Omega SA facts for kids
Omega SA is Swiss watch manufacturer that belongs to the Swatch Group of companies. It is in Biel-Bienne (Switzerland). Omega SA produces watches of a high standard. It was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland). There are many famous people that promote Omega SA like Michael Schuhmacher, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford and Nicole Kidman.
History
The beginning of Omega was 1848 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Louis Brandt opened a factory, that produces watches. The watches made there, carried the name Louis Brandt. After the death of Brandt, his sons transferred the production to Biel/Bienne (Switzerland). There, they started to produce their watches industrially. Already in 1898 "Louis Brandt & frères" employed more than 500 workers.
In 1894 they changed their name to Omega, named after their first watch. This name should show the quality of that watch, because Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet and means "perfection".
In 1904 finally, the Brandt brothers died, and the company came into the hands of their children. In the following years, Omega became a highly prestigious watch manufacturer. In 1925 Omega started to work with Tissot, another watch manufacturer.
Today Omega belongs to the Swatch Group.
Advertising
James Bond
Omega watches are in great demand, by great filmmakers for their films. So, for example, Pierce Brosnan (alias James Bond)started to wear an Omega Seamaster Quartz Professional in the film "Golden Eye". In all later Films, Brosnan wore an Omega Seamaster Professional Chronometer.
Also Daniel Craig, latest Bond actor, wears Omega in his films. It even goes so far, that he mentions his watch manufacturer by name in the film.
Sports
At the moment, Omega SA is the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games. Their first time was 1932 at Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. They have been timekeeper in 2006 Winter Olympics, and will do the same at 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouover.
As a sponsor for the Emirates Team New Zealand, Omega introduced the Seamaster NZL-32 chronograph in 2007. The name is the same as the name of the boat, that won America's Cup in 1995.
Images for kids
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The workbench of Louis Brandt with a photograph of the founder
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Omega Seamaster De Ville, an early "waterproof" watch, with automatic movement and date, in 14k gold
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Omega Constellation - 18k rose gold - 1958
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Omega Genève Cal. 613
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Top 5 gold producing nations
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Seamaster 120M Analog-Digital "Multifunction" was introduced in 1998 and discontinued after few years, Fitted with Omega Cal.1665
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The Omega Speedmaster, or "Moonwatch", selected by NASA for all the Apollo missions
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Speedmaster Racing, Michael Schumacher Edition of 2000, with his signature engraving on the backside.
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Omega scoreboards during the 2012 Olympic Games.
See also
In Spanish: Omega (relojería) para niños
