What makes luxury watches like those of the Omega brand so expensive?
Value is incredibly subjective, but monetary value is not. So, what goes into the expensive prices shoppers can expect when trying to purchase an Omega watch?
While every watch brand is different, the Omega brand can credit its long history, unique connections to NASA and celebrities, and exquisite craftsmanship, among other things, for its luxury prices.
Before you make your luxury watch selection, getting a bit of transparency around the pricing structure of Omega watches can help you evaluate the brand and decide if its models may be suitable for you.
Below, we’re highlighting the eight main reasons Omega brand luxury watches come with such a high price tag.
Exclusivity
Omega watches are not as easy to come by as more accessible and affordable brands, for a reason. Many luxury watchmakers produce limited-edition models to create higher demand and drive the value of these watches up to sell them for more.
Omega is known for its limited editions, and when these products launch, they often sell out quickly as people try to get their hands on one before they’re gone. Then, the lucky ones who got one may choose to turn around and re-sell the watch at a higher price to make a profit, creating a higher hike in overall value.
This manufactured exclusivity directly plays into their higher prices, and it’s a strategic play by the brand itself.
Workmanship
The workmanship of the Omega brand is not to be ignored. Omega is more than just a brand; it has extremely high-quality standards for all the products it creates, achieving certain records and numbers with which other brands can’t compete. Their mechanical precision has only gotten better with time, showing how these watches hold their value.
Design is always of top priority, and that’s clear to Omega wearers as they are known for their striking beauty. The brand also considers comfort and wear in their production process, prioritizing elegant curves to eliminate any discomfort so owners can make it their everyday watch.
Then, behind the watch face, the craftsmanship doesn’t stop there. There are intricate engineering details at play to run the complex mechanisms of the watch itself, so part of the high price comes from the skill of a master watchmaker.
Brand History
Omega has a long, storied history that dates back to 1848 when the founder, Louis Brandt, started the company in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. This means that the brand has been producing consistently great watches for about 170 years.
This kind of history and reputation isn’t easy to come by, with only the best and most luxury watch brands having this kind of tenure in the industry. This impressive backstory adds to the price of Omega models.
NASA Connection
Here’s something that other watch brands simply cannot rival: the Omega watch brand has been known as NASA’s top choice of watch for over 50 years, with one model, in particular, playing an extraordinary role in some historical moments.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is incredibly famous, particularly for one thing: it was the first watch worn on the moon. In 1969, it debuted when Buzz Aldrin made history as he stepped on the moon sporting this particular model.
This isn’t its only connection to NASA, however. Since its first debut, the Moonwatch has now been worn a total of six times on the moon. The Moonwatch has several different models of various kinds, such as the “Blue Side of the Moon” and the “Grey Side of the Moon.”
Made in Switzerland
Switzerland is known as the best of the best in terms of fine watchmaking. Simply proof that the watches were made among the gods of watchmakers adds to their value and allows them to sport a heftier price tag.
Watch lovers around the world will fork over incredible amounts for a Swiss-made watch, and Omega is no exception. Watch-wearers from big cities, in particular, may value this kind of locational manufacturing, driving the price even higher in these areas.
While some watch brands are Swiss-made, they might not be highly known this way. Omega, however, is commonly recognized as a Swiss watch, which makes it easier to charge a higher price.
Celebrity Status
NASA astronauts are not the only famous people who have sported the Omega watch brand. Part of their price and status comes from the collection of celebrities who sport Omega models.
This list includes famous stars such as the fictional James Bond and the very real Ryan Gosling, Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, and Ron Howard, just to name a few.
As with any brand that is commonly loved by celebrities, the Omega watches carry this additional symbol of status which supports a higher price tag.
Impressive Warranty
Most watches come with a pretty good warranty, but when you start to get into the territory of luxury watch models, the warranties are tough to beat.
Omega, in particular, allows you to get coverage for any issues with the watch for up to five years from the date that you buy it.
Simply hold onto the paperwork and receipt from the purchase, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your watch is safe and covered should anything happen for up to five years.
This feature is hard to come by with other brands, making customers more likely to fork over the extra cash for this safety net.
Company Commitment to Innovation
Another component that plays a part in the high price of Omega watches is the company’s ethos and commitment to innovation over its tenured history.
Omega works to consistently improve their materials and design, not getting complacent with their models and always looking for upgrades and enhancements. For example, Omega uses special materials that blend precious metal alloys, ceramics, and silicon to create more durable, beautiful, and functional timepieces.
Final Thoughts
What truly makes an Omega watch one-of-a-kind comes down to gestalt theory. This German school of philosophy declares that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
You can study the miniature of the Omega craft, add up the price of each part, but you won’t uncover the true value. Luxury brands are more than items to be bought or sold; they are indicators of a certain type of lifestyle.
Next time you’re confronted with the high price of an Omega watch, remember, you aren’t paying for some metal to tell the time — you’re paying for a way of life.
If you want an expert’s help on checking out more affordable second hand models then Precision Watches is the place for you. They have plenty of expert knowledge to help you pick your perfect watch.
