Looking for a quality watch with history and kudos, that a) isn’t a Rolex and b) doesn’t require joining a waiting list? There are plenty of Omega watches that fit the fill. Indeed, if you want to follow in the one small footstep of Neil Armstrong, or emulate the wrist-style of George Clooney, James Bond and the next King of England then you need an Omega. Here are 10: some vintage, some modern, all iconic in their own right.
Omega Speedmaster
The beloved ‘Speedy’ is Omega’s cornerstone, its super hero, its golden goose – all thanks to the fact that it was shot into space aboard Apollo 11, and walked around the moon on Buzz Aldrin's wrist. Had social media been around, 100% Aldrin is hashtagging #firstwatchonthemoon. Neil Armstrong had one too, but he is said to have left his behind in the lunar module – and, since 1973, it has been in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum at America’s Smithsonian Institution. Aldrin’s should also be there, but it was lost in transit – that ol' chestnut. Who knows how many millions it would be worth today if it ever turned-up for sale. Tom Hanks, Ryan Reynolds and Simon Pegg are just a handful of stars suitably taken by the floating around outer space story to invest in one. A new Speedmaster ‘Moonwatch Pro’ is yours for £6,200. Such is its charm and universal appeal, you can also either bag a Bioceramic lookalike for under £300 or go for a Sedna gold Chrono Chime Co-axial Master Chronometer Chrono for £484,300. Always good to have options. At omegawatches.com
Omega Constellation
The Constellation line was launched in 1952 to give Omega buyers a ‘deluxe’ option, so it’s not surprising that then freshly minted rising star Elvis Presley chose to wear one while putting-in his national service in the late '50s. He gave the watch to army buddy Charlie Hodge, after whose death it sold for $50,000. The modern line-up comprises dozens of models, but we rate the 41mm version in steel and Sedna gold. The burgundy-to-black dial fade is subtly different, and the watch comes with ‘Master Chronometer’ certification, too. £9,300. At omegawatches.com
Omega Seamaster PloProf
In 1970, long before independents such as MB&F and Urwerk were making mad-looking watches, Omega was at it with the shamelessly bizarre PloProf dive watch. Short for plongeur professionnel, the name alludes to the fact that it was meant for serious divers – the case was hewn from a solid block of steel and Omega’s engineers created a vacuum within that was said to be impenetrable to air for 1000 years (so likely outlasting the human race at this rate). With a big red button hanging off the side to unlock the bezel, the watch was sufficiently eye-catching to attract style maven Gianni Agnelli. Re-launched in 2009, it can now be had in four versions. From £10,160. At omegawatches.com
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
Although 007 writer Ian Fleming was a Rolex man through and through, we all know Bond has worn an Omega since Pierce Brosnan nailed Goldeneye in 1995. After he handed the Walther P99 to Daniel Craig for ‘Casino Royale’ in 2006, two Seamasters worn by Craig in the movie sold at auction, respectively for Sfr 70,800 (a 300M) and Sfr 250,250 (a Planet Ocean, complete with dried mud left-over from filming). But we reckon the best Seamaster Bond has ever been issued with is the 42mm, titanium 007 Edition created for No Time to Die. As the rumours continue to swirl about who will be the next Bond, we're confident the latest Seamasters will help seal the deal. Which is when we mention Jonathan Bailey looks particularly good in one… £9,500. At omegawatches.com
Omega Flightmaster
“It's easy to produce a chronograph with a revolving bezel, and then call it a pilot's watch – it's not so easy to produce a functional chronograph specifically for the pilot.” That was the brag in Omega’s instruction book for the spectacular Flightmaster, more than 37,000 of which were produced between 1969 and 1973. The last Omega to feature a mechanical movement designed specifically for aviators, it could be had in two versions: one with orange hands for amateur pilots and frequent travellers; the other with cadmium-coated yellow hands that reacted with ultra-violet cockpit lights to make them glow in the dark. Either version is ultra-cool – but you’ll have to go vintage: for reasons no one knows, Omega has yet to re-issue the fabulous ‘Flighty’. This gold one is rather beautiful too. At chrono24.co.uk
Omega De Ville
The De Ville models might seem like the squarest watches in the Omega catalogue (even though they are all round) but the line has a rich history. The name was introduced to identify dress watch versions of the Seamaster before De Ville became a model name in its own right in 1967 – but it was more than 30 years later before it had its finest hour. In 1999 the De Ville was chosen as the first watch to carry the celebrated Co-Axial escapement invented by Englishman George Daniels and used by Omega ever since. Another George (Clooney) has often been spotted sporting a De Ville as has Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield. £3,400. At omegawatches.com
Omega Bullhead
Next, the lesser known Omega Bullhead chronometer. At 43mm square(ish) they’re pretty chunky and odd-ball looking. The Bullhead first appeared in 1969 and original versions are among the rarest of all Omega chronographs – though they are not the most valuable, with mint condition examples available for around £10,000. The funky design, originally aimed at sports car drivers, was re-introduced in 2015 and two versions are currently kicking about for those who like to be different. £8,900. At omegawatches.com
Omega Railmaster
When it comes to combating magnetism, Rolex has its Milgauss, IWC its Ingenieur – and Omega its Railmaster. The originals all launched during the '50s, which was no coincidence because technology was picking up apace back then and magnetism was wreaking havoc with mechanical watches, not least on the railways where the massive electro-magnetic motors being installed in locomotives quickly created a horological problem. Omega solved it with the (get the name?) Railmaster of 1957, which had a movement contained in a ‘mu-metal’ cage that protected it from magnetic fields of up to 1,000 Gauss. History/science lesson not over yet, things have moved on a bit though, and the latest Railmaster can fend off an impressive 15,000 Gauss – enough to hoist a 9kg weight. Jeremy Clarkson wears a Railmaster, but don’t let that put you off. Go for the blue dial version on a denim strap for the full railroad worker look, or this one to be super classic. £4,350. At omegawatches.com
Omega Speedmaster 125
You won’t find this in the modern Omega line-up, despite the fact it represents a horological landmark. Launched in 1973 to commemorate the brand’s 125th anniversary, it was the world’s first officially certified, self-winding, chronograph chronometer and the flat mineral crystal could be had with a choice of tachometer, pulsation, telemeter or decimal scales. It was once thought that only 2,000 were made – but the actual figure is nearer to 20,000, so a 125 is easy to find, it’s a great watch and it won’t cost you a fortune. BMW design boss Adrian van Hooydonk wears one, no surprise given he knows a thing or two about aesthetics. From £2,500. At omegawatches.com
Omega Milestone 1941
Omega’s ‘Museum Collection’ comprises historic watch models plucked from the brand’s spectacular archive and re-issued in limited numbers. Museum Collection Number Nine brought back to life a classic military chronograph featuring both tachometer and telemeter scales (the latter used for judging the distance of exploded ordnance). The original measured a large-for-the-era 37.5mm, meaning the revived version was pretty accurate at just a half mil. bigger. Although the case was made from white gold instead of more rugged ‘Staybrite’ steel. As Omega watches go, this is badass. If you can find one, expect to pay around £6,500. At omegawatches.com
