Uhrinstinkt Magazine
The first own Omega is a great dream of many watch lovers. Few other manufactures combine spectacular tradition, world-class celebrities and mechanical quantum leaps on a comparable level. Uhrinstinkt shows how you can turn the dream into a tangible goal today with six Omega beginner models, which brings the luxury manufacturer from Biel, Switzerland, to the wrist without compromise.
What criteria should an Omega beginner model meet?
One thing is fact: no new watch from Omega’s collection is a true bargain. Whether you’re immersed in the maritime world of the Seamaster, captured by the gravitas of a Speedmaster Moonwatch, or covet the iconic shapes of the Constellation, the ticket to each series costs a significant four-figure sum. In our opinion, however, a good beginner model should not be selected solely on the basis of financial criteria. In addition to the wallet, character plays a key role: anyone who brings a luxury model from Omega’s forge into their everyday life for the first time expects a great experience that embodies the pride of the brand every time they look at their wrist.
It should be a flagship of the manufacturer, enthroned in the watch box at the big moment of unpacking. The first watch from your dream brand is like the first car in your life: You will never forget it. The models listed below will live up to the high expectations you most likely have for your first Omega. We would like to emphasize that there is no ranking – the choice of your beginner model depends solely on your personal taste.
Omega De Ville Prestige Co-Axial 39,5mm
At first glance, the De Ville does not embody Omega’s brand essence. No Speedmaster, no Seamaster? Correct, and proudly so. As an elegant dress watch, the underdog represents the values with which the traditional brand, founded in 1848, once achieved world fame: classic lines, Swiss craftsmanship and, above all, technical progress. The latter is expressed by the name suffix “Co-Axial,” which describes the in-house escapement. Invented by English watchmaker George Daniels, it first made its way into Omega’s product portfolio in 1999 and later found its first wider distribution in the De Ville collection. In other respects, Omega’s beginner model knows no compromise: From the noble rhodium plating of the 2500 automatic movement to the dial, which is segmented into two zones and has beautiful applied indices plus a date display. Classic: the silver Ref. 424.13.40.20.02.001.
Omega Constellation Chronometer 38mm
The Constellation is, in a sense, the diva in Omega’s model family: an integral part of the range since 1952, the series is characterized by unrivaled unisex qualities and distinctive design features. As an entry-level watch for men and women, the Constellation Co-Axial Chronometer 38mm (Ref. 123.20.38.21.02.005) cuts a particularly fine figure: firstly, its diameter is an excellent fit for slender to medium-sized wrists; secondly, the four typical “knobs” on the bezel stand out in particular thanks to their yellow gold finish. Paired with engraved Roman numerals on the bezel and the smooth transition to the Constellation solid bracelet, a unique look is created. The beginner model is even suitable for swimming – 100 meters of water resistance protect the in-house automatic caliber 8500 with 60 hours of power reserve, which can be admired through a transparent case back.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300 M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 42 mm
A Seamaster to die for: since 1993, the Seamaster Diver 300M collection has enjoyed incredible popularity as an Omega beginner model. In the moderately sized 42-millimeter version (Ref. 210.30.42.20.01.001), it’s more than great mid-range, so to speak, and an absolute all-rounder. Robust 300 meter water resistance, including helium escape valve meet an armada of aesthetic features. From the black ceramic bezel with white enamel diving scale, to the ceramic dial with laser-engraved waves, to the skeletonized hour and minute hands, this entry-level watch bristles with cues that identify it as a prototypical Omega of the 21st century. The drive speaks for itself as well: visible through the glass back of the Divers, the METAS-certified Manufacture 8800 movement scores with 15,000 gauss magnetic field resistance, silicon hairspring, Co-Axial escapement, 55-hour power reserve, and a beautiful finish in Côtes de Genève arabesques that is now typical of the brand.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 41mm
The Aqua Terra is another sub-collection of the Seamaster, but has “only” 150 meters of water resistance. Is it therefore “half” a Seamaster? Not at all. Rather, it’s a question of taste: while the Diver 300M guarantees a beefy, powerful appearance, the Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial Master Chronometer presents itself more filigree, flatter, some would even say as a more civilized beginner model. The 41-millimeter version (Ref. 220.12.41.21.02.002) has no shortage of hallmarks: the horizontal teak decoration in the dial, which is supposed to be reminiscent of the wooden deck planks of luxury yachts, stands out in particular. The version on display wowed us with its color combination: blackened hands and indices on a silver background give the beginner model fabulous legibility, while orange accents add vibrancy. The in-house 8900 caliber combines almost all brand innovations with 60 hours of endurance.
Omega Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronograph 38mm
Since its presentation at Baselworld 2017, the small Speedmaster has been writing a brilliant success story: 38 instead of 42 millimeters in diameter predestine the series for unisex use. The fact that the Speedmaster 38 appeals to both sexes is reflected in the variety of models: while the classic model shown here with a black dial (Ref. 324.30.38.50.01.001) tends to appeal more to men, the Omega beginner model with brilliant-cut diamonds and ice-blue and brown dials tends to seduce the ladies. What all editions have in common is that they masterfully transform the essential characteristics of a Speedmaster into a compact format: Tachymeter scale, Trikompax layout and a Moonwatch-style clarity make the entry-level watch a hit. Other key data: 100-meter water resistance, solid case back, Co-Axial escapement, chronometer certificate, 52-hour power reserve.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
We’ve saved probably the most sought-after Omega beginner model of all time for last. Professional Moonwatch – there’s really nothing to add to the name of perhaps the world’s most famous chronograph. We’ll do it anyway, without going into detail about the six moon landings the iconic model completed between 1969 and 1972. We find the latest beginner model version (Ref. 310.32.42.50.01.002), available since 2021, particularly exciting: For the first time, the space instrument draws its power from a hand-wound movement that, with Co-Axial escapement, METAS certificate and 15,000 Gauss magnetic protection, makes full use of Omega’s complete technical toolbox.
Slight cosmetic updates compared to the predecessors do not change the core of the horological legend: With a black dial, tachymeter scale and white hands, the most prominent watch with the Greek “o” sits timelessly and confidently on the wrist. This watch needs no explanation. If you are looking for the essence of Omega as an entry-level watch, you’ve come to the right place.
