Omega has been a cornerstone of the market for about as long as you can imagine – or since 1903, if we’re being accurate. Men’s Omega watches include some of the most famous model lines, such as the Speedmaster, Seamaster, and De Ville. You might also be aware that Omega has been featured in several films, especially in films about your classic good guy vs. bad guy. Good guys typically wear steel, but bad guys, oh no. For the baddie, there is only one metal that’ll work. There is only material that’ll represent a person who’s looking to conquer the world.
Gold.
Omega has quite a few different gold offerings to consider, contemporary and vintage. In this article, we’ll be covering the 7 most influential models that you can get your hands on – for some, you might have to try a little bit harder compared to others.
#1 Omega Constellation Pie Pan Ref. 2782
Few vintage watches garner as much love and affection as a Pie Pan Omega. Accordingly named for its sloped bezel, which emulates the shape and form of a pie pan. Being a watch that was produced in the 50s, the 35mm 18K gold case shouldn’t come as a surprise. However, the massive 50mm lug-to-lug measurement creates an incredibly broad wearing experience.
The cream dial is adorned with applied and polished gold markers and hands, as well as a gold Omega symbol up top at 12 and the classic gold ‘Constellation’ Star at 6 o’clock. You can find some beautiful examples available online for around $3,000, and you’ll have the dress watch to end all discussions.
The Constellation Pie Pan remains a crowd favorite, and even among those who aren’t inclined to have a dress watch, we can all appreciate its charm and charisma.
#2 Speedmaster Professional Co-Axial Ref. 310.60.42.50.10.001
From a dressy piece to a piece that is entirely focused on sport and utility. The Speedmaster is perhaps the most famous Omega produced and has incurred the #SpeedyTuesday on social media, belittering your feed with several thousands of these handsome timepieces. This particular reference elevates the classic design with the addition of 18K Moonshine Gold, an 18K yellow gold alloy that includes small additions of silver, copper, and palladium to improve both color and durability. Paired with a ceramic bezel, you have a gorgeous combination of durable, precious materials.
Functionally, this Speedmaster is no different from the steel variant, thanks to the Co-Axial caliber 3861. Offering the wearer a nifty 50 hours of power reserve and excellent finishing through the caseback. This particular model also doubles down on the looks with the use of a dark green dial and bezel, creating one of the most contrasting looks Omega has offered in recent years.
Retailing for a whopping $41,600 as of July 2023, this Speedy isn’t cheap. That said, you will stand out in the crowd, seeing as you might have one of the best-looking Speedy’s to date.
#3 Seamaster Diver 300m Ref. 210.20.42.20.03.001
You couldn’t make a list of the best Omega’s without talking about the Seamaster. The Seamaster has been one of the biggest divers in the luxury watch segment for the last 70 years and, to this day, offers some exceptional quality and value. For some, including myself, the design is a bit polarizing; however, for most, the steel variants are highly sought-after. The two-tone version is not nearly as popular.
Despite its lackluster fame, Omega spared no expense when designing this watch. Yellow gold accents can be found around the bezel, on the hands, and along the bracelet. Matched with the deep blue, the gold accents play off brilliantly, creating a very lustrous design. Despite the opulence, the watch retains the 300m water resistance of the other models in the lineup, as well as the helium escape valve.
Taking care of timekeeping duties is the Omega Co-Axial caliber 8800, featuring a METAS certification as well as offering 15,000 gauss resistance to the magnetic field. Prices start at around $15,00, which is quite a lot, but for some, this is a complete no-brainer.
Read: THE 18 BEST WATCH BLOGS FOR WATCH ENTHUSIASTS AND COLLECTORS IN 2023
#4 Speedmaster Moonwatch Baguette Limited Edition
Right, so now for a little bit of sneakiness… Omega is certainly not as prone to releasing limited or special editions as brands like Rolex; however, in 2021/2022, Omega went out and released some of the most tasteful Speedmasters you’ve ever seen. This might go against the ‘true’ identity of the Speedmaster, but when executed so perfectly, you cannot help but love it. This release, which was very under the radar and is simply called the ‘Baguette Edition’, consists of five different models, each bedazzled with baguette cut gems.
The one I am referring to, in particular, is the 18K rose gold version with baguette-cut rubies set around the bezel and on the dial. There is no real information on the movement, size, or anything else! To be honest, Omega hasn’t put out an official release on these, and you’ll simply find these pictures floating around online. It’s gold, it’s an Omega, and it looks like the business.
#5 MoonSwatch Mission to the Moon
If there is one watch that’s going to be a hit or miss in your watch box, it’s the MoonSwatch Mision to Gold with its seconds hand made of Moonshine Gold. Obviously, this watch deserves to be on this list even though only 0.0000005% of it is actually gold, and obviously, I’m kidding. I just wanted to make you laugh.
#5 Speedmaster Chrono Chime Co-Axial Ref. 522.50.45.52.03.001
If you ever wanted to see what happens when Omega flexes its Swiss muscles, look no further than the Chrono Chime launched in 2022. Just in case you were unaware, chiming watches are some of the most whimsical yet sought-after models on the market, as they combine yesteryear’s clock tricks all wrapped up in a beautiful Sedna gold case on your wrist. With this particular Omega, we’re talking about a $450,000 watch offered exclusively at certain Omega boutiques, numbered and inspired by the 2nd generation Speedmaster, the ref. CK 2998, the first watch worn in space.
The Sedna gold used is a combination of rose gold with copper and palladium, providing the precious metal some added robustness while also lending it a sober color compared to other golds on the market. The dial is something rather special, combining a blue aventurine “Grand Feu” enamel main segment with 18K gold subdials featuring an “exclusive acoustic waves” finish. To top things off, even the polished hands are made from 18K gold.
Of course, the main attraction point of this watch is the movement within, which is saying something because it looks like nothing else in the Omega catalog. The Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 1932 is the “most complicated movement the brand has ever produced” and was codeveloped with Blancpain. Omega adorns this movement with a whopping 46.44 grams of gold in its finish, all for you to look at and appreciate whilst it chimes away gracefully. Perhaps not for everyone, but only because of the steep price…
#6 Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m Worldtimer Co-Axial 220.50.43.22.02.001
But what if a GMT isn’t enough for you? What if you’re the type of person who has business partners in several countries? Well, the logical answer is to get a PA. But you’re not here for logic; you luster after gold, don’t ya? So, with that in mind, why not consider the Worldtimer Aqua Terra? The base Aqua Terra sits comfortably as the everyday offering from Omega and does a pretty good job at it. With the addition of a stunning dial and an upgraded movement, it does so much more.
The Worldtimer dial is fashioned from a single piece of grade 5 titanium, which has been “laser-ablated to create the blue ocean, leaving a relief of the continents”, set within a silver opaline perimeter where the different cities around the world are written. Personally, I think this model looks better in steel, but if you’re in the gold rush and need a worldtimer, this Sedna gold offering is one to consider.
Read: WHAT MAKES AN OMEGA WATCH SPECIAL?
#7 Speedmaster Professional Co-Axial Ref. 310.60.42.50.02.001
Another Speedie? Yes. Hear me out. White gold. Huh? Didn’t see that coming? Neither did I! This Moonwatch measures a hefty 42mm in diameter and is entirely fashioned from luxurious 18K white gold, or Canopus gold, as Omega calls it. Named after a star 71 times brighter than our sun, Canopus also includes other metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium to improve its lifespan and capabilities.
Otherwise, this watch is classic Speedy. With a white-silver dial to match the white gold and a trustworthy Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 within means, this might be the best (and only) understated and under-the-radar gold offering on the list. Steal wealth, anybody?
