The wristwatch that supported the Apollo program.
1848 | La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland | Louis Brandt

Omega, a brand that achieved numerous moon landings during the Apollo program and remains the only official NASA equipment, is known worldwide. Its history began in the workshop established by its founder, Louis Brandt, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

In that area, which remains the center of the watchmaking industry, the company initially manufactured pocket watches. In 1877, it changed its name to Louis Brandt Sr., and in 1882, it moved its factory to Biel, where its headquarters are still located today.

In 1885, they developed the "Labrador" lever escapement movement and successfully mass-produced it, quickly becoming a renowned manufacturer due to its high precision. Furthermore, their business strategy, which focused on all of Europe and even America, proved successful, and by 1889, they had grown to become Switzerland's largest watch manufacturer, producing 100,000 watches annually.

In 1894, they began manufacturing mechanical movements bearing the name Omega, which means "ultimate." This high-precision movement, assembled through a division of labor involving 19 steps, became the standard in the watch industry, and the name of this movement, "Omega," became the official company name in 1903.

In 1932, Omega was chosen as the official timekeeper for the Los Angeles Olympics and unveiled the "Marlin" diver's watch. In 1948, its successor, the "Seamaster," was born. The "Seamaster 600," with its monocoque case, is also known for its unwavering performance during the eight-day deep-sea exploration mission at a depth of 250 meters for the Janus oil field exploration program.

Furthermore, in 1957, the "Speedmaster" was unveiled. This model, the world's first to feature a tachymeter on the outer bezel, became the model for subsequent chronograph designs. Then, in 1969, the Speedmaster was the only watch to pass NASA's rigorous tests, which included zero gravity, vacuum conditions, extreme temperature changes, and 40G shocks. It walked across the moon with Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and also played a significant role in the return of Apollo 13, which had experienced instrument malfunctions. Its name became known all over the world.

One episode that symbolizes Omega's insatiable spirit of inquiry is the practical application of the Co-Axial escapement, invented by Dr. George Daniels in 1978.

Although considered groundbreaking at the time, this idea was initially rejected by various companies due to the perceived difficulties in practical application. However, more than 20 years after its invention, in 1999, Omega successfully commercialized it for the first time with the "De Ville Co-Axial." The Co-Axial mechanism, which is said to maintain accuracy without requiring an overhaul for 10 years, dramatically reduces the frequency of maintenance while also improving energy efficiency. This marked a major step forward in the history of mechanical watches, which were thought to have reached their limit.

Omega was once again chosen as the official timekeeper for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The "Speedmaster Professional Tokyo 2020 Olympic Limited Edition," limited to 2020 pieces, naturally became popular, and is already reportedly commanding a premium price. There's no doubt that Omega will continue to exude timeless appeal in the future.