The history of the Omega watch brand goes back more than 170 years, and is marked by innovation, horological achievement and an unwavering passion for precision and elegance. Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Omega has become one of the world's most prestigious and respected watch brands.
In the beginning, Omega was a small artisan watch manufacturer, known as "La Generale Watch Co." Louis Brandt was a talented and visionary watchmaker who was determined to create superior watches. Working with his two sons, Louis-Paul and César, the brand grew rapidly and quickly gained a reputation for its precise movements and technical innovations.
In 1894, Omega made a major breakthrough with the launch of the calibre 19, also known as Omega. This revolutionary movement introduced manual winding and laid the foundations for the modern wristwatch as we know it today. The brand's growing popularity soon propelled it onto the international stage.
Over the years, Omega has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of watchmaking technology. In 1917, the brand introduced the world's first waterproof wristwatch, the "Omega Marine". In 1932, Omega was chosen as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games for the first time, establishing a close link with the world of sport and performance.
One of Omega's most emblematic achievements was its participation in NASA's space program in the 1960s. In 1965, after a rigorous selection process, Omega was chosen as the official watch worn by astronauts on the Gemini mission. Later, in 1969, Omega played a crucial role in the Apollo 11 mission, becoming the first watch on the Moon when Buzz Aldrin wore it on his historic walk.
Omega also made motorsport history by becoming the Official Timekeeper of the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Since then, the brand has established partnerships with many prestigious sporting events, including the Olympic Games, the America's Cup and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
Over the decades, Omega has launched many iconic collections, such as the Seamaster, Speedmaster and Constellation, which have become icons of style and sophistication. These watches have been worn by influential personalities, explorers, athletes and celebrities around the world, reinforcing Omega's status as a luxury brand.
Today, Omega continues to embody innovation, precision and horological excellence. The brand is at the forefront of technology with advances such as the Co-Axial movement, which offers enhanced precision and resistance to magnetic disturbance. In addition, Omega is a fervent advocate of sustainability and ethics, committing itself to reducing its impact on the environment and supporting social initiatives.
In 1999, Omega became a member of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watchmaking group. This association enabled the brand to benefit from additional resources and technical expertise, strengthening its position in the global luxury watch market.
To pay tribute to the brand's famous model, the Speedmaster. A collaboration took place in 2022 with Swatch to release the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch Speedmaster, which was a huge commercial success.
Omega continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking by developing watches with advanced features such as chronographs, horological complications and innovative materials. The brand also remains true to its heritage, reissuing classic models and preserving the timeless aesthetics for which it is renowned.
In addition to its commitment to watchmaking excellence, Omega is also involved in philanthropic initiatives. The brand created the Omega Foundation, which supports humanitarian and medical projects around the world. In addition, Omega is a partner of numerous events and charitable organizations, including Orbis International, which fights blindness in developing countries.
The history of the Omega watch brand is a saga of passion, innovation and excellence. From its humble beginnings as a small Swiss watch manufacturer to its current position as a world leader in luxury watchmaking, Omega has left an indelible mark on the watch industry. With its rich heritage and forward-looking vision, Omega will continue to write exciting new chapters in the history of fine watchmaking.