The Alpha And Omega Of Watches
70 percent of the world's adults recognize the name Omega watches. The reason is because Omega watches are noted for dependability. Omega began modestly in 1848 in an area of Switzerland called La Chaux-de-Fonds, the brainchild of Louis Brandt, 23. He set up a home workshop and assembled his pocket watches with their key winding precision from parts that he got from other local crafters.
His sons Cesar and Louis-Paul took over the Omega watches firm after his death in 1879. They both died in 1903, however, and another descendant took over the helm of Omega.
At this point 240,000 Omega watches were being manufactured each year and 800 people were employed by the firm. In 1930 the company, as a direct result of financial problems during World War One, merged with Tissot. The firm's new name was the Swatch Group Ltd. (better known as SSIH.) SSIH was the top producer of watches in Switzerland, and number three in the world by the 1970's. With the recession that started in 1975, SSIH had to be financially rescued by the Swiss banks in 1981, and in 1985 several private investors took over the company. Its new name became Societe Suisse de Microelectronique et d'horlogerie (SMH).
The firm succeeded rapidly, acquiring a quick reputation as the world's top producer of watches. The Swatch Group is now made up of additions Breguet and Blancpain. Omega watches are the flagship products of the firm.
In March of 1965 the Omega Speedmaster, a chronograph, became qualified for flight by NASA, which meant these Omega watches were acceptable to be worn on staffed space flights. It was the only wristwatch that was able to withstand every severe test that the space agency put it through. The Speedmaster was also the one timepiece worn on the moon, and its nickname became the Moon Watch. In April of 1970, the Omega Speedmaster was responsible for the rescues of the mission of Apollo 12 from possible disaster. For this it earned for Omega the coveted "Snoopy Award."
The Omega Seamaster premiered in 1948. The watch of James Bond fame, this timepiece was renowned for its underwater capabilities. The upgraded Seamaster debuted in 1957, and in 1981 the world record for free diving was broken by the brand new Seamaster 120. The depth was 101 meters.
The newest in the long line of quality Omega watches include Constellation, Chrono Diver, Seamaster GMT, Racing Chronometer, Diver Chronomoter, Speedmaster Professional, Aqua Terra Chronomoter, Aqua Terra Railmaster, Apnea, Moon Phase, Legend, Broad Arrow, and De Ville Co-Axial Power Reserve.