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 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 ...
Vintage Omega Stainless Steel Hand-Wind Men's Watch Ref 2605-4 Cal 265
By Omega
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 1950s Omega Ref. 2605-4 features a classic 36 mm stainless steel case with distinctive spider-style lugs and is powered by the reliable Caliber 265 hand-wind movement. I...
Stainless Steel
Omega Ref 14391 Mens 34mm 1950s Vintage Manual Wind Classic RA746
By Omega
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage classic, Men's Omega international collection ref.14391, c.1952, unrestored, in excellent working condition. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Omega signed ...
Stainless Steel
Omega Dynamic 166.039 – Automatic – 41mm – 1970s Icon
By Omega
Located in London, GB
If ever a watch screamed 1970s, it’s the Omega Dynamic reference 166.039. Bold, unconventional and effortlessly cool, the Dynamic remains one of Omega’s most distinctive designs and a true representation of the era’s experimental styling. This striking example features the signature elliptical stainless steel case, designed to sit naturally on the wrist, and remains in good honest condition for a watch that is now over 50 years old. Key Details • Model: Omega Dynamic Automatic...
Steel
Rare Omega ref 2503-16 Caliber 266 S/Steel Hand-Winding 36mm Watch, c1960's.
By Omega
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This rare vintage mid-century timepiece is Omega Ref. 2503-16, powered by the celebrated Calibre 266 manual-wind movement. It’s a truly refined example of Omega’s highly regarded m...
Stainless Steel
Omega Stainless Steel Wristwatch, Manual Winding, Ref 2390/5, Cal 30T2
By Omega
Located in Antwerp, BE
Omega Stainless Steel wristwatch, Manual Winding, Diameter 32.5 mm, Functions: Hour, minutes, Subsidiary seconds Movement: Mechanical Manual Winding, Ref 2390/5, Cal 30T2 Dial: Silver dial, Arabic numerals silver numerals and indexes Case: Stainless Steel case, Diameter 34.5mm x Thickness 9 mm Strap: Black with Omega buckle...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Omega Stainless Steel Manual Wind Wristwatch, Circa 1950, 35mm Dial
By Omega
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Ref. 2271. Made in 1950’s Case thr...
Stainless Steel, Steel
Omega Classic Vintage 2910-5 Jumbo Case Circa 1950
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Classic Vintage 2910-5 Jumbo Case Circa 1950 A rare find from the golden age of Omega—this Vintage Omega 2910-5 is a timeless classic from the 1950s. With its larger 35mm Jumbo case, this piece offers a bold vintage presence that was well ahead of its time. Product Features: ✅ Model: Omega 2910-5 ✅ Year: Circa 1950 (based on serial number) ✅ Case Size: 35mm Jumbo (rare for the era) ✅ Case Material: Stainless steel with bold steel lugs ✅ Dial: Original white dial with minimal signs of aging ✅ Hour Markers & Hands: Silver baton markers with matching hands ✅ Crown: Generic steel crown ✅ Movement: Manual wind, running at approximately +30 seconds/day ✅ Strap: Brown leather strap with steel buckle (can be changed on request) ✅ Condition: Very good vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age Condition Notes: No significant marks on the dial, case, or glass Light signs of wear throughout, as expected for a watch of this age Unpolished and clean—retains original vintage charm Custom Options Available: 🔧 Servicing available upon request ✨ Case polishing optional 🔄 Strap can be changed to your preference Why Buy From Us? 🕰️ Specialists in vintage timepieces – Carefully curated watches with authenticity and heritage 🛠️ Expertly inspected and guaranteed – 12-month warranty for peace of mind 👀 Personal viewing option – Visit us in Mayfair, London 📞 Excellent customer service – Responsive, knowledgeable, and trustworthy Looking for a clean, classic, and oversized vintage Omega...
Gold Plate
Omega Vintage – 1960 – Manual Wind – 34mm – Serviced
By Omega
Located in London, GB
Omega Vintage – 1960 – Manual Wind – 34mm – Serviced A fine example of a classic 1960 Omega manual wind, presented in excellent overall condition following a recent in‑house service....
Omega 1950s Stainless Steel Manual Wind Wristwatch, Silver Dial, 35mm
By Omega
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Ref. 2317. Made in 1950’s Case th...
Stainless Steel, Silver, Steel
