Modern era · Founded 1848
Omega History
Omega began in 1848 when Louis Brandt started assembling watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. Its Speedmaster was worn on the Moon in 1969, and Omega has been official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932.
Key facts
| Founded | 1848, by Louis Brandt |
|---|---|
| Where | La Chaux-de-Fonds, later Biel/Bienne, Switzerland |
| Name | From the 1894 'Omega' movement; company renamed 1903 |
| Famous watch | Speedmaster, the 'Moonwatch' |
| Owner today | Swatch Group |
The last letter of the alphabet
Louis Brandt assembled pocket watches from parts made by local craftsmen. His sons Louis-Paul and César moved the business to Biel and built a factory. In 1894 they launched a movement called Omega, the last letter of the Greek alphabet, meaning the ultimate. It was so successful the whole company took the name in 1903.
Moonwatch
In the 1960s NASA tested watches from several brands under brutal conditions: extreme heat and cold, shock, vacuum. Only the Omega Speedmaster passed, and it was flight-qualified in 1965. On July 21, 1969, Buzz Aldrin wore his on the Moon. A Speedmaster also helped the crew of Apollo 13 time a crucial engine burn in 1970. Omega has timed the Olympics since 1932 and supplies the watches worn by James Bond since 1995.
Read more: Who invented the watch? 50 inventions · the full story of the watchmakers
Questions people ask
Which watch went to the Moon?
The Omega Speedmaster, worn by Buzz Aldrin on July 21, 1969.
How long has Omega timed the Olympics?
Since the 1932 Los Angeles Games.
Sources
Last updated October 18, 2026. Found an error? Tell us.