OMEGA IS BORN

Marking an enormous leap forward, the Brandt brothers released a new calibre in 1894 that was to famously become the company’s namesake – the 19-ligne calibre. Produced in series using revolutionary new methods, the movement set a new standard for watchmaking. It was not only extremely accurate, but every component could be replaced without modification by any watchmaker in the world. The combination of winding and time-setting via the stem and crown was also groundbreaking and still widely used today.

The brothers crowned their new achievement “OMEGA”, a name that classically signifies ultimate accomplishment. They knew that precise, series-produced movements were the future of watchmaking, and it didn’t take long for the public to realise this too, with the reputation of the company quickly growing around the globe.

The success of the movement was so great that the brothers changed the name of their company to OMEGA Watch Co (shortened). By 1903, OMEGA had become the largest manufacturer of finished watches in Switzerland and had taken on the role of research and development facility.