The Laings Journal
Omega began their journey in 1848 when they started making watches. Now, based in Biel, Switzerland they are revered for their precision timing and the technological breakthroughs that have pushed the boundaries of time-keeping. The combination of expert craftsmanship, state-of-the-art materials and revolutionary watch movements means that anything less than perfect is never going to be enough for an Omega watch.
Their commitment to innovation and quality has meant that they have been instrumental in recording some of the most significant moment’s history…
SPEEDMASTER 38 CO-AXIAL CHRONOGRAPHSPACE LEGACY
Omega have been involved in all kinds of adventures, some that are out of this world!
The Swiss-made brand are the choice of NASA and the Speedmaster has been worn by astronauts as they explored the limits of outer space. The iconic model was launched in 1957 and it was then NASA approved in 1965 after it had gone through a series of tests. NASA essentially tried to destroy the watches they were testing, but the Speedmaster survived and it was ‘flight-qualified for all manned space missions’. Since, it has been worn on all lunar landings and was nicknamed ‘the Moonwatch’.
The Speedmaster is still worn by astronauts over 50 years after it was first worn in space. It was an essential instrument in the Apollo 13 mission when it was used to time critical engine burns, ensuring a safe return. Omega is a true icon of space exploration.
AN OLYMPIC WATCH
SEAMASTER OLYMPIC GAMES COLLECTION "PYEONGCHANG 2018" LIMITED EDITIONAs official timekeeper to the Olympic Games, Omega have been part of some epic moments.
Since 1932 Omega have recorded every second of the world’s favourite competition. The Olympics is a place where timing is crucial and the official timekeeper had to be accurate and precise, especially with the world watching. At an event where every second counts Omega’s undisputable reputation for precision time-keeping meant they got the job.
As the official time-keepers of the Games Omega continued to push boundaries and create new technology to ensure that accuracy was never compromised. In 1948 they introduced the photoelectric cell for the most accurate timing seen yet. In 1952 they went on to release the Omega Time Recorder which allowed official times to be recorded to the nearest hundredth of a second. But they didn’t stop there and in 1964 the Omegascope was introduced allowing the timings to be shown on television screens, revolutionising the way we watch sport.
SEAMASTER DIVER 300 M CO-AXIAL 41 MMTHE SPY WHO LOVES OMEGA
Omega has been the trusted companion of the nation’s favourite spy for over 20 years.
Lindy Hemming, costume designer once said: “I was convinced that Commander Bond, a naval man, a diver and a discreet gentleman of the world would wear the Seamaster with the blue dial” and so a beautiful friendship was born. James Bond became an Omega man and in 1995 007 donned a Seamaster for the first time in Golden Eye and a tradition began.
Bond continued to wear the sophisticated Seasmaster throughout all of the subsequent films. Although there have been some ‘spy gadgets’ added, such as a laser in the watch’s crown. Both Omega and James Bond have an adventurous spirit, but are also reliable and get the job done. The original Seamaster was also an instrument watch used by military divers and so it compliments Bond’s past as a Naval Commander. The perfect partnership had been created.
You can shop Omega in Laings stores in Southampton, Cardiff and Edinburgh where our watch experts will be on hand to help you to find the perfect timepiece!
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