| Figure 2. The Omega “Marine” model. The inset at left shows how the watch looks when the case is closed. |
As far as I am able to tell, there was and is no such relationship between Tissot and Omega. While the two companies have collaborated on various sales and marketing promotions over the years, the watches (and their movements) remain distinct from one another. Notable and Quotable Among Omega’s notable watches (and there are many) is the rectangular men’s wristwatch, shown in Figure 2, with the hidden winding crown by the numeral “12.” This was known as the “Marine” model (although not submergible, this watch did have moisture-resistant qualities). The crown could be seen only if one opened the case, “matchbox” style. This ingenious design also protects against dust. The company continually strove for technical excellence and, in 1933, broke every precision record at the Observatory of Kew Teddington with various watches. In 1936 at Kew Teddington, a wrist chronometer achieved a score of 97.8, the highest ever recorded. Such news flattered Omega owners and brought new customers. For instance, from 1939 to 1945, the British government ordered several thousand water-resistant steel wristwatches for the Royal Air Force. They were called, simply, T1 and T2, but became known to the public as the famous “Seamaster,” a model line that continues to this day. 
| Figure 3. This Constellation from the early 1960s is classically designed, with round case and multi-faceted dial, referred to by many collectors as a "pie pan" dial. Later models from the late '60s and early '70s would emerge with barrel-shaped (or "tonneau") cases to reflect the styling of the times. |
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| Figure 4, left. Many of the guide books to watches portray Omega as a maker of primarily round sport watches. However, the company made many beautiful rectangular watches during the post-WWII period, such as this one from the later 1940s cased in solid 14kt gold. Figure 5, right. This model was call the "Cosmic" and featured triple date (date, day, and month) as well as a moonphase dial. While not mentioned in the text, this is surely one of the great rarities among Omegas, especially since this particular specimen is square (many more were produced in round cases). |
In 1952, Omega introduced its Constellation, positioning it at the top of the line. To my knowledge, every MECHANICAL Constellation is an officially certified chronometer, having undergone independent testing for timekeeping ability under various conditions. I emphasize mechanical, because Omega has produced Constellations with quartz movements for several years. Over the years, there have been various “permutations” of Seamasters and Constellations. In later years, Omega would add the characteristic embossed “Seahorse” logo on the backs of Seamasters, and the “observatory” logo on the backs of Constellations. Some of the raised logos were done in white metal; others were in yellow. A debate rages among collectors as to whether watches with logos are better than those with plain backs. The quality is really in the movements, although some collectors argue that logo models have an edge on the case quality simply because they cost more to produce. Many of the Seamasters and Constellations through the years came with metal bracelets, and there can be little argument that models with their original bracelets intact fetch substantially more money than just the “head” with a leather band. Next Page  |
