Since OMEGA was founded in 1848, the brand has continually made history and created a profound mark on the world of horology.

Synonymous with precision, innovation and luxury, OMEGA started as one of Switzerland’s first industrial manufacturers of wristwatches. It has built a reputation spanning over 175 years to continually set new standards in watchmaking.

OMEGA watches have been a part of sporting events, such as the Olympic games, since 1932. In 1969, the Speedmaster became the first watch to be worn on the moon, earning its nickname the Moonwatch. Since 1995, the Seamaster has accompanied James Bond in every film. Through their determined effort, OMEGA continues to push boundaries and innovate. This remarkable journey is a crucial part of OMEGA watch history.

OMEGA's watch history journey began in 1848 when a young watchmaker named Louis Brandt established a small workshop in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a small Swiss village. Brandt was passionate about precision and he set about developing the most accurate watches he could. He focused on assembling key-wound pocket watches using parts sourced from local craftsmen. Brandt’s dedication to high quality and precision quickly earned him a reputation for excellence within Switzerland and then throughout Europe.

Following his passing in 1879, his sons, Louis-Paul and César Brandt, took over the business and relocated to Biel/Bienne in 1880. This move allowed for greater expansion and modernisation, setting the stage for future success. By 1894, the company introduced the groundbreaking OMEGA 19-ligne calibre, a revolutionary movement that featured interchangeable parts, a rarity at the time. This innovation was so successful that the company rebranded itself as OMEGA Watch Co., signifying a new era of precision watchmaking in OMEGA watch history.

OMEGA consistently pushes the boundaries of watchmaking, pioneering technological advancements that have redefined timekeeping. Some of the brand’s most notable milestones in OMEGA watch history include:

In 1932, OMEGA made history by becoming the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking the start of its long-standing partnership with international sports. This milestone remains a significant chapter in OMEGA watch history. 

Since then, OMEGA has continuously provided cutting-edge timing technologies, ensuring unmatched precision and fairness in sporting events.

One of the brand’s most iconic achievements in OMEGA watch history was in 1965 when NASA officially certified the OMEGA Speedmaster as the only watch suitable for space missions. This decision followed rigorous testing under extreme conditions, proving the Speedmaster's resilience and accuracy.

On 20 July 1969, astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore his OMEGA Speedmaster Professional while setting foot on the lunar surface, making it the first watch to be worn on the moon.

This historic moment cemented OMEGA’s legacy in space exploration and the Speedmaster became famously known as the “Moonwatch.” 

Why We Love the Speedmaster Collection:

• OMEGA's esteemed line of luxury, Swiss-made watches.
• Rich heritage in space exploration.
• Boasts unparalleled precision and style.

Explore the OMEGA Speedmaster collection on our website or visit one of our showrooms Truro, Plymouth and Exeter.

Beyond space, OMEGA watch history extends to the depths of the ocean. In 1932, the brand introduced the OMEGA Marine, one of the first commercially available diving watches. This timepiece demonstrated exceptional water resistance and paved the way for OMEGA’s legendary Seamaster collection.

The OMEGA Marine utilised an ingenious, patented double case sealed with cork to keep water and the elements away from the heart of the watch. Taking the innovation further, OMEGA also introduced an adjustable clasp with a divers’ extension so that wearers could fit the watch comfortably to their own wrist.

For many diving pioneers, it was the watch of choice as it helped to make a very dangerous profession a lot safer. Going deeper than any watch before, it was successfully tested in Lake Geneva – not far from OMEGA’s headquarters – at a depth of 73 metres. Even more stringent laboratory tests were carried out five years later and found the watch to be completely waterproof to a depth of 135 metres.

Why We Love the Seamaster Collection:

• Exceptional craftsmanship and innovative technology.
• A watch model to suit every taste and need.
• In 2019, OMEGA’s Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional set a world record by reaching the deepest point of the ocean—Mariana Trench—at 10,928 meters. This accomplishment reaffirmed OMEGA’s commitment to pushing the limits of durability and performance and added another milestone to OMEGA watch history.

Explore the OMEGA Seamaster collection on our website or visit one of our showrooms Truro, Plymouth and Exeter.

Throughout OMEGA watch history, the brand’s timeless designs and unwavering reliability mean OMEGA watches have adorned the wrists of world leaders, celebrities and fictional icons.

OMEGA watches have adorned the wrists of world leaders, celebrities, and fictional icons. Since 1995, OMEGA has been the official watch of James Bond, a role that has significantly boosted its status in popular culture. Actors such as Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig have showcased OMEGA Seamaster models, blending elegance with adventure.

Beyond cinema, OMEGA has been the watch of choice by influential figures, including John F. Kennedy, George Clooney, and Michael Phelps. 

We have a range of limited edition 007 watches available on our website or visit one of our showrooms Truro, Plymouth and Exeter.