Omega watches

Omega has been around since the mid-19th century and has earned a reputation for making reliable, precise, and highly functional watches. The brand, which is based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, is also regarded as a driver of innovation in the industry when it comes to caliber technology and materials research.

Omega produces some of the most famous watches in the world. The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, for example, accompanied the first astronauts to the Moon in the summer of 1969. Professional and recreational divers alike have relied on the Omega Seamaster for around 60 years now, and models in the collection have made numerous appearances on the silver screen as fictional British secret agent James Bond's watch of choice.

In addition to their tech-oriented tool watches, Omega also manufactures classic, elegant timepieces like the De Ville, Constellation, and Globemaster. These luxurious lines feature models made of precious metals such as rose and yellow gold.

Prices for Omega watches vary widely, and strongly depend on the age and condition of the watch, as well as the material it's made of.

How much is the most affordable Omega watch?

You can buy a used vintage watch from Omega on Chrono24 for as little as a few hundred dollars. At this price, you can get an automatic De Ville ladies' watch or a used Seamaster from the 1970s, for example. An affordable entry into the world of modern Omega models can be found in the Aqua Terra collection. Here, prices for unworn unisex models with automatic calibers start at around 3,200 USD.

Many of the most popular models in the Omega catalog – watches such as the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch or Seamaster Diver 300M – change hands for between 5,000 and 7,500 USD.

What's the most expensive Omega watch?

The top end of the Omega catalog is occupied by limited collector's items and timepieces with elaborate complications. One particularly complicated model is the Speedmaster Chrono Chime introduced in 2023. The watch, which is made of Omega's red gold alloy Sedna Gold and features a split-seconds chronograph and a minute repeater, costs approximately 460,000 USD on Chrono24. Another top model is the De Ville Tourbillon in rose gold, which demands an investment of some 140,000 USD.

Coveted collector's pieces like the Speedmaster "Snoopy" or Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary range in price from between 42,500 and 53,000 USD.

The Speedmaster collection is a pillar in the Omega catalog. The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is probably the most important model in the line. First introduced in 1957, the chronograph was originally designed for racing, but has been standard-issue equipment for NASA astronauts since the mid-1960s. Thanks to the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, the Speedmaster went down in history as the first watch on the Moon. Since then, Omega has issued the timepiece in numerous variants with different materials and calibers.

Current stainless steel versions of the Moonwatch range in price from 6,400 to 7,400 USD. Gold variants demand an investment of between 35,000 and 49,000 USD. For vintage editions from the 1960s, plan to spend about 20,000 USD.

Other Speedmaster Models

Alongside the Moonwatch variants, the Speedmaster collection offers a wide range of other interesting models. In 2017, for example, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Speedmaster, Omega released the '57 Chronograph with a diameter of 38.6 mm. The watch's design is almost exactly the same as the original model from 1957. Unworn specimens cost approximately 13,000 USD.

If you'd prefer something a little more modern, you should take a look at the Skywalker X-33 or Spacemaster Z-33. These quartz-powered multifunctional watches offer analog and digital displays, as well as numerous features such as a second time zone, chronograph function, perpetual calendar, and alarm. Expect to spend between 4,300 USD and 5,400 USD for one of these models. The X-33 Mars Timer, unveiled in 2022, was developed by Omega in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) specifically for future missions to Mars. You can call one your own for roughly 6,800 USD.

The Speedmaster 38 is aimed primarily at women. Its gold case measures 38 mm in diameter and is adorned with diamonds. These models (like the ref. 324.68.38.50.02.003, for example) demand an investment of approximately 21,000 USD.

The Seamaster collection is another important pillar in the Omega catalog. As with the Speedmaster collection, the Swiss manufacturer offers a whole range of models, some of them notably unique, and all of which are characterized by increased water resistance. One of the best-known models in the line is the Seamaster 300, which is water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft) and has been a permanent fixture in Omega's lineup since 1957. The watch features a unidirectional diving bezel, luminescent indices, and the emblematic "broad arrow" hands.

The Seamaster 300 is available in stainless steel, gold, platinum, or bronze, as well as two-tone versions. Depending on the particular variant, prices range from 5,300 to 28,000 USD.

The Seamaster Diver 300M is a modern congener of the Seamaster 300. Like the Seamaster 300, the Diver 300M is water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft), but has the added feature of a helium escape valve, operated by a crown at 10 o'clock. The watch also boasts a bezel with a curved edge and a wave pattern on its dial.

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M collection offers three-hand watches and chronographs in a range of sizes. The choice of available materials ranges from stainless steel to titanium and ceramic. Two-tone editions are also available.

While newer Diver 300M models are powered exclusively by modern Co-Axial calibers (most of which are certified Master Chronometers), older models are equipped with quartz movements.

Depending on the watch's material, caliber, and year of manufacture, an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M will set you back between 4,900 and 10,600 USD on Chrono24.

The Diver 300M, James Bond, and the Olympics

Since 1995, the Seamaster Diver 300M has been the preferred watch of movie-screen legend James Bond. In honor of the famous fictional double-oh agent, Omega releases special editions for each new Bond film. These timepieces are usually technically identical to the standard models, but feature Bond-specific touches like the 007 logo, Bond family crest, or gun barrel pattern from the celebrated opening film sequence on the dial, case back, or rotor.

Depending on the specific model and material, a Bond edition Diver 300M in stainless steel, titanium, or red or white gold will set you back between 8,700 and 46,200 USD.

As the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, Omega releases special editions to commemorate every Olympics. These include some interesting variants of the Diver 300M, such as the Beijing 2022 and Paris 2024 editions, celebrating the Winter and Summer Games in those cities. In terms of design, the watches usually utilize the color concept of the corresponding Olympic Games and bear the official logo as well as the Olympic rings engraved on the case back.

Plan to spend between 4,750 and 9,600 USD on a Seamaster Diver 300M Olympic Edition, depending on the variant.

The Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M is Omega's diving watch for professional divers. The watch is water-resistant to 600 m (60 bar, 1,969 ft), features a helium escape valve, and unifies design elements from both the Seamaster 300 and the Diver 300M.

Omega offers the Planet Ocean 600M in numerous sizes as well as different color and material combinations. The women's and unisex models measure 37.5 or 39.5 mm in diameter, while the men's watches have a diameter of 43.5 or 45.5 mm. The 43.5-mm version is a classic three-hand watch, though some variants come with an additional GMT function for displaying the time in a second time zone. Chronographs in the Planet Ocean line measure a massive 45.5 mm in diameter and, due to the thickness of the case, are best suited for larger wrists.

A classic stainless steel Planet Ocean 600M with three hands and a diameter of 43.5 mm demands an investment of about 5,700 USD in new condition. The GMT variant on a leather strap will set you back a bit more, approximately 6,700 EUR. Anyone looking for a Planet Ocean 600M with a chronograph function can expect prices to start at around 5,800 USD for a new stainless steel model on a leather strap. The same watch in rose gold on a leather strap changes hands for roughly 22,300 USD when new. The prices for women's and unisex models range from 3,500 USD for a simple stainless steel watch to 22,300 USD for a rose gold timepiece with diamonds.

Planet Ocean Ultra Deep: Water-Resistant to 6,000 m

In spring 2022, Omega launched the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep. This diving watch is water-resistant to 6,000 m (600 bar, 19,685 ft). The model is a nod to the concept watch developed in 2019, the Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional, which was strapped to the exterior of a submarine and plunged 10,934 meters (35,876 ft) into the Mariana Trench – a world record.

The standard model is available in titanium or Omega's proprietary O-Megasteel stainless steel alloy. With a diameter of 45.5 mm and height of over 18 mm, the watch is designed for larger wrists. A Master Chronometer-certified Co-Axial caliber ensures precise timekeeping.

Depending on whether you opt for an O-Megasteel or titanium edition of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep, prepare to spend between 12,200 and 16,000 USD.

The Ploprof 1200M is a practical tool for professional divers who work at great depths. These watches are water-resistant to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) and boast professional features such as a helium escape valve and security pusher for the diving bezel. The Ploprof's angular case measures 55 x 48 mm, so it may not suit smaller wrists.

The standard stainless steel version of the Ploprof 1200M costs around 8,600 USD new. If you opt for the titanium variant, be prepared to spend about 11,700 USD. Versions with a Sedna gold bezel, crown, and helium escape valve change hands on Chrono24 for roughly 16,300 USD.

Other exciting Seamaster sub-collections include the Bullhead, Railmaster, and Aqua Terra 150M. The Bullhead has a particularly interesting design: its chronograph push-pieces sit atop the case, giving it a resemblance to a bull's head. This timepiece is especially popular among collectors. Models from the current collection with a black dial cost around 9,300 USD, as do vintage models.

Like the Speedmaster and Seamaster, the Railmaster has been part of the Omega catalog since 1957. Omega originally developed this timepiece for people with regular exposure to strong magnetic fields. The most recent models can withstand up to 15,000 gauss. The design of the Railmaster leans heavily on that of the Seamaster 300. The biggest difference is the lack of a rotating bezel.

Plan on an investment of between 2,800 and 3,200 USD for an unworn model in the current collection. The Railmaster 1957 Trilogy, a modernized reissue of the original Railmaster, costs around 6,700 USD on Chrono24. If you'd prefer a vintage model from the 1950s or 60s, the price quickly climbs to over 16,000 USD.

Aqua Terra: At Home on Land and at Sea

Omega's Aqua Terra collection combines the straightforwardness of a tool watch with the elegance of a dress watch. A variety of models are available with gold and diamonds, mother-of-pearl dials, and crocodile leather straps. You can choose between sizes with diameters of 38, 41, 43, and (since 2022) 34 mm. The Aqua Terra is well-suited to wrists of all sizes and water-resistant to 150 m (15 bar, 492 ft), and offers a number of different dial colors as well.

In addition to simple three-hand models, the collection also includes watches with a second time zone or world time function. You can also opt for the Aqua Terra 150M Ultra Light, which is made almost entirely of titanium and weighs just 55 g.

Watches in the Aqua Terra collection cost anywhere from 5,100 USD for a stainless steel model with three hands to an impressive 42,500 USD for an Aqua Terra World Timer or Ultra Light.

With the Constellation collection, Omega takes a less technical approach than it does with the Speedmaster and Seamaster lines. The series was first introduced in 1952, and early models were often simple, elegant three-hand watches. Over the decades, however, the Constellation has undergone a number of changes. Since the 1980s, a fixed bezel with Roman numerals has characterized the look of many models. Straddling 3 and 9 o'clock, there are four small elevations called claws.

Omega offers the Constellation in sizes ranging from 25 to 41 mm, which makes it an interesting option for both men and women. Stainless steel and gold versions are available, each with or without precious gemstones, as are both quartz and automatic movements.

Prices for the Omega Constellation start at around 1,100 USD for well-maintained vintage models from the 1960s. Timepieces in the current collection start at around 2,200 USD for quartz-powered stainless steel ladies' watches and climb to 42,500 USD and more for elaborate diamond-set models in gold.

De Ville: Stylish and Elegant

The De Ville collection is a touch classier than the Constellation. The line was first introduced in 1960 and features classic, clean designs with Roman numerals, tourbillons, and cases in white, rose, or yellow gold. Many of the women's models also feature diamond-set bezels or diamond hour markers.

The men's models with a tourbillon are especially interesting. The tourbillon is located in the center of these watches and visible through a dial cutout. The Omega De Ville Tourbillon is available in sizes of 44 and 38.7 mm and demands an investment of approximately 137,000 USD.

Somewhat more affordable are the quartz-powered women's watches in Omega's De Ville Trésor collection. The manufacturer equips most of these watches, which are available in gold or stainless steel, with quartz movements. Depending on the variant, one of these watches will set you back anywhere between 3,100 and 20,200 USD.

The (pre)history of Omega dates back to the 19th century. In 1848, Louis Brandt began manufacturing pocket watches in the city of La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. He made arrangements with local suppliers, which allowed him to sell his products to a wider market, including Italy, England, and Scandinavia. Later, Brandt's sons moved the company to its current location in Biel/Bienne. Although the name Omega has been in use since 1894, it wasn't officially registered until 1903, when the third generation took the reins.

The name is meant to express the quality of their watches. Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet and is often used as a metaphor for perfection.

In 1930, Omega and their competitor, Tissot, made a joint decision to serve separate markets. Omega was to focus on the luxury watch sector and Tissot on the middle class. When the quartz crisis put the Swiss watch industry in a difficult position, the two brands came together in 1983 under the newly formed Swatch Group. Omega remains part of the group to this day.

Celebrity Fans of Omega Watches

Many prominent figures, both real and fictional, have been drawn to the allure of Omega watches. The most famous wearer may very well be fictional secret agent James Bond, who first wore a Seamaster in the 1995 film "GoldenEye." French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau also relied on the Seamaster during many of his dives. Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, wore a Seamaster Calendar when he was promoted to sergeant while stationed in West Germany in 1960. Another beloved entertainer, Tom Hanks, wears an Omega Speedmaster Professional as a reminder of his role in the movie "Apollo 13."

Omega has also found many fans in the realm of politics. President John F. Kennedy and former Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong both wore Omega watches, and former Soviet head of state Mikhail Gorbachev has been known to sport a gold watch from Omega's Constellation collection.