by internal antimagnetic cases. Omega improves that pattern by modeling key motion components from colored materials, making the motion itself impervious to magnetic fields. This feature is especially important today, as we encounter magnets more than ever, from smartphone and tablet cases to bag closures and refrigerator doors.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M Master Stopwatch
Omega is at least as well known for its underwater performance as it is for its performance in space, and indeed, the brand was a pioneer in both areas. In 1932, Omega launched the Navy, known by many as the first watch designed from the ground up (or from the surface down) to be used in deep dives. Since those early days, Omega watches have accompanied many explorers on their abyss trips.
Marine biologist and explorer William Beebe wore an Omega Navy uniform during his diving in the ocean, breaking records, as did Commander Yves Le Prieur, the inventor of the Scuba. Jacques Cousteau famously carried an Omega Seamaster PloProf, and Jacques Mayol - the diver known as the Dolphin Man - also sported an Omega Seamaster in his record-breaking dives.
In 2005, Omega expanded its maritime heritage with the launch of the Planet Ocean line. The stylish Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M pays homage to the legacy of the Omega diving watch. This model features a black ceramic one-way swivel mounting frame mounted on a 43.5 mm stainless steel case that is water resistant up to 600 meters or 2,000 meters. The helium rescue valve is the hallmark of a truly professional diving instrument.
Inside the case, still visible through the sapphire case, beats the movement of the Omega Co-Axial 8900 COSC-certified self-winding stopwatch. The free balance and twin barrels of the source contribute to chronometric accuracy and distinguish this caliber from those found in many other diving hours.
5. Omega De Ville Prestige
Even hardened adventurers occasionally have to wear a watch, and here again, Omega offers an honorable selection for the time. The Omega De Ville Prestige collection is characterized by a clean, classic style and a luxurious look that never goes out of fashion. The model shown above features a 39.5 mm stainless steel box with a two-zone sun-protected blue fastener, protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.