The Omega watch was originally marketed as a racing chronograph, targeting men with sports cars. That chronograph, below, although the first and often most valuable, was not the watch that made Omega an icon.
The Omega Speedmaster ’57 , introduced more than 50 years after the series’ initial release, features a steel bezel; dark gold-accented, broad-arrow hands; significantly straight lugs; and advanced mechanical functioning. All 17 Speedmaster ’57 models are equipped with the Calibers 9300 or 9301— the first two Omega in-house co-axial movements to include a chronograph function. In accordance with this technical feat, on top of the four-year functional expectancy.
The movement is displayed through a sapphire caseback. The dial incorporates two subdials for seconds, minutes, and a 12-hour measure, and there is a date window at the 6 o’clock position. Other features to notice are the enlarged chronograph pushers, enlarged corporate and series logo, and a more detailed tachymetric scale. This particular reference is listed at $9,000.
The Omega Moonwatch Professional remains arguably Omega’s most iconic watch since Buzz Aldrin touched the lunar surface. The modern edition is powered like many of its predecessors by Caliber 1861, a manual-wound chronograph movement. The watch is featured in a 42-mm stainless steel case, utilizes the familiar black dial with silver and gray accents, and has three subdials measuring 12 hours, 30 minutes, and 60 seconds. The watch is surrounded by a black, non-engraved tachymetric scale bezel, and, of course, straight lugs. This piece is priced by Omega at $5,250.
The Moonwatch Professional line displays the continued production of a legendary watch. Omega stuck to its guns and has matured with age: the dial is aesthetically reminiscent of the original’s, and the movement has been altered only ever so slightly for precision, durability, and finesse.
The Omega watch has rightfully earned the honor, and continues to prove it by demonstrating both technical prowess and a timelessness few other watches have achieved.
