When it comes to Swiss watches, Rolex and Omega are two of the most popular brands. Choosing between Rolex and Omega can be challenging, as both brands have a lot to offer. To help you decide, we have compared Rolex vs Omega watch brands based on their reputation, movements, and more.
Rolex vs Omega: Ultimate Comparison
Rolex and Omega make some of the world’s most popular and well-made watches. Watch collectors and enthusiasts often debate which brand is better. While both watches serve as excellent timepieces, there are some key differences between the two brands. Here’s a look at how Rolex and Omega compare.
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Rolex and Omega: Brand and Reputation
When it comes to reputation and recognition, Rolex and Omega are at the top of their game. Rolex is the world’s most well-known watch brand and is often seen as a status symbol. On the other hand, Omega watches are known for their precision and accuracy. Both brands have a long history and are highly respected in the watch industry.
Rolex: History and Recognition
Rolex is a Swiss luxury watchmaker that Hans Wilsdorf founded in 1905. He started his watch company as a timepiece distribution company in London. At that time wrist watches were a new and popular trend, and the accuracy of wristwatches was not always reliable.
Wilsdorf’s vision was to create an accurate wristwatch that anyone could wear, regardless of activity. In the beginning, the company was making watches in very small quantities with reliable movements imported from Bienne, a town in Switzerland.
In 1910, Hans Wilsdorf released a watch powered by the 11-ligne Rebberg movement with lever escapement, which got First Class Chronometer Certificate from the Bienne rating office, Switzerland. This was a huge accomplishment for Rolex, and their unstoppable journey to success started from there.
10 Facts About Rolex Watches
- The trademark Rolex was registered in 1908.
- Rolex makes only handmade watches.
- Every Rolex watch undergoes a pressure test before hitting the store shelves.
- Rolex Oyster 1926: First Automatic waterproof wristwatch.
- Rolex Explorer: The first watch to be worn on Mt. Everest by Hillary and Tenzing
- Rolex GMT Master(1954): First watch with an independent dual time zone display.
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner: First watch waterproof up to 100 meters (330 feet).
- Rolex Sea Dweller: First watch waterproof up to 610 meters (2,000 feet).
- Rolex uses expensive 904L Stainless Steel that is more rust and corrosion-resistant than 316L steel.
- Rolex Datejust: First self-winding chronometer wristwatch with a date function.
- Rolex 1968 Reference 6239 Daytona got $17.75 million in an auction, making it the most expensive Rolex watch ever sold.
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deep-Sea Special watch holds the record for going to the deepest point(1200meters) of the ocean(Mariana Trench in 2012).
Omega: History and Recognition
The Omega was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt. The company started as a small workshop in Switzerland and eventually became one of the most famous watch brands in the world. The first wristwatch with the Omega logo and name was created in 1900.
7 Facts About Omega Watches
- The company was founded in 1848, but it was not named Omega until 1903.
- NASA Official Space watch(1965): Worn by all American astronauts
- Olympic partner(1932): Official timekeeper of the Olympic Games.
- American explorer Ralph Plaisted wore an Omega Speedmaster on the first successful winter expedition to the North Pole on 19 April 1968.
- Olympics partner(1932): Official timekeeper of the Olympic Games
- James Bond wore an Omega watch in most of their movies starting.
- The only wristwatch that was fit for space exploration, as decreed by NASA in 1965, was the Omega Speedmaster.
Now you know the history and legacy of both watch brands. Besides, many famous personalities like Buzz Aldrin, John F. Kennedy, and Jackie Onassis wore an Omega or Rolex watch. Plus, James Bond has also been wearing Rolex and Omega watches in various series.
Due to the popularity of the Rolex Day-date watch amount Americal Presidents, later it was nicknamed the “President’s watch.” Now let us move to the next most important thing, the movement.
Like Rolex Presidential, the 007 limited edition watches are very popular among watch collectors. A dedicated section of Omega’s website is present where all the James Bond watches are displayed.
Rolex vs. Omega: Movement and Craftsmanship
The movement is the heart of a watch, and both Rolex and Omega make high-quality movements. Rolex has in-house movements that are known for their accuracy and reliability. The company has been making its own movements since 1931, and all of its watches are Swiss-made.
The mechanical movements used in the Rolex watches may be self-winding or manual winding. The Rolex Oyster Quartz is the only Rolex watch powered by a battery, and all other watches use either mechanical or automatic movements.
Similarly, Omega also makes in-house watches with accurate and precise movements, and the company has been making its own movements since 1946 and is also Swiss-made. Both brands use high-quality materials and craftsmanship to make their watches.
Omega also uses self-winding and manual winding in their watches. It makes a wide range of watch collections that use different movements. For example, the Omega Seamaster collection uses the Master Chronometer movement, one of the world’s most accurate movements.
Water-resistance
Rolex has been making waterproof watches since 1926. All of its watches are water-resistant to some degree, and most are waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet). The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller is the most water-resistant Rolex watch, and it is waterproof to a depth of 1220 meters (4,000 feet).
The Rolex Submariner is also water-resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet). Other popular Rolex watches that are water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet) include the Rolex Daytona, the Rolex Milgauss, and the Rolex Sea-Dweller.
Omega watches are also water-resistant to varying degrees. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is water-resistant to 300 meters (500 feet), and the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is water-resistant to 50 meters (165 feet). Similarly, the Omega Globemaster watches have a water resistance of 100 meters (330 feet).
You can check the water resistance of your Rolex or Omega watch by looking for the water-resistance rating on the case back or in the instruction manual. The water-resistance rating is usually expressed in BAR in Omega watches.
BAR is the unit of measurement for water resistance in Omega watches, and it stands for “Bars,” and 1 BAR is the equivalent of 10 meters of water pressure. For example, an Omega watch with a water resistance rating of 10 BAR is waterproof to a depth of 100 meters. Similarly, the water resistance of Rolex watches is displayed on display and expressed in meters.
How to identify genuine Rolex and Omega watches?
Since many imitations and replica watches are available in the market, it is important to be cautious while buying a Rolex or Omega watch. The best way to identify a genuine Rolex or Omega watch is to buy it from an authorized dealer. You can also check the watch’s serial number and reference number against the list of numbers provided by Rolex and Omega on their websites.
Price
While both brands offer high-quality watches, Rolex watches are generally more expensive than Omega watches. The value of Rolex watches also increases over time, making them a good investment. The price range of Rolex watches varies from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. This makes it a hot acquisition for many watch collectors, celebrities, and business tycoons.
On the other hand, Omega watches are more affordable(compared to Rolex) and offer good value for money. The price range of Omega watches is from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Like Rolex, Omega watches are also popular among celebrities and business people.
On top of that, watches are a hot attraction in auctions. Rolex watches often fetch high prices. For example, a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 “Paul Newman” sold for $17.8 million($17,752,500) at an auction in 2017. Similarly, Omega watches have also been auctioned for high prices. An Omega Speedmaster 1957 Model with Ref: Ref. 2915-1 sold for $3.6 million at an auction in 2021, the most expensive Omega watch ever sold at auction.
Investment Watches
The value of Rolex and Omega watches also increases over time, making them a good investment. However, all models are not created equal; some models appreciate more value than others. For example, vintage Rolex watches from the 1950s and 1960s are highly sought-after by collectors and often sell for high prices at auction. Similarly, Omega watches from the same period are also considered valuable investments.
Rolex Explorer II Ref. 16570, Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060, and Rolex Sea-Dweller Ref. 16600 are popular Rolex models that have increased in value over time. Similarly, Omega watches such as the Omega Speedmaster Snoopy Ref. 3578.51.00, the Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre Ref. 233.32.41.21.01.001, and the Omega Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space Ref. 311.32.40.30.01.001 are also considered to be good investment watches.
Conclusion: Omega and Rolex
Omega and Rolex are two of the most famous watch brands in the world, and they are known for their high-quality watches and value appreciation over time. While Rolex watches are generally more expensive than Omega watches, both brands offer good value for money. If you want to buy a watch as an investment, vintage models from either brand would be a good choice.
If you are a beginner to the world of watches, I hope this Rolex vs Omega comparison guide gives you a good understanding of the brands and their watches. If you already own a watch from either brand, I would love to hear its name and model in the comments below.
Saneesh VS is a tech and fitness enthusiast. He has been reviewing smartwatches and fitness trackers for the past few years and is passionate about it. He writes about the latest news in the industry, helpful tips, and buying guides. You can find him working out or spending time with his family when he’s not writing or reviewing gadgets.