BANG FOR THE BUCK

5 Affordable Omega Watches for New Collectors


Omega has produced numerous iconic timepieces over the years, including perhaps the world’s most famous chronograph, known around the world as the Omega Moonwatch. Here are five models at accessible prices for both new and seasoned collectors.

1. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional

affordable omega watches
Omega’s Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional offers quite a bit for the price.

Launched in 1957, the Speedmaster is synonymous with spaceflight and adventure. Like most great icons, the design has changed little across the decades, meaning that today, the Moonwatch is recognized the world over. Last updated at the start of 2021, the flagship Speedmaster features a distinctive black dial covered by either a hesalite or sapphire crystal with trademark thin hour and minute hands, a small seconds subdial, 30-minute and 12-hour recorders, and a characteristic central chronograph seconds hand. The black bezel, with its tachymeter scale, is mounted on a 42-mm stainless steel case that is water-resistant to 50 meters.

At the heart of this chronograph is Omega’s mechanical caliber 3861, essentially an updated, Master Chronometer certified version of the famed caliber 1861. Though this hand-wound movement has been upgraded several times over the years, it remains essentially the same as the one that powered the timepieces that accompanied NASA astronauts on six trips to the moon.

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is available on either a strap or a bracelet, and is priced starting from $5,950, making it a very good value among new chronographs.  For more on the history of the Speedmaster Moonwatch, click here.

2. Omega Constellation Co-Axial

affordable omega watches
The Constellation offers Omega’s proprietary Co-Axial movement.

Omega launched the Constellation family in 1952, though in the United States, the collection was originally known by the name Globemaster, due to a trademark conflict that was resolved in 1956.

The dome of the Geneva Observatory served as the family crest, as Omega had just broken its own precision timekeeping record there the prior year. The cupola was surrounded by eight stars representing Omega’s greatest chronometric achievements at the world’s observatories, including the 1931 “clean sweep” at the Observatory of Geneva in which Omega broke the record for precision in every category.

In 1982, Omega launched the Constellation “Manhattan.” This watch introduced the four now-familiar “griffes,” or claws at 3 and 9 o’clock, which originally held the sapphire crystal in place and helped ensure the watch remained waterproof.

In 2007, Omega introduced its proprietary Co-Axial calibers with new and unique escapements offering less friction, greater mechanical efficiency, and excellent chronometric performance over time. The performance of the new escapement is such that each Omega timepiece fitted with a Co-Axial caliber is a COSC-certified chronometer delivered with a full four-year warranty, which is one of the best in the business for a mechanical timepiece. The exclusive movement is housed in a 38 mm case with a sapphire caseback and 100-meter water resistance.

The Constellation Co-Axial is available in many sizes and variations, but is typically priced starting at $4,400.

3. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Co-Axial

The Seamaster Aqua Terra is a robust timepiece with clean, distinctive lines. The dials of the Aqua Terra 150 M collection recall the beautiful wooden decks found on the finest luxury sailboats. The example shown above was launched in 2021 and features a lacquered silver dial decorated with the Teak Concept pattern, and is most recgonzieable by its running seconds sub-dial first introduced this year.

The stainless steel 41-mm case holds the best feature: an Omega Master Co-Axial caliber 8916 COSC-certified chronometer movement which is specially manufactured to resistant magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss. Unlike most antimagnetic watches, the Aqua Terra’s movement can be viewed through a transparent caseback.

Several brands offer mechanical watches with movements protected by antimagnetic inner cases. Omega improves on that design by fashioning key movement components from non-ferrous materials, making the movement itself impervious to magnetic fields. This feature is especially important today, as we encounter magnets more than ever, from smartphone and tablet cases to briefcase closures and refrigerator doors.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Co-Axial begins in price at $5,590. For our test of this watch, click here.

4. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M Master Chronometer

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M - soldier
Strong contrasts on the Planet Ocean’s dial mean the time is easy to read.

Omega is at least as well known for performance under the seas as it is for performance in space, and indeed, the brand was a pioneer in both realms. In 1932, Omega launched the Marine, recognized by many as the first watch designed from the ground up (or from the surface down) to be used on deep dives. Since those early days, Omega timepieces have accompanied many explorers on their journeys into the deep. Marine biologist and explorer William Beebe wore an Omega Marine during his record-breaking bathysphere dives, as did Commander Yves Le Prieur, the inventor of Scuba. Jacques Cousteau famously wore an Omega Seamaster PloProf, and Jacques Mayol – the renowned freediver known as The Dolphin Man – also sported an Omega Seamaster on his record-setting dives.

In 2005, Omega expanded its maritime legacy with the launch of the Planet Ocean line. The stylish Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M pays homage to Omega’s dive watch heritage. This model features a black ceramic unidirectional rotating dive bezel mounted on a 43.5-mm stainless steel case that is water-resistant to 600 meters or 2,000 feet. The helium-escape valve is the mark of a true professional dive instrument.

Inside the case, yet visible through the sapphire caseback, beats the self-winding Omega Co-Axial caliber 8900 COSC-certified chronometer movement. The free-sprung balance and twin mainspring barrels contribute to the chronometric precision and distinguish this caliber from those found in many other dive watches.

The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600 M Master Chronometer is priced from $8,100.

5. Omega De Ville Prestige

affordable omega watches
The Omega De Ville is available in a variety of metals and dial colors.

Even hardened adventurers must occasionally don a dress watch, and here again, Omega offers a time-honored selection. The De Ville Prestige collection is characterized by pure, classic styling and a luxurious appearance that is never out of fashion. The model shown above features a 39.5-mm stainless steel case with a striking two-zone, sun-brushed blue dial protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The case offers 30-meter water resistance.

At the heart of this timepiece is the automatic-winding Co-Axial caliber 2500. This is the movement in which the Co-Axial escapement debuted on the world stage in 1999, conferring upon the caliber enduring historical significance.

This Omega De Ville Prestige in stainless steel is priced at $3,750.

This article was originally published in 2014 and was most recently updated in 2021. 

If you buy something using the affiliate links in our stories, WatchTime may earn a small commission. WatchTime does not accept money for editorial review.

No Responses to “5 Affordable Omega Watches for New Collectors”

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  1. One can start with used Omegas as well. The 2501.21 Seamaster 120 can be had in good shape for less than a grand. There are others as well. I picked up some 70s goodness in a Genéve integrated bracelet for under a grand as well. No need to start with the newest Omegas.

    Reply
  2. Arthur Beddoe

    Affordable??? In what alternate reality do these watches qualify as affordable? I had several different Seamasters in the 90s & early 00s when they could be had for less than 1K but that ship has sailed!

    Reply
  3. New collectors are probably not looking at watches that are $6-8k MSRP. I love Omega and own two but I went through a lot of other watches before I got to the point of purchasing an Omega. How about the article just be about the best value luxury watches that Omega offers, rather than acting like a $5k+ watch Omega is entry level?

    Reply
  4. Janette Lee

    Do you have the omega de vill prestige in the Adelaide store?

    Reply
  5. Wancharida

    The Farer Lander and Aloha GMT 40 both feature the same workhorse movement, ~m steel cases and handsome dials. So which is right for you?

    Reply
  6. Robert E. Wald

    I am very pleased with my Omega Dynamic watch! I haven’t had a single problem since I purchased it new. I recognized it as a quality timepiece when it was used for timing events in Olympic competition

    Reply
  7. Joe Rizzuto

    I’m looking for an Omega tomorrow De Ville like 1960 to late 70’s let me know love the look classy.

    Reply
  8. Ben Gerry Abella

    How much is the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional and what is the diameter of the watch?

    Reply
  9. Graham Newell

    Dear Watch Time,l have a list of very well known companies that are selling COUNTERFEIT watches openly to the general public.You can buy any Rolex, Omega, HUBLOT,AP, all on site’s like EBAY, WISH, Amazon.It would make a great story in your great magazine.please let’s stop this trade once and for all. I myself have compiled a list of what I have found in just 2hours.They are being made in most country’s in the E U, England, France everywhere.
    If you want any information about what I have found please feel free to contact me at any time
    Regards G Newell

    Reply
  10. Steve B.

    I own the Sea Master Professional Casino Royale James Bond model, love it! It is my new daily wearer. I have become so used to it now. The 007 second hand is very cool along with the “Gun Rifling” on the dial. Not gaudy, but very cool. A nice conversation piece!!

    Reply
  11. Omegas are very excellent luxury watches. I have two myself, my absolute favorite being the Seamaster Pro 2254.50 black dial. Gorgeous on the bracelet.

    Reply
  12. I am an omega fan.
    I have a speed master moon watch, a Bond
    Seamster( my favorite every day watch)
    Two full bar Constellations and
    Two integral band solid gold Constellations.They all have
    Classic and timeless design unmatched in the watch universe.
    (Vintage)

    Reply
  13. Leonard Martinez

    My 2013 Seamaster Planet Ocean is the most accurate watch on my watch winders. And I love it’s look, but the best-looking P.O. I’ve seen is now the liquid metal (titanium) with dark blue dial. It’s impeccable.

    Reply
  14. Jack T

    I own a 42mm Planet Ocean 2500 caliber, about six years old, still love the look, the feel and it runs right on time. One of the bet dive watches out there, but the new Deep Black models…wow ! I want to see one in person.

    Reply
  15. E Prusz

    Omega is becoming one of my favorite watch brands. But the one I want, Apollo 13 Snoopy Speedmaster, is hard to get. How can I find one?

    Reply
  16. Ronnie DeJong

    $6000 dollars is affordable for a watch? For most everyday Joe and blue collar worker out there, this is an insult. I’m an electrician, not a Fortune 500 CEO, and collecting 5 and 6 thousand dollar watches is pure fantasy. Especially in today’s world.

    Reply
    • Oh Please! People do invest in watches in the same way as cars or horses. Others are wealthy and can spend their money how they wish, but your question begets another: Why do you read Watchtime if that’s how you feel??

      Reply
      • Top Dogg

        You’re right, Eden. Why is Ronnie reading WatchTime and then complaining about the price of collectible watches. I know a few electricians who can afford an Omega—successful electricians and other blue-collar workers.

        Reply
      • Peter Chandler

        Perhaps it’s the word “affordable” that grinds on some. At better title might have been, “5 of Omega’s Lowest Price Watches for New Collectors”.

        Reply
    • Leonard Martinez

      Dude, I sympathize, but don’t get hung up on MSRPs. The retail jewelry/watch industry is highly competitive, and prices generally go down over time. Bottom line? Wait. I just bought a new Eterna Kon Tiki that I’d had my eye on for four years. The original MSRP was around $7000, but I picked it up (new but a display model) for two grand. You can always get a used one on eBay for quite a bit less than the MSRP.

      Reply
  17. srhardy

    +1 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Co-Axial & DeVille…

    (note to self) rob bank

    Reply
  18. Chris C.

    Once again: after a break-in period (3 months) the accuracy has improved.
    So, my 2014 Omega Seamaster 300 m is now -0,45 sec/24 hours!!
    Awesome…Omega only is for accuracy… believe me.

    Reply
  19. precisionswisstime

    Hello again George from precision swiss time in Australia let’s see all the omega watch models personallyI think that the speed master and its the best time piece made I do have one the original 1968 84 model with eta movement 45jewels

    Reply
    • Leonard Martinez

      Don’t you blokes use periods down under? It would certainly go a long way toward eschewing obfuscation.

      Reply
  20. Debashish

    Your article on Omega was lucid as well as quite informative for new watch aficionados.

    During 1957, my own love affair with Omega started when I was just 7 after my Granddad bought 2 Omega Seamasters, one was manually wound and other was self-winding. Two years later, my father bought 2 Omega Constellations and I became irrevocably hooked to watches in general and Omega in particular.

    Now, I visit your fantastic website at least once a day as I enjoy all your fine reports and lovely pictures.

    I am also a regular reader of blogs written by Alexander Linz (Watchinsider).

    Reply
    • srhardy

      mmm, prob a bit of that and a lot of OMEGA LOVERS as i know im hoocked on then and the Ball Seaquest

      Reply
  21. I have a new beautiful Seamaster 300 m, 2500 cal. Accuracy is +1,87 second/per 24 hours.
    Chris from Toronto.
    The blue dial is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
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