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.
1978 Omega Seamaster Chrono-Quartz "Albatros"
By Omega
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Omega Seamaster Chrono-quartz "Albatros" Seamaster Chrono-Quartz Ref.5893 Around 1978 Steel case Quartz movement calibre 1611 Dim: 44x35mm Omega steel...
Omega Geneve Chronostop Date (reference 146.009). Iconic Driver's Watch. Yr 1974
By Omega
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and iconic Omega Geneve Chronostop Date (reference 146.009) features a 35mm stainless steel case with grey dial and orange seconds hand, to count 60 seconds. A driver focussed chronograph, this is a superb example and one of the best we have handled. A quality leather strap with tang buckle is fitted, its original with deponent clasp is also present, along with box and papers, which are dealer stamped, hand dated (December 1974) but without reference and serial. A superb example of one of the most iconic drivers watches...
Omega Geneve Dynamic, 40mm elliptical case, stainless steel, c1970
By Omega
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Omega Geneve Dynamic features a stainless steel 40mm elliptical case with stainless steel bracelet and attractive black dial. Presented in excellent condition with light ...
$11,838
W 1.7 in L 1.5 in
Omega Seamaster Chrono Tri-Compax Black Dial Cal. 321 Réf. 145.006.66 Circa 1967
By Omega
Located in PARIS, FR
OMEGA Seamaster Chronograph “Black Dial” – Ref. 145.006.66 – Calibre 321 – Circa 1967 Rare and highly attractive Omega Seamaster Chronograph reference 145.006.66, produced circa 196...
Steel
Omega Genève ST 1110114 – 32.5mm – Manual Wind – Serviced July 2026 – 1975
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Genève ST 1110114 – 32.5mm – Manual Wind – Serviced July 2026 – 1975 Just arrived in stock, this classic Omega Genève reference ST 1110114 is available now for next-day delive...
Steel
1978 Omega Dynamique Wristwatch
By Omega
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Omega Dynamique, Genève. Circa 1978 Date 3 heures Acier doré. Bracelet cuir. Automatique 44 x 38 mm Garantie 1 an Très belle
Omega Geneve with date Ref 1360098 35mm Stainless Steel, c 1976
By Omega
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage Omega Geneve with date , reference 1360098 , manual winding, features a 35mm stainless steel case and crisp silver dial. Presented in superb condition for its age, there ...
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Steel Omega Speedmaster Vintage 1970 's Chronograph Wrist Watch Ref. ST145.022 With Omega Extract from The Archives
Stainless Steel, Steel
Vintage Omega Geneve 70s Automatic Silver Dial Day Date 37mm Case
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Omega Geneve automatic with silver dial and day/date function from the 1970s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 37mm case with an inte...
Stainless Steel
Omega Geneve Chronostop 145.009, 35mm stainless steel, patinated dial, c1968
By Omega
Located in Canterbury, England
Our vintage and iconic Omega Geneve Chronostop reference 145.009 features a 35mm stainless steel case with original and lightly patinated dial. Presented in excellent condition with ...
Lapponia by Björn Weckström Finland S/S " Bridge To The Moon " Bracelet 1974
By Björn Weckström for Lapponia
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Lapponia by Björn Weckström sterling silver " Bridge To The Moon ' bracelet is part of the Space Silver collection that was inspired by Neil Armstrong becoming the first man to wal...
Sterling Silver
