A Guide To The Most Collectible Omega Watches
Welcome to the fascinating world of Omega watches, one of the most renowned and celebrated houses in the high-end watchmaking scene. In this article, we’ll explore the most iconic and collectible models produced by Omega, a brand rooted in craftsmanship excellence and technological innovation. From classic wristwatches to extraordinary collector’s pieces, Omega has left an indelible mark over time, capturing the attention of enthusiasts, collectors, and watchmakers worldwide.
Now, dear friends of IWS, the question we’ve pondered within our team is this: What are the most collectible Omega watches today?
Omega Speedmaster Ed White ref.105.003-65
When we think of Omega, we can’t overlook the iconic Speedmaster Moonwatch worn by the first man on the Moon. While this model is often associated with lunar exploration, it originated in the late 1950s as a watch for racing car drivers. During the space race boom in the 1960s, NASA selected this watch, which had undergone some slight modifications, for its astronauts embarking on space missions.
One of the most collectible Omega watches is the Speedmaster with reference 105.003-65, the very watch rigorously tested by NASA and chosen to accompany astronauts to the Moon. Dubbed “Ed White” after the astronaut who wore it during his historic spacewalk in the Gemini 4 mission, this watch represents an icon of the brand and a piece of history, not just in watchmaking.
Crafted with a stainless steel case and bracelet, the watch was powered by the caliber 321, a movement beloved by maison collectors, which Omega has recently reintroduced, updated, in a Speedmaster design faithful to the iconic “Ed White.”
Omega Seamaster 300 “Goldeneye” ref.2541.80.00
The second Omega watch we find highly interesting and collectible is the Seamaster Professional ref. 2541.80.00. This iconic diver with a blue wave-patterned dial, nicknamed “Seamaster 300 Goldeneye,” was worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Unlike typical models in the collection, this watch featured a quartz movement housed in a 41mm stainless steel case.
(If you would like to know more about the history between Omega and 007, here you have our article where we traced the entire collaboration from the beginning to the present)
Water-resistant to a depth of 300 meters, this particular watch, in the “Goldeneye” film version, was equipped with a special laser critical for James Bond. Whether you’re an Omega enthusiast or a fan of the world’s most famous spy, the Seamaster 300 “Goldeneye” is undoubtedly the perfect watch for you and a piece of the iconic successful collaboration between Omega and 007.
Omega Seamaster Ploprof ref.166.077
The third watch not to be missed is the Omega Ploprof. Recently revisited in a new version with summer colors, this iconic watch with its unusual design owes its success to its unconventional shape and technical characteristics.
Developed in collaboration with COMEX in the late 1960s, it is the diver’s tool watch with the greatest water resistance for its time. Later on it was also marketed in a civilian version since 1970, this watch was designed to withstand the extreme pressures to which divers working at great depths descend.
Although officially named Seamaster Professional 600, this watch has always been nicknamed “Ploprof,” an abbreviation in French for “plongeur professionnel” or “professional diver” in Italian. Characterized by a large case, this watch has always stood out for its screw-down crown at 9 o’clock, protected by a special extension of the case. Thanks to this unusual positioning, the watch allowed free movement of the wrist and, more importantly, prevented inadvertent manipulations.
At 2 o’clock is the safety button capable of locking and unlocking the bidirectional rotating bezel. Initially developed to withstand a depth of 600 meters, this watch has been, in its most recent versions, taken to depths of 1200 meters.
Omega Constellation “Observatoire” ref. 2699 o ref. 14.355
As the fourth watch in our selection, we have chosen the Omega Constellation “De Luxe.” This model can be found with two different references, ref. 2699 and ref. 14.355, and is nicknamed “Observatoire” due to the dome of the Geneva Observatory depicted above the dial.
Unlike other models characterized by true toolwatch style, this watch represents a completely different concept. It is an extremely elegant timepiece created in the 1950s with a 34mm diameter yellow gold case.
In perfect harmony with the case is a bracelet, also in yellow gold, with a unique and elegant design. The real highlight of this watch lies above the dial, made of cloisonné enamel, depicting the Dome of the Geneva Observatory and created by the famous company Stern Frères specialized in this type of work.
Produced in a very small batch, commissioned by a client from the Middle East, the dial of this watch is characterized by the strong contrast of blue, turquoise, and gold colors. Unlike other models considered in the preceding paragraphs, with this charming model, which I consider one of the most beautiful ever created by Omega, we are facing a true work of art.
The dial’s realization itself represents a true demonstration of savoir-faire. On the other hand, the significant value achieved on the market by models with this type of dial is explained precisely by being highly limited productions, created thanks to extremely precise artistic work.
Omega Cosmic Complete Calendar “Farsi” ref. 2606-8
As the last watch among the most collectible Omega watches, we wanted to focus on what, in our opinion, remains a reference that is entirely underrated. We’re talking about ref. 2606-8, namely the Omega known as the Cosmic Complete Calendar “Farsi.” Above this watch, you can see the indication of the day and month, as well as the hour indices, in Persian language.
Observing the dial at 6 o’clock, you can admire the small seconds counter inside which stands out the moon phase indicator. Introduced in the mid-20th century, this fascinating timepiece with its entirely unusual dial is part of the Cosmic collection of the Biel house.
Produced in a limited edition, it was made with a steel case plated in rose gold, an unusual feature for the time.
Final Thoughts
We’d like to conclude this article by first asking you, dear friends of IWS, a question. What do you think are the 5 most collectible Omega watches of all time?
The ones we’ve grouped are certainly, for the most part, models well known to enthusiasts of the maison and beyond. However, I want to draw attention to the last two we considered, as I believe they are incredibly charming models that are often overlooked and of which, many times, their existence isn’t even known.
It’s important to consider that what often makes a watch highly collectible, and not just sought after by everyone, is not only the fact of being sought after by everyone but, sometimes, the fact of being not considered and left in the shadows, waiting for someone to give it the much-deserved success.
At the same time, however, we are also aware that the brand’s sports models are undoubtedly the most sought after today and the most well-known.
What I find interesting to reiterate, regardless of the Maison under consideration, is never to stop at the initial appearance and the “usual models” because, as in the case of Omega, there are many watches with unique and incredible charm capable of making every collector fall in love with their beauty.
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Fonti
Phillips: “STYLED” – Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them – New York Auction 5 December 2018
Phillips: “The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE” – 13/14 May 2017
Hairspring: “Farsi Dial 2606-8 Omega Cosmic Complete Calendar“
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