Engineered to the nth degree, the Omega watch brand is a staple on many a well-to-do man’s dresser; tucked safely away inside its luxurious velvet box, ensuring that this extremely fine timepiece will be free from dust and scratches when not eloquently strapped to its owner’s wrist.
Now let’s take a brief but intriguing look at the history behind these luxurious watches long before they signed Hollywood A-list stars Nicole Kidman and George Clooney, as well as tennis superstar Maria Sharapova, to become their celebrity endorsers.
The fairy tale known as the Omega Watch Company actually started way back in the 19th Century -1848 to be exact, when the Omega founder, Louis Brandt, a Swiss watchmaker who resided in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, began creating his “Omega” masterpieces. Of course, back then he constructed each piece using only his bare hands by meticulously assembling each watch piece by piece.
The first watches that Mr. Brandt made were pocket watches, because back then they were the timepiece that was considered to be vogue and were highly sought after and cherished. In the mid 1800′s the thought of attaching a bracelet to their time piece never even crossed a persons mind. The fashionable and preferred thing to do was to carry their beloved “Omega” watches – which, at the time were called “Bienne” watches – in their pockets.
Unfortunately, Mr. Louis Brandt passed away in 1879 and he left his modest company to his sons, Louis Paul Brandt and Cesar Brandt who carried on their father’s tradition of impeccable pocket watch craftsmanship. They decided to rename the company “Bienne” in January 1880.
The birth of the Omega watch brand actually took place in 1894, more than a decade after the renaming of the company to Bienne. Louis and Cesar Brandt introduced, for the first time, the brand “Omega” to the Swiss public. Over time, the Omega watch has come to be one of Switzerland’s biggest and most luxurious exports. The Omega watch name actually came from one of the two Brandt brother’s watch movement calibers.
Sadly, the reign of the two Brandt brothers in the Omega watch company was short-lived because both brothers suddenly died in 1903. This resulted in four individuals taking control of the Omega watch company. One of the individuals was Paul Brandt, who not only inherited the Brandt family name but their entrepreneurial instincts as well. At just 23 years old, Paul was actually the oldest of the four who took over the Omega watch company after the death of the Brandt brothers.
After a merger with fellow Swiss luxury watch brand, Tissot in 1930, SSIH (Société suisse pour l’industrie horlogère) in Geneva, Switzerland was created as the new parent company of the newly merged watch companies. Fortunately, the merger between Tissot and Omega was a big success, which is why in a relatively short time the SSIH group grew to over fifty other companies including Lemania, Lanco and Hamilton. And in a relatively short period of time, the SSIH group has managed to position themselves as the third largest producer of luxury watches, as well as watch movements in the world.
It was during this time when Omega produced a number of its most loved time pieces. Vintage Omega watches that are still highly sought and are famous to this day.
During the Second World War, Omega built a solid reputation for themselves by coming out with military and pilot watches for servicemen. They have always been known for their fine craftsmanship and their great attention to detail. Other popular watches from that era were the Omega Speedmaster chronograph, the Omega Seamaster waterproof sports watch and the Omega Constellation watches, which are all still incredibly popular.
During an economic downturn in 1980, Omega found itself once again merging with another Swiss watch giant – ASUAG, which manufactures and produces other popular Swiss watches such as Swatch, Longines and Rado. The new company that emerged from the Omega-ASUAG merger was called the ASUAG-SSIH company. Unfortunately, even the combined resources of the newly formed company was unable to fight off the economic slump that Omega was facing during that time which resulted in the newly formed company to be taken over by a private group. The ASUAG-SSIH company was renamed and shortened to just SMH which still exists today.
The Omega Seamaster Professional – Planet Ocean replica watch
Specs
* Make: Omega
* Model: Seamaster Planet Ocean
* Dial: Black
* Features: Date, 3 sub-dials: 24 hours, 60 seconds, stop watch, Screw down Crown.
* Material: Stainless Steel
* Crystal: Mineral
* Width: 45.5mm
Why this watch?
The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is one of these watches that you just can’t ignore. That can be accounted mostly for the orange highlights, but it’s also the fine curbs and great lines that Omega knows to produce.
This replica watch is not only saying that you’re a out going and active person, but also say that you’re not afraid of being in the center of attention.
While the orange highlights were used by Omega’s designers because the orange color is much more visible when you go diving undersea, the Japanese grade replica is not water proof and should not be soaked in water, so you get to enjoy the super-cool looks of this watch.
Case, Bezel, Crown & Back
This great knoc koff of a timepiece is made to last, and as so, the case is a one piece unit, made out of polished stainless steel.
The Bezel is orange, as I mentioned a couple of time already, with black markings on it, creating an easily visible contrast of colors, that can be read even at the depths of the ocean (or in a dark cinema hall).
The side of the bezel is designed with grip in mind, making it easy to grab and turn while your hands are inside diving gloves or just wet.
The crown has the Omega emblem on it, and is screwed into the case smoothly and is easy to screw in and out.
The stopwatch buttons has orange highlights around them as well, giving the watch it’s distinguish looks and apparel, the buttons are pressed with almost no significant pressure.
The Helium valve on the left side of the case has a “He” engraving on it, giving the watch the finishing touch.
The Back is engraved with all the appropriate trademarks of Omega and the Seamaster collection.
Dial, Hands & Lume
The black face with the orange digits is the star of this show, focusing attention to the dial. the digits 3, 6, 9 and 12 are visible in orange and the markings show the minutes gaps in between.
The hands are the standard Omega hands we all used to and love, that being said, there is nothing standard about them. They are big, they have strong glow at dark and they are shaped like an arrow, perfect for people like me who sometimes get confused when looking at the time.
The hands on the sub dials are also glowish and this creates a great display of information when the lights go off.
Strap
The Ocean World comes with several choices for straps, orange rubber, orange leather or stainless steel bracelet. The model I reviewed had the more traditional stainless steel bracelet.
The Bracelet is quite sturdy and noticeable, with excellent polish finish, the clasp is a deployment clasp with buttons on both sides of the clasp.
One the face of the clasp there is an engraving “Omega Seamaster Professional Ocean World” which looks very good despite the somewhat disappointing picture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this is one very cool watch, I would recommend it to people who likes a heavy watch on their wrist, and like big face watches (45.5 mm).
The price of the authentic watch is quite expensive, so if you can’t just wake up in the morning and get yourself a watch that costs around 5 big ones, then just hook yourself with one of these replica watches babies, you sure get more then what you pay for.
A friend of mine recently returned from a business trip to the Middle East, so we had an opportunity to catch up at a bar. A short while into the evening, he asked to look at my watch and was surprised that it was an Omega Seamaster like his. So we swapped to compare them.
But as soon as I held his watch, it just didn’t feel like mine. While I have a passion for watches, I am not a trained professional, yet I knew right away it was a replica. A touch was all that was needed. This replica looked great but it was lighter than mine. The metal was cheap and the back of the watch was thinner. It wasn’t difficult to notice that difference even in a bar at night. I asked my friend if he knew he had a fake; to which he answered “yes” but he wanted to see if I could tell.
Wanting to examine more closely, I observed the hands for about 30 seconds and I noticed that the sweep hand ticks were much more perceptible on the replica.
The real giveaway was the absence of a serial number. All Omega watches have a serial number that is etched by laser on the back of one of the lugs, or on the back of the case. They are typically hard to find, but can be seen by the naked eye. Many people don’t know this, so replica makers don’t tend to bother with it.
It must be noted, however, that the serial number is not always fail safe. Some replica makers do put bogus serial numbers on their watches. For example, fake Rolexes sometimes carry serial numbers. Even when you buy from an online store that looks legitimate, always get your watch appraised by a real dealer or validate the serial number with the watchmaker.
The bottom line is that a fake will never stand up in quality to the real thing. There are people out there for whom it doesn’t matter, but to me it’s an ethical issue. It also happens to be illegal to make replicas in most places. If you really want a fake, don’t spend more than $60 on it because you can bet that the seller is going to be making several hundred percent profit on a sale to you. Even $60 is too much… you’re better off getting a nice Timex or Casio. In the end, a fake has virtually no intrinsic value and the seller got my friend’s hard cash in return.
Brought into the market in 1998 by Omega, Speedmaster X-33 underwent many experiments and tests with NASA and military pirates, before Omega decided on releasing to the market 2 different versions of the Omega Speedmaster X-33. Made for pilots and astronauts, NASA itself recommended the use of the Omega Speedmaster X-33 for its mission to Mars. It is indisputable that the Omega Speedmaster X-33 is considered one of the sleekest and most stylish watches ever made.
Unfortunately, the Omega Speedmaster X-33 was never released to the general public for purchase until last year. It was only sold to personnel working for NASA and the military. Even more regrettably, one will have to compile an order of 10 or more at once before Omega will even make it available to one.
The outstanding features of the Omega Speedmaster X-33 include a titanium case and bracelet for light weight purposes, and an integrated domed anti-reflective crystal that is coated on both sides. Omega specially designed a quartz movement for this watch (calibre 1666), with temperature compensated and rated to ± 0.1 seconds per day. The battery lasts for 26 months the watch display also includes a low power indicator. The watch is also water resistant to about 30 meters and has a 80dB alarm, meaning that it is extremely loud, suitable for use in a cockpit environment. The backlight measures 8 lux, which is comparable to that of a normal flashlight. The watch comes in a 42.25 diameter case, the display encompassing the day, date, stopwatch, GMT, as well as a countdown timer. The watch also includes a standard daily alarm, with a second programmable alarm too for convenience. There is the function of a mission elapsed time up to 999 hours, as well as a mission time alarm. Buyers will find it shipped in a box enclosed in special spacesuit material. The watch mechanism encompasses a bidirectional 120-click ratcheting bezel for timing with the analog hands, and luminescent “bezel pearl” for night visibility. The list price for the X-33 was about $2,600, but occasionally some show up on eBay watch forums, selling for around $1,500 – $2,000, depending on their condition.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, I am afraid, has been one of the most discussed Omega watches for quite a long time. You can search many reviews about it. And today, I would like to just share some details about our Replica Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra working chronograph which is a really well made Replica.
To my eyes, the gloss black dial is really stunning and attractive. The polished silver markers and hands, contrasting the black dial, absolutely catch attentions. And it also features the arrow head minute hand and the spear head second hand, which makes it special and enhance its legible. It clearly displays the chronograph functions by three subdials: the 24 hours at 3:00, the 60 minutes at 9:00 and the running seconds at 6:00. It also shows the date window at 6:00. Protecting the dial is a mineral scratch durable crystal. Encircling the crystal is a fixed bezel in nice polished.
The case is 42 mm at diameter. It is said to closely resemble other current models in the Seamaster line. It is also high quality finished and is fitted with two chronograph pusher buttons and a screw-in watch crow. In the heart of the case there beats a Japanese Quartz Working Chronograph Movement. As it is an Olympic Collection watch, it has the Olympic logo engravings at the case back, which is one of the reasons I was so attracted to this model.
It uses the speed master derived bracelet with both solid center and end links, looks very substantial.
Overall, I believe, this refined Replica Omega has great value for the price. Every man should have a watch that expresses his life style. Maybe this Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is the one for you.
This Replica Omega Hour Vision is definitely one of the high quality replica watches listed here. From every angle, it shows ultimate elegance and wonderful work of craftsmanship:
Crafted from solid 316 steel, the 41mm follows the current fashion for a large watches and present s a luxurious look with attractive details. As its full new indicates, this watch features four sapphire glass apertures around the case as well as a display case back, which provides a 360 degree platform to admire the beauty of an exquisite heart(Swiss ETA 2836 Automatic Movement) plated with gold and engraved with the writing of “Omega Co-axial 8500″, that powers the genuine pieces.
Beneath a sapphire crystal, the charm and beauty of a white dial makes one know how wonderful the workmanship is.
Like all Hour vision models, it features a grey hour track adorned by nice polished hour markers that sparkle when light strike on. A discreet minute track runs alongside the outer rim of the dial with black numeral and markings.
The date display appears at 3 o’clock as the steel hour hand, minute hand and blued seconds hand preside over the dial and tell the time. In a word, the dial, simple and elegant, is both eye-pleasing and highly legible. I just found the layout, the color contrast and the overall design is amazing.
This replica watch is presented on a steel bracelet that features a patented screw and pin system allowing a very easy adjustment. It comes with a butterfly deployant with golden Omega Logo.
Seamaster Omega watch. A watch that symbolizes the best in watch making so much so that the likes of James bond have been wearing them for the last decade or so. If you’ve been to the cinema lately, you’ll have probably seen it in the latest James bond film. The Seamaster Omega watch is one of the finest in it’s class with many of the well-to-do now having one. Oh yeh, and many divers wearers since it is, primarily a divers watch.
Omega make two main versions of the Seamaster. Either Quarts (battery powered) or automatic (powered by the movement of your wrist). Quartz movements tend to be more accurate than automatic with the disadvantage of you having to buy batteries, while automatics tend to be seen as more “classic”.
Here are just some of its features of the automatic Seamaster Omega watch:
• Auto-winding mechanical movement with 23 jewels and a 44-hour power reserve.
• Sweep second hand (moves in 1/8 second increments).
• Movement has received a Chronometer certificate from COSC, certifying that the mechanism is capable of accuracy within -4 to +6 seconds per day.
• Quick-set date and rapid date change. The date can be advanced easily from the stem. The date changes shortly after 12:00 midnight, clicking forward in a fraction of a second.
• Cosmetic differences versus the quartz model: The automatic’s dial has the word ‘Chronometer’ under ‘Seamaster Professional’ — indicating it has a COSC certified chronometer movement. The date window on the automatic is somewhat closer to the outer edge of the dial, due to a difference in the date mechanisms used by its movement.
An automatic Seamaster Omega watch can set you back a sum of $2,400, but you can be assured you are getting one of the most classic timepieces on the market. On the other hand you could go for the cheaper quartz version (around $1,400), some of the features of which are shown below:
• Jump second hand (moves in 1-second increments).
• Quartz movement runs on batteries.
• Highly accurate.
• Slow date change — date rolls over slowly between 12:00 midnight and 1:00 am.
• Low battery indication (second hand jumps in 4-second increments).
• Cryptically labeled “time-zone” feature. What it really means is that from the stem, you can change the hour hand without altering the minute or seconds. Convenient for changing time-zones or moving on or off daylight savings time without having to resync the second hand with an accurate time source.
The Seamaster Omega watch is a one in a lifetime purchase. It will most probably outlive you! For this reason along with its accurate time keeping and stunning looks it is worth the price.
One of the greatest classic Omega watches created in 2005, the Speedmaster Day-Date is a mechanical automatic winding watch using the Omega 1151 Caliber with is based on Valijoux 7751 Caliber. The functions include the hour, minute, small seconds, full calendar covering date, day, and month; and 24 hour reading. The chronograph consists of three counters.
This three piece case is made of stainless steel with a diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 14mm. The case is polished and has brushed finished with anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal with tachometer scale engraved in its bezel.
The day and month correctors are in the middle, with recessed stainless steel crown and two pushers. The snap-on back comes with an embossed medallion. It has water resistance up to 30 meters.
It has a blue dial with luminescent rhodium baton markers accompanied with luminescent rhodium-plated baton hands for night reading. Its bracelet is also made of stainless steel with folded-clasp.
The indications include the hour counter at 6 o’clock with small seconds and a 24-hour at 9 o’clock. It has a minute counter together with date display of the day and month sitting at 12 o’clock; and a central second. The date is read off with the a central hand with a half-moon tip over the date running on the outer circumference of the dial. The inner circumference reveals the minute track that comes in divisions of 1/5 second.
Other versions available include stainless steel with silvered dials or 18k red gold with black dial. Both are available in either leather strap or bracelet.
Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is a manual using the omega 1861 caliber which is of Lemania 1874 base, which is finished and polished by hand. The functions include hour, minute, small seconds, and has a chronograph with three counters.
The stainless steel case comprises of three pieces, has a diameter of 42mm and a thickness of 14.5mm. This polished and brush finished case comes with domed hexalite glass. The bezel comes with a black ring and a tachometer scale, accompanied by recessed crown and pushers. On the screw back, there is an embossed medallion signifying a dragon with a horse head and writing stating the NASA appointment. It is water resistant to 30m.
On the screw back, there is an embossed medallion signifying a dragon with a horse head and writing stating the NASA appointment. It is water resistant to 30m.
The black dial comes with luminescent baton markers along with white enameled baton hands. The bracelet comes in brushed steel with polished central links and fold over safety clasp. Other versions include in leather strap or stainless steel with a sapphire caseback 1863 caliber. The bracelet may be in yellow gold with sapphire caseback.
Indications include minute counter at 3 with hour counter at 6. The small seconds sit at 9 accompanied with center second, and minute track with divisions of 1/5 second.
It is based on many NASA tests to consider this watch to be reliable and suitable for space flights. It also encompass antimagnetic, waterproof, shockproof and perfectly tight at low temperatures properties that withstands resistance to strong accelerations.
The Omega Moon Watch is the only timepiece in the world certified for space flight by NASA. The process the watch underwent to achieve this certification was an enduring one, that would ultimately lead to the iconic status it carries today. As the first time piece to ever be taken into space, The Omega Speedmaster Professional made history on Wally Schirra’s wrist aboard Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) on October 3rd 1962.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional was chosen by NASA from a pool of 4 other brands, which included Rolex, Breitling, Bulova, Longines and Huer. NASA had not devised particular parameters for the time piece they would eventually use in space, nor did they request any manufacturer to submit proto-types. With a limited time table, they decided to buy standard chronograph retail models from the 5 brands and conduct rigorous tests to analyze their resistance to various stress factors.
The 5 time pieceses were exposed to extreme tests to scrutinize their resistance to temperature, vacuum, shock, vibration, humidity, corrosion, noise and pressure. The Test was concluded in 1965, after which only 3 watches were still running. The Omega Speedmaster was the only one that did not suffer the serious deterioration that afflicted the other 2.
The Omega Moon Time piece is the only time-keeping instrument to have ever been worn on the moon. In order to account for zero gravity conditions, OMEGA modified the movement to a completely mechanic functionality. They feared the automatic movement might be compromised in zero gravity circumstances, as the pendulum in the movement would not be able to move without gravity exerted upon it. Besides the movement, the crystal was also altered to a Hessalite material in order to withstand extreme pressure.
The original Speed Master first taken into space was never accounted for. After its return to earth it was lost under unknown circumstances. Today, all NASA time-keeping instruments taken into space by astronauts are NASA property, and must be returned to NASA once the space mission has concluded. Omega Speedmaster Moon watches are standard use for all Russian space agency missions, as well as all NASA missions.
Recently, Omega released a limited edition anniversary series, which contains the same movement used in the original Gemini 3 space missions. The spedial edition comes with a tool kit that contains an extensive variety of maintenance tools, as well as a very fashionable design. By NASA standards or fashion standards, the Omega Moon Speed Master Professional is an incredible time piece to own!