Vintage Omega Watch

The first timepiece produced by the company established by Louis Brandt in 1848 in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland was not intended to be worn on the wrist, it was an Omega pocket watch. It was meant to be kept inside pouches in mens vests, or in ladies purses. In fact, the first piece meant to be held by a strap around the wrist was not produced until 1900.

The first timepieces produced were true works of art. An 1891 model displays a hand-painted image of Chronos. The "modern art" of 1907 features a silver case that is covered with niello and carnation design. The ladies' version is covered with floral decor. The "Iris, Zeus, and Hera", built in 1914, is an 18k gold piece that is covered in ochre and black enamel depicting the three mythological figures.

Later models are less intricate. Nonetheless, they still make good collectibles. There are models from the 1920s until the 1950s, considered vintage by most people, which are available on online stores with prices ranging from US$700 to US$1,000. Most of these have a manual hand-wind movement. Some feature radium numbers, providing visibility even in the dark. Others highlight a gold dial.

If you want to join an exclusive club of vintage item collectors, you easily can with a measly US $700, buy an Omega pocket watch.