Omega and Longines are two of the most prominent Swiss-based watchmakers in the business. So, comparisons between the two are quite unavoidable. In this article, we will be exploring the differences between the two well-known brands. This in-depth look will help you determine which between the two fits your style best. We will be going through some facts, their accomplishments, and the strengths and weaknesses that each brand has.
Well, then. Let’s get to it through it.
Table of Contents
History of Omega
Within Omega’s long and illustrious history, you will find a good handful of benchmark moments that helped create its current impressive repertoire. Omega is also part of the exclusive clubs of brands that are considered as innovators of the industry.
While Omega was founded in 1848, they did not begin their foray into the wristwatch market up until the early 1900s. Omega was among the first companies that serialized their wristwatches in the market. During their early years in the wristwatch market, Omega built a reputation as being one of the most reliable timepieces around.
This reputation sprouted from Omega’s popularity with British military officers during the Boer War in South Africa. Omega watches have gone through torrential rain, biting cold, and blinding sandstorms and came out with barely a scratch or any performance issues.
The first Omega wristwatches used the Lepine 12-ligne Caliber HN B movement technology. By 1948, Omega unveiled its first Seamaster watch model, which went on the become one of their flagship watches that are still in production to this day.
The Omega Seamaster is known for its durability, sporty appearance, and waterproof construction. These watches were designed with functionality in mind. But are just as striking in appearance as any Omega timepieces at the time. The Seamaster watch is powered by, at the time, a new automatic movement technology, the automatic Caliber 28.10 RA RG-343. Due to the Seamaster’s inclusion of sub-dials, it was officially categorized as a chronometer.
In 1952, Omega released its Constellation series to help differentiate their wrist chronometer from their catalog. 1957 was a big year for Omega. All thanks to their Speedmaster watch series which earned the distinction of being the first watch to reach outer space. The particular watch model was used during the historic Apollo program and for the moon landing.
Omega unveiled a new line of watches in their ever-expanding catalog, the Omega De Ville, which was a part of the Seamaster line previously. The De Ville is a sleeker and more contemporary designed timepiece compared to the Seamaster.
By the 1990s, Omega broke through the glass ceiling by becoming part of pop culture history. During the Pierce Brosnan-era of James Bond films, Omega partnered up with the beloved film franchise to be the official timepiece of the suave super spy. This further enhanced Omega’s prestige to the eye of the general consumers, making the brand synonymous with the 007 films.
Click here to see all James Bond watches.
History of Longines
Longines is another well-respected Swiss watchmaker. The company was founded in 1832 and was one of the first brands to innovate the market. One of the Longines milestones were with their introduction of the crown-wound movement mechanism. This watch mechanism helped separate Longines in a sea of key-wound based watches that were the norm at the time.
Longines has built a reputation early in its career as being a resilient company. While other long-forgotten watchmakers were left behind by the changing times, Longines focused and adapting with the ever-evolving watch market. Longines poured their resources on developing new timepieces. Hence, the Longines 20H was born – the first chronograph watch.
Longines were known for their impeccable high-precision watches. By 1931, Longines unveiled its line of aviation watches with the Longines Weems. Longines partnered up with other Swiss-based companies to form the Swatch Group in 1988. To this day, Longines is one of the most respected watchmakers in the world, and it’s brand name is one of the few that immediately evokes a sense of luxury.
Omega and Longines – Watch Comparisons
As we have stated, Omega and Longines are two brands that highly regarded within watch enthusiasts circles and the market in general. These two brands exude such a high level of prominence within the industry, and this admiration is well-earned. But, how does Omega and Longines compared when faced with each other? Let’s find out.
Chronograph Watches
While Longines has the distinction of being the brand that introduced this type of watch, are they considered the best manufacturers of chronographs today? Well, not exactly. But they do produce some top-tier chronograph timepieces, that is without question.
Longines Master Collection L2.673.4.78.3
When you think chronographs, you visualize a watch with a robust design and a focus on practicality rather than style. This is not the case with the Longines Master Collection as while it does feature the three standard sub-dials, it also comes in quite a striking and artistic design.
The watch’s highly polished stainless-steel case comes in at a sleek 42.3mm diameter. This is with the crown included. The display features an almost “bedtime storybook” appearance. Inside the timepiece is the patented Longines Caliber L678 automatic movement with analog display.
The back-case snaps securely into place and can be removed with relative ease as well. The sub-dials are well integrated into its overall aesthetics with an elegantly crafted sword-like hour and minute hands. The watch is designed with a water resistance rating of up to 30m.
The Longines Master Collection is a chronograph that manages to deliver all the functionalities you would expect in this type of watch. But it manages to do so in quite a sublime manner that it can be considered as a dress watch as well.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph Black Dial
The Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Black Dial is a far more conservative timepiece compared to the rather colorful Longines Master Collection. With a professional and stoic appearance, this Omega Speedmaster watch is a perfect companion during formal gatherings and business meetings. It also has a casual appeal that will make it an excellent everyday watch as well.
This comes with more features and is designed for functionality. The Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Black comes with the standard three sub-dial features that track hours, minutes, and seconds. It also sports a tachymeter. All packed within a relatively sleek 42mm stainless steel case.
Within the Speedmaster Moonwatch is Omega’s signature “manual-winding movement” technology, the Caliber Omega 1861. This watch also comes with a power reserve of 48 hours. Overall, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is a more traditional looking chronograph that is backed by Omega’s faultless craftsmanship and quality.
Click here to see 100% Certified Authentic Omega Speedmaster Watches
Diving Watch
These watches are designed with superb waterproof capabilities; diving watches are the timepiece of choice for water activities. You can expect Omega and Longines to provide watches that are not only reliable but are also quite outstanding to look at as well.
Longines HydroConquest Automatic L3.642.4.56.6
Longines crafts quite an impressive diving watch designed to meet the demands of seafarers and individuals who enjoy a good dip into the great blue. The HydroConquest sports a solid stainless-steel construction that highlights its sturdy and robust frame quite nicely.
The HydroConquest also delivers an impressive 300m water resistance capability. This makes it a highly reliable timepiece for diving and snorkeling. Additional features include its Super Lumi-Nova coated hands and markers which improves its visibility in low-light environments.
Within its impressive 41mm case is the Caliber L633 Swiss automatic movement with analog display. The watch also features a bi-directional rotating bezel and a double security folding clasp to keep it firmly in place.
The dial is protected by the robust and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window. The window also uses an anti-reflective coating to give you complete legibility even at high noon. Its automatic movement delivers a rhythm of 28,800 alterations per hour, giving wearers incredible precision in timekeeping.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Automatic Watch
Omega delivers one of the most exquisite luxury diving watches in the market with the impressive Seamaster Planet Ocean watch.
With a water resistance of up to 600m, Seamaster Planet Ocean is designed for the sea.
As you would expect, Omega delivers on both functionality and aesthetics with Seamaster Planet Ocean. The blue ceramic bezel is a marvel to look at and also features Liquid Metal scales. Within Seamaster Planet Ocean lies its most exceptional features though.
Within the 43.5mm stainless steel case is a slew of components that help improve its capability to its absolute limits. Inside is a helium escape valve which helps improve its overall water resistance significantly. The watch is also designed to have anti-magnetic features that allow it to resist magnetic fields that can reach up to 15,000 gausses.
The watch also incorporates the Omega Caliber 8900 with 39 jewels to further boost precision. The Planet Ocean also comes with chronograph features that are powered by a self-winding automatic movement.
Additional features of note include the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window and luminescent hands and markers.
Click here to see 100% Certified Authentic Omega Seamaster Watches
Best Diving Watch – The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is a true marvel in this category. Very few can match up to its quality and performance, making it the clear winner for this round. However, the Longines HydroConquest is a far more affordable option with an excellent performance rating as well.
Conclusion: Omega vs Longines – Which is the Better Watch?
Overall, Omega still manages to hold on to its crown. While a highly expensive brand, Omega watches always deliver excellent precision and impeccable style. Few can come close to what Omega watches can provide.
That being said, Longines is noteworthy for crafting some truly unique looking timepieces. If you are interested in luxury watches that provide top-tier accuracy and head-turning look WITHOUT breaking your bank account, Longines is a good alternative. Omega, on the other hand, can be considered as the pinnacle of luxury watches.
