Omega Watches
In 1848, 23-year-old Louis Brandt set up a workshop in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland that was eventually to grow into watch company Omega. He died in 1879, and his two sons Cesar and Louis-Paul took over the business; in 1880 the company moved to Bienne, where it still has its headquarters today. In 1884 they produced the 19 line (OMEGA calibre), a movement manufactured using groundbreaking industrial techniques from which the company would later take their name. In 1909, the brand was asked to time the Gordon Bennett Cup, an international balloon race - this started their long association with sporting events and in 1932, Omega started its career as official timekeeper to the Olympic Games, a role it continues to this day. Since producing its 10 millionth watch in 1944, the company has gone from strength to strength and still produces top-quality timepieces to this day.
Good examples of Omega watches perform well at auction. Of particular interest to collectors are early examples of innovative designs, military provenance, and limited edition pieces, such as 1920s Art Deco-inspired enamelled watches, a timepiece launched at the 1929 Barcelona Universal Exhibition designed to be worn on the back of the hand, the 1932 Marine watch designed for scuba diving or the iconic Speedmaster launched in 1952. There’s a buoyant market for Omega watches in general, but early examples of these innovative models are particularly sought after. Omega watches remain very collectable, with condition and rarity being driving factors when determining cost. As the brand was worn by many sports stars and celebrities, such as Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy, any proven links with famous owners will add to the value, as will original packaging or cases.
Omega Speedmaster Watches at Auction
Arguably the most recognisable and iconic of the Omega Watches, the Omega Speedmaster is amongst the most valuable of all the Omega watches at auction. With examples that have sold for upwards of £40,000, these sought-after watches continue to rise in value at auction. Released in the 1950s and still in production to the present day, Speedmasters have an enduring appeal with seasoned collectors and first-time watch buyers alike. Speedmasters with the most value at auction include early models from the 1950s and 60s, in particular 'pre moon landing' models that were produced before the subsequent association of Buzz Aldrin wearing his Speedmaster on his 1969 moonlanding. Elsewhere, limited edition runs such as the Moon Landing commemorative watch, 'Ultraman' Speedmaster, and the 'Silver Snoopy Award' Apollo 13 Speedmaster all sell exceptionally well with keen collectors. Examples with rare dial features such as logos (Apollo Soyuz) and distinctive colours also attract attention for their rarity and design history.
Omega 'Dirty Dozen' Watches at Auction
During the Second World War the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) ordered timepieces from 12 of the finest contemporary watch companies for use by British troops on the front line. Omega was one of these infamous 'Dirty Dozen' watchmakers, producing 25,000 watches of the total 150,000 with a 35mm stainless steel case, sword hands, and cal. 30T2 manual wind movement.
Dirty Dozen wristwatches are incredibly sought-after by watch and militaria collectors alike who are eager to complete the set! Characterised by their Watch Wrist Waterproof 'W.W.W' inscription to the case back, broad arrow markings, black dial, arabic markers, luminous dots and hands, these watches are continuing to rise in value at auction. Dirty Dozen timepieces were produced by Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex - examples of each sell exceptionally well through our specialist sales. For a free and confidential valuation of your Omega Dirty Dozen wristwatch, contact our specialist.
We hold four dedicated Jewellery & Watches auctions each year and offer a free valuation service as well as a free collection service for items consigned to these auctions.
Contact our qualified specialist Liz Bailey to find out more.
