It’s a celebrated part of Omega lore that the brand’s Speedmaster Professional Chronograph was the first watch to make a lunar landing. But the universal love for vintage Omega watches isn't confined to astronomers, and there’s more to the company’s heritage than the story of the Moonwatch.
The house’s origins date to 1848, when Swiss watchmaker Louis Brandt first set up shop. His sons Louis-Paul and César took over after his death, and in 1894, the pair developed an intriguing new movement.
Not only was it highly accurate, but every part was replaceable, making it easy for any professional to service. The Brandts called their movement the Omega, and as its popularity spread, they changed their company’s name to that of its flagship product.
In 1917, the British Royal Flying Corps designated Omega as an official supplier, and during World War II it became the principal watch supplier for the British forces and their allies. These commissions further strengthened Omega’s commitment to ensuring its products’ reliability under extreme conditions. In 1948, it launched the versatile Seamaster. Developed as a dive watch, the Seamaster proved its durability at high altitudes and freezing temperatures, as well. (Here is the 1stDibs guide to spotting a fake Omega Seamaster.)
Thanks in part to its rugged reputation and Omega’s links to the British military, it became James Bond’s watch of choice in 1995, appearing in GoldenEye and every succeeding Bond movie; it returned in 2021’s No Time to Die. Nevertheless, the most famous Omega by far is the Speedmaster, introduced in 1957. The first chronograph to display its tachymeter scale on the bezel instead of the dial for easier readability, it was quickly adopted by engineers and scientists.
Worn by Buzz Aldrin during the 1969 Apollo 11 lunar mission, it’s the only watch certified by NASA for extravehicular activity (space walks) — and, as far as we know, the only one approved by the Russian space agency, too.
Watch aficionados and aficionadas alike can find vintage Omega watches today on 1stDibs.
Omega Speedmaster Racing Steel Gold Grey Dial Men's Watch 329.23.44.51.06.001
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
This display model Omega Speedmaster 329.23.44.51.06.001 is a beautiful men's timepiece that is powered by mechanical (automatic) movement which is cased in a stainless steel case. ...
Omega Speedmaster Racing Steel Gold Grey Dial Mens Watch 329.23.44.51.06.001
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
New With Defects Omega Speedmaster 329.23.44.51.06.001. The Bezel Has Missing "0" at the 150 Mark on the Tachymeter Scale as it Shows on the Additional Picture. Timepiece has a round...
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Steel Chronograp Gray Dial Watch 231.13.44.50.06.001
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
Unworn Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Steel Chronograp Gray Dial Watch 231.13.44.50.06.001. This Beautiful Timepiece is Powered by Mechanical (Automatic) Movement And Features: Round Sta...
Steel
Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Steel Gray Wave Dial Mens Watch 210.30.42.20.06.001
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
New 2023. Full set. * Free Shipping within the USA * Three-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticity at any boutique or dealership within this period * Kindly be aware that international buyers must cover any customs taxes or duties imposed by their country. We do not defraud Customs. * Warranties provided by us are exclusively handled by our own certified watchmakers. Brand: Omega Type: Wristwatch Department: Men Model Number: 210.30.42.20.06.001 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Diver,Sport Model: Omega Seamaster 300...
Steel
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Steel Black Index Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116520
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. Comes with the original box and papers. Details: Brand Rolex Type Wristwatch Department Men Model Number 116520 Country/Region of Manufacture Switzerland Style Dress/Formal, Luxury, Sport Model Rolex Daytona 116520 Movement Mechanical (Automatic) Band Color Gray, Steel Band Material Stainless Steel Dial Color Black Dial Pattern N/A Closure Fold-Over Clasp with Flip Lock Safety Case Material Stainless Steel Case Color Steel Display Analog Water Resistance 100 m (10 ATM) Year Manufactured 2010-Now Indices 12-Hour Dial, Multi Dial, Stick Indexes Customized No Band Type Bracelet Watch Shape Round Number of Jewels 44 Jewels Caseback Solid Vintage No Case Finish Polished Handedness Left Bezel Type Fixed, Tachymeter Bezel Color Steel Case Size 40 mm Band Width 15.5 mm Lug Width 20 mm Case Thickness 12 mm Box Manufacturer's Box Papers Manufacturer's Papers With Papers Yes Seller Warranty Yes SKU 012989 Wrist Fit 7.5 inches Movement Caliber Rolex Caliber 4130...
Steel
Rolex Daytona Chronograph Steel Ceramic Black Dial Automatic Mens Watch 116500LN
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. 2023 Card. Box and papers. * Free Shipping within the USA * Five-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's authenticit...
Steel, Stainless Steel
