Omega

Bienne, Switzerland

Omega was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in la Chaux-de-Fonds. It wasn’t until 1903 that Omega was first used in the new company name Louis Brandt et Frère – Omega Watch & Co. This was due to the success of their revolutionary manufacturing and their Omega watch line which became a brand on its own. It wasn’t until 1982 that the name was officially changed to Omega SA. Already in the early 1900s, they had around 800 employees creating 240.000 watches annually. After the founder passed away the next generation took over and continued success. In 1930 they became part of the SIHH group together with Tissot and Lemania joined shortly after. By 1970 they were the biggest producer of watches in Switzerland. Due to the quartz crisis, things changed and in the early ’80s and name changes the companies became part of the SMH and Swatch group finally in 1983.

Highlights

1848

Founded as La Generale Watch Co. by Louis Brandt

1932

Omega becomes official timekeeper for the Olympic Games

1947

Omega created the first tourbillon (7,5 minutes) wristwatch with calibre 30L

1948

Introduction of the Omega Seamaster, the first ‘family’ of watches introduced.

1952

The Constellation collection is introduced. For a long time, being the flagship of the brand.

1957

Introduction of the first Omega Speedmaster (and Seamaster 300 and Railmaster)

1962

First Omega Speedmaster to reach space on the wrist of Walter Schirra

1969

Omega Speedmaster becomes the first watch worn on the moon

1982

The Constellation ‘Manhattan’ is launched and lives on today (2019)

1995

James bond wears the Omega Seamaster Professional in GoldenEye

1999

Introduction of the first industrialised movement with co-axial escapement

2007

Introduction of the first in-house developed movement with co-axial escapement

2013

Omega present first watch that can handle up to 15.000 Gauss

2015

Omega introduces the Master Chronometer standard

2017

Omega & Fratello team up for the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday watch, the first watch that is solely being offered online by Omega.

Did you know?

The King

Elvis Presley’s Omega was sold on Auction for 1,8 Million US Dollars making it the most expensive Omega sold

750.000

The annual production of Omega

2017

Omega opened their new high-tech manufacture next to their HQ in Bienne in 2017

125

The Speedmaster 125 was the first self-winding chronograph with chronometer certification in the world

Star

In 1992 you could buy a Constellation with a star (diamond) on the dial. With this purchase, you also had the opportunity to have a real star named after you (or someone else)

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