Omega

History

Growing from a La Chaux-de-Fonds assembly workshop into a large Biel factory, Omega built its reputation on the interchangeable 19-line calibre of 1894, strong observatory trial results, official sports timekeeping and chronographs associated with space flight.

Major innovations

• The 1894 Omega calibre with fully interchangeable parts and setting from the crown
• Co-axial escapement production from the late 1990s

Known markings

• 'Omega Watch Co.' and the Ω symbol
• Calibre number inside the movement
• Reference number inside the case back

Serial numbers

Movement serial numbers correspond to published approximate production years, and the company archive can issue extracts for individual watches.

Collecting significance

Reference, calibre, dial originality and case sharpness dominate; redialled and service-replaced parts are common on much-used models.

Sources & references

1. Omega museum and archive publications
2. Archive extracts confirm production and delivery dates but not later ownership history.

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.