- ‹Home
- ‹
- /
- Jewellery & Watch Guides
- /
- The History of Omega
The History of Omega
Welcome to your ultimate guide to the history of Omega, Swiss watchmaker that has been at the forefront of watchmaking innovation for over a century. This guide will take you through the history of Omega, from its humble beginnings to its current position as one of the world's leading luxury watch companies. We'll look at the significant moments in Omega's history, the inventions that made the brand famous, and the cultural influence Omega has had over the years. Omega was founded in 1848 as "Louis Brandt et Frère - Omega Watch & Co." by Louis Brandt, who began a modest watchmaking company in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.Omega Watches
Louis Bandt (1819-1879): The Origin of Omega
Louis Brandt, the founder of Omega, was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1819. Brandt began making pocket watches with his brother César in the mid-19th century. Brandt's attention to detail and quality quickly earned him a reputation for producing reliable and accurate timepieces.Louis Bandt founded his own company in 1848, which would later become Omega.
After his death in 1879, Brandt's sons, Louis-Paul and César, took over the firm and expanded its reach into foreign markets. Omega is today recognised for its precision, innovation, and flair, and it is a favourite of many celebrities and watch collectors worldwide.
Acquisition: Who Is Omega Owned By?
Omega is presently under the ownership of the Swatch Group, a Swiss company that also owns other watch brands including Tissot, Longines, Breguet, and Blancpain. The acquisition took place in 1983. The Swatch Group is recognized as one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world, having a collection of over 20 watch brands.
Omega Collections in Chronological Order
Omega Seamaster: 1948To mark Omega's 100th anniversary, the first Seamaster was released. It was a waterproof watch with a simple, classic design.
Omega Constellation: 1952
The Constellation was introduced as a dress watch with a chronometer-certified movement, demonstrating the greatest level of precision in mechanical timepieces.
Omega Speedmaster: 1957
Initially intended as a racing chronograph, the Speedmaster rose to prominence as the watch worn by NASA astronauts on space missions like as the Apollo moon landing.
Omega De Ville: 1960
The De Ville is a dress watch with a smaller form and refined design components. Although te De Ville was originally released in 1960, it really caught acknowledgement in 1999.
Omega Seamaster Professional: 1993
Also known as the "James Bond watch," first appeared in the film 'GoldenEye' and quickly became associated with the renowned spy figure.
Omega Aqua Terra: 2002
The Aqua Terra range has a sporty yet sophisticated style and is water-resistant to 150 metres.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean: 2005
The Planet Ocean is a contemporary watch with a dramatic design and water barrier properties of up to 600 metres.
Omega Globemaster: 2015
The Omega Globemaster was the first watch to be awarded Omega's new METAS certification for accuracy.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M: 2018
The legendary Seamaster Professional has been upgraded with a new ceramic dial, a smaller case, and an improved movement.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch:2021
The Speedmaster Moonwatch has been upgraded with a new movement that fulfils the highest precision standards while maintaining the classic design that made it renowned during the Apollo missions.
Also known as the "James Bond watch," first appeared in the film 'GoldenEye' and quickly became associated with the renowned spy figure.
Omega Aqua Terra: 2002
The Aqua Terra range has a sporty yet sophisticated style and is water-resistant to 150 metres.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean: 2005
The Planet Ocean is a contemporary watch with a dramatic design and water barrier properties of up to 600 metres.
Omega Globemaster: 2015
The Omega Globemaster was the first watch to be awarded Omega's new METAS certification for accuracy.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M: 2018
The legendary Seamaster Professional has been upgraded with a new ceramic dial, a smaller case, and an improved movement.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch:2021
The Speedmaster Moonwatch has been upgraded with a new movement that fulfils the highest precision standards while maintaining the classic design that made it renowned during the Apollo missions.
The First Wristwatch With A Minute Repeater
Omega has made several notable contributions to the world of watchmaking throughout the years, including the production of the first wristwatch with a minute-repeater, the first diver's watch, and the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.
The First Watch On The Moon
During the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969, astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore the first watch on the moon. The watch was a development of the Omega Speedmaster, which had been chosen as the official timepiece for NASA's astronauts in 1965 following a series of rigorous testing. The watch acted as a backup timing mechanism for the mission's main clock, which had failed during the operation.
After the Apollo 11 mission, the Omega Speedmaster became known as the Moonwatch. Omega continues to make upgraded Speedmaster models, such as the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, which is still used by NASA astronauts today.
Related: How Omega Landed on the Moon
Omega has made several notable contributions to the world of watchmaking throughout the years, including the production of the first wristwatch with a minute-repeater, the first diver's watch, and the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission.
The First Watch On The Moon
During the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969, astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore the first watch on the moon. The watch was a development of the Omega Speedmaster, which had been chosen as the official timepiece for NASA's astronauts in 1965 following a series of rigorous testing. The watch acted as a backup timing mechanism for the mission's main clock, which had failed during the operation.
After the Apollo 11 mission, the Omega Speedmaster became known as the Moonwatch. Omega continues to make upgraded Speedmaster models, such as the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, which is still used by NASA astronauts today.
Related: How Omega Landed on the Moon
Omega and James Bond
Beginning with the 1995 film "GoldenEye," Omega has had a lengthy history with the James Bond series. In the film, Pierce Brosnan's James Bond wears an Omega Seamaster Professional 300M watch, which forms an important part of his character's style and personality in James Bond films. With the exception of the first two Bond films, in which 007 was shown wearing a Rolex watch, Omega has been the official watch of James Bond in every Bond film.Because of its relationship with 007, the Omega Seamaster has become one of the world's most famous and recognised watches. Throughout the years, Omega has also issued various limited edition James Bond watches, which have become sought after by watch enthusiasts.
Related: Definitive List of Omega James Bond Watches.
An Overview: Key Points In The History Of Omega
Louis Brandt developed the Omega brand in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1848.
Omega developed the Speedmaster in 1957, a chronograph watch that would go on to become famous as the official timepiece of NASA's manned space missions.
Omega has been featured in several James Bond films since 1995
In 1983, Omega was purchased by the Swatch Group, a Swiss company that also owns Breguet, Blancpain, and Tissot.
Offical timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, and has created a variety of technologies to aid in the precise measurement and recording of sporting events.
Discover More at Ramsdens
If you are in the market for an Omega watch, make sure to see our selection of pristine pre-owned Omega watches, men's Omega watches and women's Omega watches today. We also offer help and guidance for watches in our Watch and Jewellery Guides Hub.
Related Guide: Omega Watches vs Rolex Watches - Which is Best?
OMEGA WATCHES