Omega Watch Company
Brief History: Omega Watch Company
Serial Numbers, Production Dates & Case Metal Codes
⌚ Omega Watch Company, founded in 1848
🏅 Omega Watches — Official Timekeeper at 21+ Olympic Games
🌕 First Watch on the Moon — 1969 Omega Speedmaster
🔬 Omega Co-Axial Escapement Movement
✅ Experts Watches Trusted by Collectors Since 2000 — CPO Program
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1848 to Present — Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
The Omega Watch Company was founded by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, in 1848. Brandt, 23 years old, began by hand assembling watches from parts produced by local craftsmen. When Louis Brandt passed away in 1879, he left the company to his two sons, Louis-Paul and Cesar, who moved Omega to Bienne in January 1880.
Vintage Omega Speedmaster — Pre-Moon Reference
By 1889, Louis Brandt and Fils became the largest producers of watches in Switzerland, with a production rate of over 100,000 watches per year. During this period, they continued to make significant innovations, like the minute-repeating wristwatch, developed in 1892 in partnership with Audemars Piguet, and quite likely the first wristwatch of its kind.
Both Brandt brothers died in 1903, placing the fate of the company in the control of four descendants, the oldest of whom, Paul-Emile Brandt, was only 23 years of age.
Following a merger with Tissot in 1930 a new parent company, SSIH, Société Suisse pour l'industrie Horlogère SA, Geneva, was established. This group eventually encompassed over 50 companies including Lanco, Lémania and Hamilton. SSIH eventually became the third largest producers of finished watches and movements in the world. Looking for a specific Omega? Contact us.
Omega World-Renowned Quality
Omega has a long-established reputation for innovation and quality, which has led to numerous awards over the company's 150-year history, starting as early as 1900 with the Grand Prix at the Paris World Fair. In 1936, an Omega watch was awarded 97.8 points at the Kew-Teddington chronometer trials in England, setting a world precision record.
Omega has also had a long affiliation with sports. Omega has been the official timekeeper at over 21 Olympic Games, and has contributed many significant innovations to sports timekeeping over the years. For example, Omega brought the first electronic timekeeping device to the Helsinki Olympic Games in 1952. In that same year, Omega was awarded the Olympic Cross of Merit in recognition of its outstanding contribution to Olympic sports.
Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin wears his Omega Speedmaster on the lunar surface and in the lunar lander
Omega on the Moon
Because of its well-deserved reputation for precision and reliability, the Omega Speedmaster was chosen by NASA as its official chronometer in 1965. It was the only watch flight-certified by NASA for EVA use, and accompanied astronaut Ed White on the first space walk during the Gemini 4 mission in 1965. In 1969 it became the first watch to be worn on the moon when Buzz Aldrin wore his Speedmaster, fitted with cal. 321 movement, on his first lunar excursion. Neil Armstrong left his Omega Speedmaster in the lunar module during his historic first spacewalk. In all, Omega watches made six lunar landings. Omega watches were also the only watches certified for use in space by the Russian Space Agency.
Omega Co-Axial
More recently, Omega has continued to build on its reputation for innovation with the world's first self-winding tourbillon wristwatch in 1994, and the commercial introduction of the revolutionary coaxial escapement developed in conjunction with world-renowned English watchmaker George Daniels. The coaxial was first offered in limited series in 1999. The new coaxial escapement consists of three components: a coaxial wheel, an escape wheel, and a lever with three pallet stones, unlike the conventional pallet-lever and escape wheel of the lever escapement. The combination of the new escapement and a newly developed free-sprung balance attempts to eliminate the sources of error in timekeeping.
Omega Co-Axial 8801 Movement
In practice, Omega's implementation of the co-axial escapement has not been without problems. Omega is currently on at least the 4th generation of their co-axial, and have yet to achieve the theoretical goal of lubrication-free performance. It has been reported that George Daniels (who passed away in 2011) was not happy with Omega's execution of his escapement design.
Through an economic crisis in the 1980s the company merged with another large Swiss conglomerate, ASUAG, makers of Swatch, Longines and Rado, to create a new company ASUAG-SSIH. Eventually this pairing fell on hard times and the company was taken over by a private group and renamed SMH, which still exists today. Shop Vintage Watches at ExpertsWatches.com
Fake "Omega" Watches
The Omega brand has been frequently copied, and you have no doubt seen email advertisements for imitation Omega watches at deep-discount prices. Don't waste your money! These watches are cheap, poorly-made fakes that are not serviceable and will not perform like the genuine article. Counterfeiting products is illegal. We do not encourage or endorse the purchase of any counterfeit watch.
Omega Watch Repair & Service
At Experts Watches, we are experts in the repair and restoration of vintage Omega watches. We also repair modern Omega watches and are always looking to purchase Omega watches and vintage wristwatches for our inventory. Contact us if you have questions about repair or the sale of your vintage Omega watch.
Omega Caliber 321 — the legendary movement worn on the Moon
Omega Watch Company Serial Numbers and Production Dates
Note that Omega began using ETA movements in some of its watches in about 1980. This table does not include accurate dates for Omega/ETA movements.
Omega Serial Number (excluding Speedmaster)
| Serial Number | First Year Made | Serial Number | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000,000 – 1,999,999 | 1894 | 43,000,000 – 43,999,999 | 1979 |
| 2,000,000 – 2,999,999 | 1902 | 44,000,000 – 44,999,999 | 1980 |
| 3,000,000 – 3,999,999 | 1906 | 45,000,000 – 45,999,999 | 1982 |
| 4,000,000 – 4,999,999 | 1910 | 46,000,000 – 46,999,999 | 1984 |
| 5,000,000 – 5,999,999 | 1915 | 47,000,000 – 47,999,999 | 1984 |
| 6,000,000 – 6,999,999 | 1923 | 48,000,000 – 48,999,999 | 1985 |
| 7,000,000 – 7,999,999 | 1920 | 49,000,000 – 49,999,999 | 1986 |
| 8,000,000 – 8,999,999 | 1934 | 50,000,000 – 50,999,999 | 1986 |
| 9,000,000 – 9,999,999 | 1939 | 51,000,000 – 51,999,999 | 1989 |
| 10,000,000 – 10,999,999 | 1944 | 53,000,000 – 53,999,999 | 1991 |
| 11,000,000 – 11,999,999 | 1947 | 54,000,000 – 54,999,999 | 1993 |
| 12,000,000 – 12,999,999 | 1950 | 55,000,000 – 55,999,999 | 1995 |
| 13,000,000 – 13,999,999 | 1952 | 56,000,000 – 56,999,999 | 1998 |
| 14,000,000 – 14,999,999 | 1954 | 57,000,000 – 57,999,999 | 1998 |
| 15,000,000 – 15,999,999 | 1956 | 58,000,000 – 58,999,999 | 1998 |
| 16,000,000 – 16,999,999 | 1958 | 59,000,000 – 59,999,999 | 1998 |
| 17,000,000 – 17,999,999 | 1959 | 60,000,000 – 60,999,999 | 1999 |
| 18,000,000 – 18,999,999 | 1961 | 61,000,000 – 61,999,999 | 2000 |
| 19,000,000 – 19,999,999 | 1962 | 62,000,000 – 62,999,999 | 2000 |
| 20,000,000 – 20,999,999 | 1963 | 63,000,000 – 63,999,999 | 2000 |
| 21,000,000 – 21,999,999 | 1964 | 64,000,000 – 64,999,999 | 2000 |
| 22,000,000 – 22,999,999 | 1965 | 65,000,000 – 65,999,999 | 2001 |
| 23,000,000 – 23,999,999 | 1966 | 66,000,000 – 66,999,999 | 2002 |
| 24,000,000 – 24,999,999 | 1966 | 67,000,000 – 67,999,999 | 2002 |
| 25,000,000 – 25,999,999 | 1967 | 68,000,000 – 68,999,999 | 2003 |
| 26,000,000 – 26,999,999 | 1968 | 69,000,000 – 69,999,999 | 2003 |
| 27,000,000 – 27,999,999 | 1968 | 70,000,000 – 70,999,999 | 2004 |
| 28,000,000 – 28,999,999 | 1969 | 71,000,000 – 71,999,999 | 2004 |
| 29,000,000 – 29,999,999 | 1969 | 72,000,000 – 72,999,999 | 2005 |
| 30,000,000 – 30,999,999 | 1969 | 73,000,000 – 73,999,999 | 2005 |
| 31,000,000 – 31,999,999 | 1969 | 74,000,000 – 74,999,999 | 2005 |
| 32,000,000 – 32,999,999 | 1970 | 75,000,000 – 75,999,999 | 2005 |
| 33,000,000 – 33,999,999 | 1971 | 76,000,000 – 76,999,999 | 2005 |
| 34,000,000 – 34,999,999 | 1972 | 77,000,000 – 77,999,999 | 2005 |
| 35,000,000 – 35,999,999 | 1972 | 78,000,000 – 78,999,999 | 2006 |
| 36,000,000 – 36,999,999 | 1973 | 79,000,000 – 79,999,999 | 2006 |
| 37,000,000 – 37,999,999 | 1973 | 80,000,000 – 80,999,999 | 2006 |
| 38,000,000 – 38,999,999 | 1974 | 81,000,000 – 81,999,999 | 2007 |
| 39,000,000 – 39,999,999 | 1975 | 82,000,000 – 82,999,999 | 2007 |
| 40,000,000 – 40,999,999 | 1977 | 83,000,000 – 83,999,999 | 2007 |
| 41,000,000 – 41,999,999 | 1978 | 84,000,000+ | 2008 |
| 42,000,000 – 42,999,999 | 1979 |
Omega Speedmaster Serial Numbers
| Production Year | Serial Number Range | Reference Example(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | 14,000,000 – 14,999,999 | CK2915 |
| 1958 | 15,000,000 – 16,499,999 | CK2915 |
| 1959 | 16,500,000 – 17,761,000 | CK2998 |
| 1960 | 17,761,001 – 18,419,999 | CK2998 |
| 1961 | 18,420,000 – 18,999,999 | CK2998 |
| 1962 | 19,000,000 – 20,520,000 | CK2998, ST105.002 |
| 1963 | 20,520,001 – 21,999,999 | ST105.003, ST105.012 |
| 1964 | 22,000,000 – 22,825,000 | ST105.003, ST105.012 |
| 1965 | 22,825,001 – 23,999,999 | ST105.003, ST105.012 |
| 1966 | 24,000,000 – 25,999,999 | ST105.003, ST105.012, ST145.003, ST145.012 |
| 1967 | 26,000,000 – 26,999,999 | ST145.012 |
| 1968 | 27,000,000 – 27,999,999 | ST145.012, ST145.022 |
| 1969 | 28,000,000 – 29,999,999 | ST145.022 |
| 1970 | 30,000,000 – 31,199,999 | ST145.022, ST145.0022 |
| 1971 | 31,200,000 – 32,199,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1972 | 32,200,000 – 32,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1973 | 33,000,000 – 33,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1974 | 34,000,000 – 34,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1975 | 35,000,000 – 35,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1976 | 36,000,000 – 36,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1977 | 37,000,000 – 37,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1978 | 38,000,000 – 38,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1979 | 39,000,000 – 39,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1980 | 40,000,000 – 41,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1981 | 42,000,000 – 42,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1982 | 43,000,000 – 43,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1983 | 44,000,000 – 44,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1984 | 45,000,000 – 45,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1985 | 46,000,000 – 46,999,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1986 | 47,000,000 – 47,249,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1987 | 47,250,000 – 47,499,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1988 | 47,500,000 – 47,749,999 | ST145.0022 |
| 1989 | 47,750,000 – 48,169,999 | ST145.0022 |
Omega Speedmaster Reference Number Table (1957–1996)
Serviced 1958 Vintage Omega Seamaster Chronograph CK 2947 Cal 321
Use this Omega Speedmaster reference number chart to date your vintage watch. Browse by serial range, production year, reference, and caliber. Notes highlight collector details, rare editions, and NASA history.
1957–59
First Speedmaster "Broad Arrow"; steel bezel; alpha hands.
1959–63
"First Omega in Space"; worn by Schirra & Cooper; alpha → baton hand transition.
1962–64
Transitional reference; rare; overlap with late CK2998.
1964–66
"Ed White" — first NASA EVA watch; straight lugs.
1964–68
First "Professional" dial; worn on Apollo 11 Moon landing.
1967–69
Last Cal. 321; Apollo 11 backup; asymmetrical case.
1968
Rare orange chrono hand; featured in Return of Ultraman (1971); highly collectible.
1968–69
Transitional; Cal. 861 in 321 case; "Pre-Moon" dials.
1969–71
DON bezel; Apollo 13 era; multiple caseback variants.
1971–74
Step dial until ~1973; Apollo XI LE "Straight Writing."
1975–76
Flat dial; "Moonwatch" script; early 1171 bracelet.
1976–79
Flat dial; Japan market editions; caseback variations.
1979–82
Early tritium dial; rare sub-reference; 1171/633 bracelet.
1981–88
Bracelet ref. 1450 introduced; flat dials dominate.
1985–88
Moonphase LE, 1300 pcs; sapphire display back.
1988–90
Sapphire back; tritium dials; early 1479 bracelet.
1990s
1990s transition; tritium → luminova; modern pre-owned Speedmasters.
Omega Watch Metal Code Reference Guide
Explore the official Omega metal codes used in vintage and luxury watches to identify case material, plating type, and structural components. Perfect for collectors, appraisers, and enthusiasts.
🔍 Omega Case Material Codes
| Code | Material Description |
|---|---|
| AB | Platinum + 18k Yellow Gold |
| AT | Platinum |
| BA | 18k Yellow Gold |
| BB | 18k Pink Gold |
| BC | 18k White Gold |
| BD | 14k Yellow Gold |
| BF | 14k White Gold |
| BG | 9k Yellow Gold |
| BJ | 18k Multi-Colored Gold |
| BK | Gold, Bezel Steel |
| BL | 9k Pink Gold |
| BP | 18k Pink Gold |
| BR | Two-Tone 18k Yellow & Pink Gold |
| BT | 18k Yellow Gold + Titanium |
| BU | 18k Yellow Gold, Bezel Aluminum |
1949 Vintage Omega 2439 Chronograph 14K Gold Cal 321
⚙️ Omega Finish & Plating Codes
| Code | Plating / Finish Description |
|---|---|
| DN | Two-Tone Plated 10Y |
| DP | Steel, 18k Pink Gold |
| DR | Bezel 18k Pink Gold on Steel |
| DS | 14k Yellow Gold Bezel on Steel |
| DX | Two-Tone Plated 10M Yellow |
| ED | Plated 10M 2NIB |
| EF | Plated 10M 1N14 Steelback |
| EX | Plated 10M 1N14 |
| FD | Plated 80M Yellow |
| FE | Plated 80M Pink |
🔧 Omega Alternative Materials & Finishes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| SC | PVD Grey |
| SE | PVD Yellow |
| SI | Steel + Titanium |
| SO | Oxidized Steel |
| ST | Steel |
| SU | Steel, Aluminum Ring |
| TA | Titanium + Gold Case and Bracelet |
| TB | Titanium + Pink Gold Bracelet |
| TD | Titanium + Plated 20M Yellow; Bracelet: Titanium + Pl. 10M |
| TI | Titanium |
1949 Vintage Omega 2439 Chronograph 14K Gold Cal 321
📖 Omega Watch Manuals & Owner Guides
Download official Omega owner manuals and movement guides below. We add new manuals as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions — Omega Watches
How do I date my vintage Omega watch by serial number?
Use the serial number table above. Find your serial number range in the left column to identify the production year. For Speedmaster models, use the dedicated Speedmaster serial number table which accounts for the separate production run.
What does the Omega metal code on my watch mean?
Omega uses a two-letter code stamped on the case back to identify the case material. For example, ST = Stainless Steel, BA = 18k Yellow Gold, BD = 14k Yellow Gold. Use the metal code tables above to decode your watch's case material.
Was the Omega Speedmaster really worn on the Moon?
Yes. In 1969, Buzz Aldrin wore his Omega Speedmaster (ref. ST105.012, Cal. 321) on the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission. Neil Armstrong left his Speedmaster in the lunar module. The Speedmaster made six lunar landings in total.
What is the Omega Co-Axial escapement?
The Co-Axial escapement is a revolutionary movement design developed by English watchmaker George Daniels and commercially introduced by Omega in 1999. It uses three pallet stones instead of two, reducing friction and extending service intervals to approximately 10 years.
Where can I buy a certified authentic vintage Omega watch?
Experts Watches has specialized in certified authentic vintage and pre-owned Omega watches since 2000. Every watch is inspected, timed, and authenticated in-house. Browse our Omega collection or contact us directly — we have more in stock than listed online.
Vintage Omega 146.011 Bullhead Chronograph Watch
This is an unofficial history of the Omega Watch Company. Experts Watches is not affiliated with the Omega Watch Company. The Omega name and names of various Omega watch models are trademarks of Omega. Information provided for educational purposes only.
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📚 Omega Watch Guides & Resources
In-depth reference guides for Omega collectors, buyers, and enthusiasts.
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