The Night of Omega Firsts

When you think of Omega, you probably think of their Speedmaster, Seamaster, Constellation and De Ville collections. Perhaps some exotic models like the Flightmaster or vintage chronometers like the 30T2 or Centenary models also come to mind. Omega did so much more than these models and collections of course. What to think about the first commercial diving watch, the Marine from 1932? The wrist sized tourbillon watch from 1947? The Co-Axial movement in a 1974 Speedmaster or a central tourbillon?

If you have ever been to the Omega museum in Biel (click here for our report on the museum and an older but more complete overview here), you’ve probably seen the amazing collection of pocket watches, wristwatches and other timing devices. The museum is definitely worth visiting and I consider it to be the most beautiful mono brand museum around. Perhaps I am a bit biased though.

For those who are unable to take a plane to Zürich and then travel to Biel by train (or take a car), you either have to do it with the photos we showed you here or hope that the Omega Museum will come to you.

In 2013, we had a magnificent Speedy Tuesday event for our readers which included a number of special Speedmasters from the museum. Museum director Petros Protopapas was there with his team to talk about special Speedmasters and to answer questions from the crowd. A report on that event can be found here.

Last December, our colleagues of the Australian based Time+Tide website hosted an event together with Omega’s Museum to show a number of Omega Firsts to their readers and Omega fans. Museum Director Petros and the local Omega staff showed magnificent pieces from their heritage to the guests of the evening. Not only did Time+Tide take beautiful shots of the Omega Firsts (click here for their report), but they also did a wonderful 12 minute movie of the Omega Museum Director’s presentation.

Click here for the video, a must-see for every Omega watch fan!