Omega has been around in the luxury watch industry for over a century. The year 2024 marks its 176th year of being around all things luxury watches. The company was founded by expert watchmaker Louis Brandt in a small city in Switzerland. Since its inception, OMEGA has gained popularity and a cult following of watch enthusiasts from all over the world.
Unlike most luxury watches, OMEGA has had the privilege of having its names tied to significant feats in human history. It has been on the moon and is a brand ambassador for James Bond. With so many titles and several awards under its belt, it has won its place in the wristwatch hall of fame. Omega watches were never cheap which made them wise investments for enthusiasts.
So if you’re looking to invest in an omega shortly, you’re just where you need to be. Today, we present to you the top 4 Omega watches, and a few honorable mentions, that you must consider as your next purchase!
Have A Quick Look At The Best Omega Watches
- OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M
- OMEGA Speedmaster Caliber 321
- OMEGA De Ville Prestige
- OMEGA Constellation Globemaster
Why Is OMEGA Considered The Holy Grail Luxury Watches?
Omega has solidified its position as a top watchmaker in horology. This brand has consistently broken records with its engineering excellence in making priceless timepieces. Among these are their now most famous Speedmaster series. It is also known as "The Moonwatch," as it was the first watch that landed on the moon.
Beyond space, Omega's advancing watch technology is also best seen in its Coaxial movement. It is loved because it reduces friction between components inside the watch. This makes the model with this movement more durable and long-lasting.
All of Omega's design is a beautiful combination of class with robust functionality. Each model in its collection, from the Seamaster to the Constellation's is luxury at its best. Their designs merge classic design with modern technology. With this, they have been able to make watches for different styles that appeal to many different tastes and lifestyles. Apart from that, Omega has further solidified its worth by tying its name to the silver screen. It is the choice of watch for the spy making it a cult classic.
It is the only watch brand certified by NASA for space missions. It is proud to boast that its watches, specifically the Speedmaster, had been a part of all six lunar landings. Omega is also the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games making it a big name in sports too. These endorsements have made Omega a household name for being able to deliver accuracy in any condition.
Buying an Omega is not just an investment, it is being a part of an elite class of people who love and appreciate their existence. Time and time again models from the brand had reached big numbers on the Pre-Owned market solidifying its position as the Holy Grail of Luxury watches.
Top 4 Best Omega Watches Ever Made
If you think you are ready to commit to an Omega, check out our top picks that you must look into before looking elsewhere!
OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M
The Omega Seamaster Divr 300M is the watch for James Bond. It is the top choice for the fictional international spy. The Seasmater is both stylish and built to withstand journeys down deep waters. In light of its 25th anniversary, the Seamaster Diver 300M improved on its old design. It was upgraded to a Caliber-8800 movement which is a Co-Axial Master Chronometer.
You get to see this movement through a case back where you can see each of its intricate internal mechanics. This evolution comes in five steel variations. The 'Seaweed' Green model was introduced in 2022 and Ceramic Blue in 2023. It is primarily made from ceramic. Design improvements include a ceramic bezel with white enamel inlays. It also has a laser-engraved wave pattern on the dial inside every iteration of the watch.
Other improvements to the look include skeletonized hands and a color-matched date wheel. It was repositioned to the 6 o'clock location to make the watch more symmetrical. The case size has been increased to 42mm. The iconic turned lugs remain in the same place regardless of the design change. With this model, it had introduced an updated cone-shaped helium escape valve.
The Seamaster Diver 300M is priced at $5,600 with a rubber strap and $5,900 with a steel bracelet. It stands as one of the most advanced dive watches to have been available for under $10,000. It offers value to and with a touch of luxury for any watch enthusiast and beginner alike. If buying brand new is difficult, you can find great deals on the Pre-owned market for as low as $3,900.
Specifications:
- Reference: 210.32.42.20.03.001
- Case Diameter: 42 mm
- Case Material: Steel
- Dial Color: Blue
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal, Anti-reflective Treatment
- Water Resistance: 300 meters
- Weight: 109 g
- Movement: Omega 8800, Self-winding
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Strap Color: Blue
- Strap Type: Rubber strap with Stainless steel pin buckle
Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321
With a history steeped in space exploration, the Speedmaster Caliber-321 is also called the "Ed White Speedmaster." It was launched in 2019 as a reissue of the classic 3rd generation Speedmaster worn by astronaut Ed White. In 1965, the Speedmaster was a part of America's spacewalk 1965. With this new model, Omega brought back the legendary Caliber-321 movement.
The Caliber-321 was based on the Lemania-2310 movement. It was a movement that was recognized by NASA for all manned space activities in 1965. Shortly after Omega had incorporated this movement in all Speedmasters during the Apollo missions.
This movement is very special as it does not follow the regular manufacturing process as it is produced in a dedicated Atelier. Each movement is assembled by a single master watchmaker in a specialized two-fold assembly technique. This process makes sure that each piece is precise and as close to the original as possible.
What makes this watch so great and sought after is the fact it had a limited production run. It is in all respects a collector's item on par with a Rolex Daytona. The watch has a classic design case without crown guards. It is 39.7mm in diameter and sits beautifully on the wrist. Think of this as a more utilitarian Professional Speedmaster that you can wear both formally and casually.
The Speedmaster Caliber-321 has a ceramic bezel and a laser-etched Omega logo on the sapphire crystal. It is a modern watch with a classic Omega look. The dial has a gold-plated movement visible through the case back. This special edition is a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Originally retailed at $21,000 but you get to find one pre-owned for as low as $15,000.
Specifications:
- Reference: 311.30.40.30.01.001
- Case Diameter: 39.7 mm
- Case Material: Steel
- Dial Color: Black
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, Anti-reflective treatment inside
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Weight: 128 g
- Movement: Omega 321, Manual-winding
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Strap: Stainless Steel with foldover clasp
Omega De Ville Prestige
The Omega De Ville Prestige is a 36.5mm dress watch from Omega. It has a polished stainless steel case with a vertically brushed case back. If a sophisticated look is what you’re going for, the De Ville is what you're looking for. The De Ville was originally launched in 2012, powered by the famous Omega 2500 Co-Axial movement.
The movement is very accurate like any other movements from Omega made with longevity in mind. The watch is exactly 36.25mm in diameter and sits with a sleek profile on your wrist.
The Omega De Ville Prestige has an accentuated fixed bezel. It has subtle steps that frame the flat sapphire crystal over the movement. The crown is a simple push-pull crown in the usual 3 o'clock position. The case back is a simple press-to-set design hosting the Omega brand logo along with the "Co-Axial Escapement". The De Ville has a basic water resistance of up to 30 meters typical for a watch in this category.
The dial has a two-tone texture with intricate details. The track display is finished with fine concentric rings, while the inner dial section has a vertically brushed metal finish. You get Roman numeral hour indices made from polished stainless steel. The design also integrates a date window at the 3 o'clock mark. You get traditional dauphine-style hands for functionality and a posh outlook.
What power the watch is the classic Omega 2500 movement. It is a modified version of the famous old ETA 2892. This movement is also famous for being the first commercial movement to have the Co-Axial Escapement with a Chronometer certification.
It originally launched with a retail price of around $3300 but you can find one nowadays in the preowned market for as low as $2000. If you want a blend of vintage look with a modern movement, look no further than the Omega De Ville.
Specifications:
- Reference: 4875.50.01
- Case Diameter: 36.5 mm
- Case Material: Steel
- Dial Color: Black
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Weight: 46 g
- Caliber: Omega 2500, Self-winding
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Strap Color: Black
- Strap Type: Leather Strap with Alligator Top, Stainless Steel Pin Buckle
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch was not only made famous for space travel, but it has cemented its position as a classic. This NASA-certified “Moonwatch” is a symbol of watchmaking excellence. The design remains similar to the original model from the 1960s. The design was so revolutionary that it has stood the test of time practically unchanged.
The evolution of the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch introduced modifications to its vintage design. The revamped 2021 model reintroduces a stepped dial and the classic dot over 90 on the tachymeter bezel. It has a redesigned bracelet that looks almost like the original but with modern improvements for better wearability.
The internal movement also got a spec bump featuring the 3861 caliber. This movement is a METAS Certified Master Chronometer manual-wind chronograph movement. It incorporates Omega’s Co-Axial escapement and with a 50-hour power reserve. You can find this model with either a Hesalite crystal or a more modern sapphire crystal. Hesalite is known for durability and is reminiscent of being used in the original.
The Hesalite versions come with a nylon fabric strap, priced at $6,300. You can also opt for a stainless steel bracelet for $6,600. Alternatively, the sapphire models come with either a leather strap at $7,200. You can also get a polished stainless steel bracelet at $7,600. If you want the most basic one of the lot you can get one pre-owned for as low as $4500 depending on the condition.
Specifications:
- Reference: 310.30.42.50.01.001 / 310.30.42.50.01.002
- Case Diameter: 42 mm
- Case Material: Steel
- Dial Colour: Black
- Crystal: Hesalite crystal / Sapphire crystal.
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Weight: 134g
- Movement: Omega 3861, Manual-winding
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Strap: Stainless steel, Nylon or Black Leather
Honorable Mentions From The Omega Line-Up
Apart from the industry hits, Omega also has a few other collections that are worth mentioning in our list.
Omega Constellation Collection
The Constellation series is a more luxurious take on a watch first introduced in 1952. It is known for its distinctive "pie-pan" dial and four "griffes" design elements. The Constellation blends elegant design and modern technology by incorporating Co-Axial escapement. The collection caters to both men and women. It comes in various sizes and materials like gold and platinum too.
Omega Aqua Terra Collection
The Aqua Terra is a part of the Seamaster collection designed to bridge the gap between dress and sports watches. It has a teak pattern on the dial, inspired by the wooden decks of luxury sailboats. The Aqua Terra is built tough while keeping style in mind. The collection has watches suitable for adventures and black-tie events. Additionally, it has enhanced anti-magnetic properties brought over from the Dive 300M.
Omega Railmaster
The Omega Railmaster was originally designed for scientists and engineers. Scientists require watches that can withstand magnetic fields. So Omega reintroduced the Railmaster in 2017 as part of its 60th Anniversary Trilogy.
It brought back most of the classic aesthetics with improved Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements. This movement is loved for its anti-magnetic resistance of up to 15,000 gauss. This collection is for those who appreciate a minimalist design but want the best of the best in terms of movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to service my Omega?
All Omegas need to be serviced every 4 to 5 years. It is a best practice to do so but many do it much later. Every time you get your watch serviced from Omega, you get a 2-year manufacturer warranty granted.
Who wore the Seamaster on the silver screen?
Over 25 years ago, Pierce Brosnan wore the Seamaster in the 1995 James Bond movie GoldenEye. Since then Omegas have been a staple choice for the international spy. The latest limited edition model was released for Daniel Craig's “No Time To Die” featuring Grade 2 Titanium.
Which is more prestigious, Omega or Rolex?
In terms of price and consumer desire, Rolex is the more prestigious brand. However, most of Rolex’s fame can be tied to effective marketing strategies. Omegas are usually more readily available than Rolex which is another big driver for their high prices and exclusivity.