Omega endears itself very quickly to fans of horology thanks to its one-two combo of beautifully crafted timepieces and an illustrious history lined with a dose of grandeur. With timepieces that have seen outer space, timed Olympic games, and helped James Bond ice some bad guys, Omega boasts an impressive collection tied to groundbreaking moments in history. While some of the brand’s pieces have all the bells and whistles that attract veterans of horology (for example, this DeVille Co-Axial Rattrapante), new collectors will be drawn more to signature Omega timepieces without the high-priced accoutrement. We’ve rounded up the 5 Omega models that won’t break the bank for new collectors who want their own essential Omega.
For new watch collectors who are intimidated by a mechanical movement, the quartz movement in the Seamaster Aqua Terra is perfect. This model’s classic, nautical design is a perfect representative of the Seamaster line in general without the lofty price point. The Aqua Terra collection is quite new, having been released in 2002, but it has retained the subtle dressiness of vintage Omega timepieces that has faded into the background with their newer, sportier models in other collections. Its sleek formality and understated sporty edge has a practical sensibility that new horologists will appreciate.
The Omega Seamaster Diver, unlike its Aqua Terra cousin, falls closer in step with the other sporty watches that the brand offers. This model has a more significant presence on the wrist, with a ceramic bezel and a helium escape valve at 10 o’clock that lends to its striking design. Built for professional divers, this watch is resistant to 300 meters. For new collectors who are up for the maintenance of a mechanical watch, this model is the natural choice. The Seamaster Diver has a mechanical movement with a 48-hour power reserve at a price point that won’t break the bank.
First introduced in 1957, the Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic watches on the market. This is the model that accompanied Buzz Aldrin during the Apollo 11 mission and became the first watch to operate on the surface of the moon. Surely, with such impressive credentials, this classic would bring any collection to new heights. Featuring a tachymeter bezel that the wearer can use to measure speed and a chronograph function for measuring time, this functional watch comes at an excellent price point for new collectors who are attracted to the pioneering spirit that made Omega famous.
Omega’s DeVille collection is made to appeal to horologists with more formal tastes: it features dress watches with all manner of accoutrement, from tourbillon mechanisms to chronographs. Each different iteration of the DeVille is unique and presents its own prim dash of charm, and the DeVille Prestige is no different. The Prestige line offers a clean, uncluttered face with classic, pointed hands and unobtrusive markers. This affordable model has a timeless, dressy look that will complement any formal ensemble.
For the collector interested in sleek, versatile pieces, the Constellation collection from Omega would serve the purpose of understated dress watch and impeccable everyday timepiece. Its low-key bracelet blends in seamlessly with the body of the watch, giving it an air of elegance without seeming too flashy. The design’s incorporation of thin lines, roman numerals, and a clean dial brings a retro feel to this simple watch. This timepiece has a price point that matches its modesty, but it never sacrifices the signature look of an Omega or the brand’s excellent timekeeping technology.
Learn more about the fascinating history fo the Omega Seamaster and how it grew in popularity to become the watch-of-choice for James Bond here.