Well I am not an Omega fan and never owned any of their watches, gen or rep, but when opportunity presented itself today to visit their production HQs and the Museum nearby, I decided why not, got on the train and spent a great afternoon touring the place.
The museum is not huge but quite comprehensive and the audio tour in English was very detailed...took me 1.5 hours to see most of the collection, and I took a lot of photos so expect a modem burner if you decided to scroll down
Interestingly, I was the only visitor and the staff were great, helpful and friendly. Asked them if I can put on one of the Speedies that actually made it to the Moon but was told no, predictably
Well in the end, I've developed a bit more interest in the Omega brand, they definitely have a rich history and a pedigree worth of respect. Most of their watches still make no sense to me but a used Speedy Professional is beginning to look like a possible gen purchase, and considering one can be had for about 2200$, it is a hell of the watch for the money.
Well, enough of my blubber, here are some photos I took...
World's first ebauche:
Pocket watch with major complications
Military issue...
Laurence of Arabia's watch
Seamaster origins. Neat looking piece...
Iconic Speedy - this one was actually worn on the Moon...
The Speedy that Omega presented to Nixon..and one which he refused to accept as he felt it was too expensive of a gift. I agree - but on the grounds of this being one fudgly timepiece
More Speedys...
Speedy's movement - hasnt changed since a long, long time...appears that the current movement is much better finished though
Some really weird Speedy's...honestly I dont know what they were thinking/smoking when designing these ones...
..and other crazy combo...
Lots of Seamasters
Love this dial!
Ploprofs...bricks of watches, I cant imagine anyone actually wearing them in real life...but I know some of you DO
Special section was devoted to Bond's merchandise...here are a few that were actually used on the set of various 007s. This one's dial has built-in pulsating lights...
Constellation stuff...most boring part of the Omega range in MO...so only 1 photo
Finally, a "boutique" experience where they exibit the current collection. You cant touch, try or buy any of the watches btw...
This one looks like a rep to me, after seeing how many folks out there wearing them in the wild Well, may be it is a rep after all - check that pearl placement
Well that's it folks, hope you like the photos and visit the place if you get a chance!
The museum is not huge but quite comprehensive and the audio tour in English was very detailed...took me 1.5 hours to see most of the collection, and I took a lot of photos so expect a modem burner if you decided to scroll down
Interestingly, I was the only visitor and the staff were great, helpful and friendly. Asked them if I can put on one of the Speedies that actually made it to the Moon but was told no, predictablyWell in the end, I've developed a bit more interest in the Omega brand, they definitely have a rich history and a pedigree worth of respect. Most of their watches still make no sense to me but a used Speedy Professional is beginning to look like a possible gen purchase, and considering one can be had for about 2200$, it is a hell of the watch for the money.
Well, enough of my blubber, here are some photos I took...
World's first ebauche:
Pocket watch with major complications
Military issue...
Laurence of Arabia's watch
Seamaster origins. Neat looking piece...
Iconic Speedy - this one was actually worn on the Moon...
The Speedy that Omega presented to Nixon..and one which he refused to accept as he felt it was too expensive of a gift. I agree - but on the grounds of this being one fudgly timepiece
More Speedys...
Speedy's movement - hasnt changed since a long, long time...appears that the current movement is much better finished though
Some really weird Speedy's...honestly I dont know what they were thinking/smoking when designing these ones...
..and other crazy combo...
Lots of Seamasters
Love this dial!
Ploprofs...bricks of watches, I cant imagine anyone actually wearing them in real life...but I know some of you DO
Special section was devoted to Bond's merchandise...here are a few that were actually used on the set of various 007s. This one's dial has built-in pulsating lights...
Constellation stuff...most boring part of the Omega range in MO...so only 1 photo
Finally, a "boutique" experience where they exibit the current collection. You cant touch, try or buy any of the watches btw...
This one looks like a rep to me, after seeing how many folks out there wearing them in the wild
Well, may be it is a rep after all - check that pearl placement
Well that's it folks, hope you like the photos and visit the place if you get a chance!
