Omega

Buying guide

About Omega

Omega traces its roots to 1848, when Louis Brandt started assembling watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The Omega name came from an 1894 movement and later became the company name. Today the brand is based in Biel/Bienne and is part of the Swatch Group.

Two things set modern Omega apart. The Co-Axial escapement, developed from George Daniels's design and used since 1999, and Master Chronometer certification by the Swiss federal metrology institute (METAS), which tests the finished watch, including resistance to strong magnetic fields.

Signature models

Speedmaster

Introduced in 1957, qualified by NASA in 1965 and worn on the Moon in 1969. The Moonwatch remains a manual-wind chronograph.

Seamaster

Omega's water watch since 1948, from the Diver 300M to the Aqua Terra and the Planet Ocean.

Constellation

The dress-chronometer line since 1952, recognised by the "claws" on the bezel of later models.

What to know before you buy

• "Master Chronometer" on the dial means METAS testing on top of COSC. It is worth checking if you compare two similar references.
• The Moonwatch exists in several generations; the calibre number (for example 3861) tells you which one you are looking at.
• Check the warranty card's date: Omega's manufacturer warranty depends on the date of sale.