“Omega - Exact time for life” - The Story of a Watch Brand

Based on the company's historical performance, at the Observatory trials, the famous slogan "Omega – Exact time for life” was developed in 1931, and it sums up everything the watch company stands for. 

Louis Brandt founded in Switzerland what is now one of the most famous luxury watch brands in the world, defined by quality and many memorable historical achievements, such as lunar landing and mastering the Olympics. Furthermore, the Omega brand is also famous around the globe for its spectacular wristwatches with timeless design. 

To better understand what the company stands for and how it became one of the greatest watchmakers in history, continue reading this article. 

From Family Business to Global Brand

Louis Brandt established his business in 1848 and spent three decades building a modest store and selling watches all over the world, until his death, in 1879. His sons took over the company and began making their own parts. 

In 1885, the Brandt brothers released the Labrador, their first mass-produced caliber, followed by the first minute-repeating timepiece in 1892, and the 19-line OMEGA caliber, two years later. This last innovation brought great success in the watch industry and, later, the name of the company. 

Unfortunately, a few years later, both Brandt brothers died, within only six months of each other, leaving the company in uncertainty. Paul-Emile Brandt, the eldest remaining member of the family, started working hard to keep the family business on track. Two years later, the brand became the Official Timekeeper at sporting events across Switzerland. In 1909 they enhanced their worldwide success while serving as the timekeeper at an international balloon race, the Gordon Bennett Cup.

The 20th Century Journey

When in 1932, the Olympic Games entrusted, for the first time, one brand to be the Official Timekeeper, they chose Omega. The brand began its most important timekeeping partnership.

This great accomplishment was followed by the launch of Omega’s first edition of one of its most iconic watches, the Seamaster. Released in 1948, this model is still one of the most popular Omega watches. 

But the incredible story continues with astronaut Wally Schirra wearing a Speedmaster on the Sigma 7 mission of the Mercury Program, in 1962. It was the first Omega in space. In 1965, it became the NASA official chronograph for space missions and, in 1969, on the wrist of Buzz Aldrin, the Speedmaster made its first journey to the moon. The success didn’t stop there because the Speedmaster continued to be extremely beneficial for NASA, especially when it enabled the safe return of the Apollo 13 mission. 

Today, Omega still works with space programs around the world. 

Omega -The Favorite of the Famous

Besides the quality and accuracy of Omega watches, the brand is also famous for its timeless design and importance in fashion. And this statement is supported by many world leaders and celebrities who love wearing Omega wristwatches. Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope John Paul II, and famous rock stars like Ringo Starr of the Beatles and Elvis Presley are just some of the well-known people who endorsed the brand by wearing its wristwatches. 

The brand also gained popularity when, after Pierce Brosnan wore an Omega Seamaster, it became the official watch of James Bond. 

John F. Kennedy, however, is probably the most famous Omega watch owner, and the watch he wore on his inauguration in 1961, is now stored in the Omega Museum in Switzerland. It was a gift, and it has an inscription on the back that reads: “President of the United States John F. Kennedy from his friend Grant”. 

170 Years of Prestigious Reputation

Hard work and innovations maintained Omega among the most prestigious watch brands for over 170 years. 

Collaborating with NASA, the Olympics Games, and Bond franchise, Omega continues to be a leader in the watch industry. To feature the legendary George Daniels co-axial escapement, Omega launched the first movement in 1999. Also, in 2011, the brand became the Official Timekeeper of the PGA. According to their plan, the next step would be to send the first watch on Mars, in 2030.

Whether you are passionate about sports, pop culture, space, or you just want to own a superior watch, an Omega is a fantastic choice, if you want a high-quality watch with timeless design. And, when the strap seems overused, you can always change it with a brand new watch band that allows you to keep wearing your precious timepiece.