About Omega
From La Chaux-de-Fonds to the Moon
Omega goes back to the workshop Louis Brandt opened in La Chaux-de-Fonds in 1848. His sons moved the business to Biel/Bienne, and in 1903 it took the name of their most successful calibre: Omega. The brand built its reputation on precision, in chronometry competitions and as timekeeper of the Olympic Games. The Seamaster appeared in 1948, the Constellation in 1952 and the Speedmaster in 1957; the latter was qualified by NASA in 1965 and worn on the Moon in 1969. Two technical steps define the current watches: the Co-Axial escapement, in series production since 1999, and Master Chronometer certification by METAS, the Swiss federal institute of metrology, since 2015.
What we check on an Omega
On an Omega we check that calibre, reference and version belong together. Omega uses long reference numbers that record collection, material, diameter, movement and dial in a single code; a discrepancy there often says more than a photograph. We assess the dial, hands and bezel, the engravings on the caseback, the bracelet and clasp, and the movement. On a Speedmaster we look at the chronograph and at the crystal, Hesalite or sapphire, and whether it fits the version. On a Seamaster Diver 300M or a Planet Ocean we check the helium valve and the rotating bezel. If the papers are missing, Omega can issue an extract from its archives on request. Whatever we find is stated.
Models we offer and look for
Most enquiries concern the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, in its current version with calibre 3861 and in the older hand-wound generations, and the Seamaster family: the Diver 300M, the Planet Ocean and the Aqua Terra. We also look for the Constellation and for vintage Seamaster and Speedmaster models in good, original condition, where an original dial and hands count for more than a shiny case. An Omega is not always online; if you are after a particular reference or version, you can give us a sourcing request.
Buying, selling and trading in
You buy an Omega from us through a request without obligation. We confirm availability personally; you pay by bank transfer once you agree and receive the watch insured, or collect it by appointment. If you want to sell an Omega, you can do so outright, on consignment or as a trade-in against another watch. If you have documents from a recent service by Omega or an approved watchmaker, please include them: they make the assessment more accurate. Every request is assessed by hand, and a proposal only follows afterwards. The Aequator Collection is an independent dealer and not an authorised Omega retailer.