It doesn’t always have to be a Speedmaster Professional, Seamaster Diver 300M, or Seamaster Aqua Terra. The luxury watch manufacturer from Biel/Bienne has many more interesting watches in its lineup. Today we explore three Omega watches that you may have overlooked because they’ve been underappreciated by the watch community at large. Let’s take a closer look at our picks. The models are not only attractive price-wise, but some of them even have more to offer than their more successful counterparts.
Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial 38: The Underrated Speedy
The Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial 38 ref. 324.30.38.50.01.001 can be considered the successor to the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. In contrast to the neo-vintage watch and the 42-mm Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, however, the Speedmaster 38 is underestimated and stands in the shadows of these giants. That’s incomprehensible, in my opinion, because this version of the Speedy is the better watch in many respects. Fans of automatic timepieces will be delighted with the Co-Axial caliber 3330, which offers a 52-hour power reserve. The model is also water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), making it suitable for a swim or dip in the pool. Owners won’t have to sacrifice a date display either, as there’s one at the 6 o’clock position. Early versions of the Speedmaster Reduced and the Moonwatch, on the other hand, are sans date and have significantly lower depth ratings. The general design of the Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial 38 is very similar to those of the Reduced and Moonwatch. There are some differences, however; for instance, the spacing of the subdials, the thinness of the tachymeter scale, and the lacquered dial. These differences also make the Speedmaster Co-Axial 38 a bit more modern than the other two models. With a price tag of less than $5,500, the Speedmaster 38 is an extremely interesting alternative to the Reduced and Moonwatch.
Omega Constellation Globemaster: The Datejust Alternative
Although the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is rightly described as an excellent alternative to the Rolex Datejust, it lacks one essential feature: a fluted bezel. Is this a deal-breaker for you? If so, you should definitely take a closer look at the Omega Globemaster. This underrated watch is part of the Constellation collection and is one of the few, if not the only, alternative to the Datejust with a fluted bezel. In contrast to the famous Rolex, however, the Globemaster is much more subdued in terms of design. Both the case and bracelet of the Omega are satin-brushed, and the fluted bezel is made of scratch-resistant tungsten carbide in select versions. Some of the characteristic design elements of the Omega Constellation Globemaster include its pie-pan dial, and some models feature an annual calendar. The watch is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), which means it can likewise handle a trip to the pool. The METAS-certified Co-Axial caliber 8922 is resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss and offers a power reserve of 55 hours. You can view the nicely decorated movement at work thanks to a sapphire crystal case back. You can buy an Omega Constellation Globemaster ref. 130.33.39.21.02.001 in mint condition starting around $6,800. Models with an annual calendar and a tungsten carbide bezel, e.g., the ref. 130.33.41.22.06.001, start at around $8,400.
Omega De Ville Prestige: Omega Goes Fancy
With all the hype surrounding Omega’s sports icons, many watch enthusiasts are completely unaware that the luxury watch manufacturer also builds genuine dress watches. Did you know that Omega has beautiful, elegant, and comparatively affordable dress watches in its portfolio? Ever heard of the De Ville Prestige? Timepieces from this collection are available with case diameters ranging from 34 to 42 mm, and with numerous dial color and case material combinations. For example, the ref. 434.13.40.20.02.001 is a great place to start. This version has a 40-mm stainless steel case and a slightly domed silver dial. The applied Roman indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12 are also silver. The model is worn on a black alligator leather strap that suits the look perfectly. Inside, you’ll find the automatic Co-Axial caliber 8800. In addition to displaying the hours, minutes, and seconds, this movement shows the date at 6 o’clock and has a 55-hour power reserve. However, you should not venture into the water with a De Ville Prestige on your wrist, as it’s only rated to 30 m (3 bar, 98 ft). For around $4,300, you can get a great dress watch with state-of-the-art technology.
If you prefer a more colorful look, the 41-mm stainless steel version with a red dial and small seconds at 6 o’clock (ref. 434.10.41.20.11.001) is a great option. This watch will set you back closer to $5,300. Women can also get their money’s worth in this collection with the 34-mm ref. 434.53.34.20.55.001 made of Sedna gold. Price point: approx. $12,700. As you can see, the selection within the De Ville range is huge, meaning there’s likely to be a suitable model for every taste and budget. With that, our list of underrated Omega watches comes to an end. Which model would you choose?