Omega Watches FAQ: The Complete Comprehensive Guide
Even though Omega is one of the biggest watch brands in the world, it appears that there is still much that potential buyers and enthusiasts do not know. In this Omega FAQ article, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions based on keyword research from search engines like Google and provided clear and concise answers to each.
Is Omega a luxury watch brand
Omega is considered a luxury watch brand by the watch community. The main reasons why Omega watches are luxury is because of their manufacturing quality, timeless designs, brand prestige, and commitment to accurate in-house movements.
What are the most popular Omega watches for men
The most popular mens watches from Omega are the Omega Speedmaster Professional (Moonwatch), Omega Seamaster 300m, Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m 43.5mm, Omega Aqua Terra Small Seconds, Omega Seamaster 300, and every James Bond watch.
What are the most popular Omega watches for women
The most popular women’s watches from Omega are the Omega Aqua Terra, Omega Tresor, and Omega De Ville Prestige.
Does Omega sell more watches than Rolex
Based on available data from 2021, Rolex and Omega own roughly 35% marketshare of the luxury watch industry. With that being said, Omega sells a quarter of the watches that Rolex does. Omega owns 7% market share while Rolex has 28%.
What is the most expensive Omega watch
The most expensive Omega watch is the De Ville Tourbillon Co-Axial Chronometer with a retail price of $725,000. Reasons contributing to its expensive price tag include the use of platinum, diamonds, and a tourbillon movement.
What is the cheapest Omega watch
The least expensive Omega watch is the Prestige De Ville Stainless Steel 27.5mm quartz with a retail price of $2,600. Reasons contributing to this being the cheapest Omega watch is that it is a smaller ladies watch, the case is constructed of stainless steel, it has a quartz movement, and this model is not in high demand.
Why are Omega watches so expensive
Omega watches are considered mid tier pricing for luxury watches. Factors that influence the retail price of Omega watches are quality, in-house movement production, brand prestige, and high demand. With the average cost of an Omega being $6,000, they could be considered expensive but compared to alternatives, many view Omega watches as a great value.
Can you get a discount on Omega watches
Between 2022-2023 Omega had 3 major price increases for consumers and decreased the margin for authorized dealers. This in turn made it very difficult for Omega authorized dealers to discount Omega watches. Buyers who once were accustomed to 20% off MSRP are now realizing Omega discounts are rapidly going away.
Do Omega watches hold their value
When compared to other luxury watch brands, Omega watches perform above average retaining their value during the ownership experience. Owners should not expect to make a profit at the point of resell but they should retain much of their value.
Now that Omega watches are becoming more expensive at retail and discounts are quickly eroding, pre-owned Omega watches are benefiting with higher than normal pricing.
Are Omega’s worth the money
Omega produces some of the finest luxury watches that are priced significantly lower than its main competitor, Rolex. Many in the watch community consider Omega to be just as good as Rolex, which would mean Omega is one of the best value brands and worth the money spent.
What are the different types of Omega movements
All of the movements in Omega watches are in-house and there are three different types. Those are automatic movements, manual wound movements, and quartz movements. Each movement has different calibres, which are designed to perform different functions like date display, chronograph for timing, or displaying different time zones. Popular calibres include the 8800 and the 8916 that are housed in the Seamaster 300m and the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch.
What are the different complications found in Omega watches
Omega is proud to make watches for everyday wear that perform necessary functions. Complications featured in Omega watches are the following:
- Date display
- Day date display
- Chronograph
- GMT (multiple time zones)
- Tachymeter scale
- World timer
- Perpetual calendar
- Moonphase
- Telemeter
- Pulsometer
- Small seconds
- Alarm
What are the different materials used in Omega watches
Materials used in Omega watches include stainless steel, Omega steel, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, sapphire, ceramic, rhodium, and aluminum. These materials are used to build the case, bracelet, bezel, dial, hands, indices, glass, and the movement.
How do I care for an Omega watch
Omega watches are built for everyday wear and tear. Here are 5 suggestion to properly care for an Omega watch to ensure long last performance.
- Routine cleaning of the exterior every 6 months
- Avoid major impacts
- Always make sure the crown is sealed
- Have the movement serviced every 6-8 years
- Check gaskets condition every 3-4 years
- Do not leave unwound for prolonged periods of time
Where can I get my Omega watch serviced
Omega watches can get serviced at select Omega authorized service centers conveniently located all across the world. While an Omega watch is in service, it goes through 8 critical steps to restore it back to its original state.
- Step 1: Disassembly of the case
- Step 2: Cleaning of the movement
- Step 3: Replacing of worn components
- Step 4: Reassembly and lubrication of the movement
- Step 5: Adjustment of the movement and control of its parameters
- Step 6: Cleaning and refurbishment of the case and bracelet
- Step 7: Reassembly of the case and renewal of the water resistance
- Step 8: Complete quality control
How much does it cost to service an Omega watch
The cost to service an Omega watch ranges between $500-$1,100 depending on the type of movement and if the watch is made of precious metals or not. The most common Omega watches sent in for service will ones with mechanical movements and constructed of stainless steel. The cost for those will be between $700-$900 depending if the stainless steel watch is a chronograph or not.
What is a master chronometer certification
Master Chronometer status is the highest level of certification for a movement that goes through 8 different test over a 10 day period. To even begin testing for Master Chronometer certification, a movement has to have already passed COSC certification, which was previously the highest level. Omega is committed to accuracy and durability so they have put their movement through 8 extreme tests to ensure complete perfection. These Master Chronometer tests include the following:
- Step 1: Function of the movement during magnetic exposure
- Step 2: Function of the complete watch during magnetic exposure
- Step 3: Chronometric performance: magnetised and demagnetised
- Step 4: Chronometric precision day-to-day
- Step 5: Deviation of chronometric precision in 6 positions
- Step 6: Isochronism
- Step 7: Power reserve testing
- Step 8: Water reserve
These tests put the Omega movements ability in conditions to measure their accuracy even in the harshest environments.
Are Omega’s movements anti-magnetic
All Omega’s mechanical movements are Master Chronometer certified, which means they go through rigorous testing, challenging them to the harshest environments. This includes exposure to extreme magnetism. All Omega in-house movements are anti-magnetic up to 15,000 gauss. To put that rating in context, an MRI machine produces 15,000 gauss while in use. It is safe to say that for daily wear, magnetism will never be an issue for Omega watches.
How accurate are Omega watches
Omega watches are known for being extremely accurate even in the harshest conditions. The accuracy rating on the Omega in-house co-axial calibres are 0/+5 seconds per day, which is very precise. Not only do Omega watches past COSC certification, they also pass their own Master Chronometer tests to ensure reliable precision in any situation.
Does Omega make their own movements
Omega is one of the few luxury watch companies that fit all their watches with in-house movements. Considering the vast number of available references and the number of watches they produce in a year, it is a major accomplishment to supply them all with Omega in-house movements.
Is Omega owned by Rolex
Omega is not owned by Rolex but they are not independant either. The Swatch Group, who owns many other luxury watch brands like Glashutte, Breguet, Blancpain, Longines, & Tissot, are also the proud owners of the Omega brand.
Where can I buy an Omega watch
New Omega watches are sold exclusively either through Omega’s authorized dealer network or directly from the Omega website. Alternatively, pre-owned Omega watches are sold on almost every major online marketplace such as Chrono24, Ebay, and Watchfinder.
How can I tell if an Omega watch is authentic
There is robust market for fake Omega watches so it is critical to know how to spot a fake. Obvious signs to look for if you are authenticating an Omega is the quality of the craftsmanship, details of the finishing, and the print on the dial. Quality control for Omega watches is extremely good so if you are noticing anything out of the ordinary that should be a red flag. The best way to authentic an Omega watch is to take it into an authorized dealer and have them inspect it. They know these watches better than anyone and have a trained eye that can easily spot fakes.
What is the difference between the Omega Speedmaster and the Omega Seamaster
The difference between the Speedmaster and the Seamaster collections is their intended purpose. The Speedmaster collection is fitted with a chronograph and is meant for recording time in scenarios like racing. The Seamaster collection has more robust water resistance therefore meant for more water sports or underwater diving activities.
Who is the official timekeeper of the Olympics
Omega has been the official timekeeper of the Olympics since 1932. No other luxury watch brand is move actively involved with playing a critical role in global sporting than Omega.
What are the most famous Omega watches
Omega has a rich history of being front and center on the world stage. Every two years we see them at the Olympics, one the wrist of James Bond in the films, and they even accompanied American astronauts on the first moon landing. With that being said, the most famous Omega watches are the Moonwatch, any watch James Bond wears, and the special limited editions for the Olympic games.
Was the Moonwatch the first watch worn on the moon
In 1969, American space astronaut Neil Armstrong was the first human step foot on the Moon. Accompanying him and the other astronauts on their journey was the Omega Speedmaster Professional, which was later nicknamed the Moonwatch.
Was the Moonwatch the first watch in space
A common misconception is that the Omega Moonwatch was the first watch in space. That feat belongs to a little known watch brand called Strela. Russian Cosmonaut Alexi Leonov was the first person to enter space outside of a spaceship and was wearing his Strela on the mission.
What warranties are offered by Omega
When you purchase an Omega watch it is covered by a 5 year warranty. This warranty contains any manufacture defects at the time of purchase. What the warranty doesn’t cover is damage caused by normal wear or accidents to the watch. We’ve included the exact warranty information directly from Omega’s website below:
“Every OMEGA watch is warranted for a period of sixty (60) months. It covers material and manufacturing defects existing at the time of delivery. During the warranty period and by presenting the valid warranty certificate, you will have the right to have any defect repaired free of charge. This includes the repair or replacement of any spare parts and/or rectifying any faults as identified by our Customer Service. In the event that repairs are unable to restore the normal conditions of use of your OMEGA watch, OMEGA guarantees its replacement by an OMEGA watch of identical or similar characteristics. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or damage caused by accidents or negligence. The warranty is rendered void if work is carried out on the watch by persons who are not authorised to do so by OMEGA.” – Omega Website
