Omega Megaquartz 'Mercedes'

Quartz gets a bad rap, it’s true. 

For many a watch collector, a battery-powered movement appears as somewhat ‘soulless,’ lacking the certain je ne sais quois of a mechanical caliber that uses nothing but springs, gears, and potential energy turned kinetic to power a timepiece. However, quartz technology — infinitely more accurate than mechanical — can be perfectly fascinating in its own right.

Omega had been experimenting with quartz-powered timekeeping since the early 20th century, but it was only in the early 1970s that this technology took hold in wristwatches. The company’s Megaquartz movements were some of the most accurate in all of Swiss watchmaking, and certain of these movements retain that distinction today.

This particular Megaquartz, a Reference 196.0038 is all the more interesting for its dial, which appears to indicate that it was an awards watch. Housed in a 37mm, gold-plated case with an acrylic crystal, it features a signed crown, a handsome brushed silver ‘Mercedes Benz’-signed Tritium dial with applied indices, a matching handset, a day-date display, and the red Omega ‘Megaquartz’ logo at 12:00. Powered by an Omega Calibre 1310 Megaquartz movement, it comes paired to a gold-plated mesh bracelet with a safety clasp.

Of course, we love our mechanical watches at Analog:Shift — especially the vintage kind. But if you’re going to go ‘quartz,’ we say that this Mercedes-themed Omega is the way you should lean.

Check it out today!

The story of Omega is one that captivates generations of horological devotees. The second-largest watchmaker in the world in terms of annual turnover, the Bienne-based firm has been continuously producing watches since 1848, which it does today under the auspices of the Swatch Group.

Founded in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland as La Generale Watch Co, Omega was well ahead of the horological curve from the beginning, developing the first minute-repeating wristwatch in 1892 as well as the eponymous “Omega” caliber in 1894. This 19-ligne movement was revolutionary in that its parts could be replaced by any watchmaker in the world without modification, while its winding and time-setting via the crown provided an industry standard.

Omega became the timepiece supplier of choice for the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917, while the Americans followed suit in 1918, choosing their watches for the U.S. Army. Awards for precision chronometry became almost commonplace, while 1932 saw them become the first watch brand to time an entire Olympic Games. Their Marine, which debuted the same year, is regarded as the first commercially available diver’s watch.

During the Second World War, Omega supplied well over 100,000 timepieces to British forces, making it the largest watch supplier to the British and her allies. These watches, from the unique 6B/159 to the famed “Dirty Dozen” W.W.W, remain highly collectible today.

1948 saw the launch of the original Seamaster: Built upon the tool watch legacy of the brand’s timepieces from the War, it’s since become a byword for reliability and legibility, both as a dress watch and, more recently, as a serious diver’s tool. The Speedmaster, released in 1957 and originally marketed for the auto-racing market, first rocketed to space on the wrist of American astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. However, it became a household name when, in 1969, it accompanied Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, and later helped save the space-stranded crew of Apollo 13 in 1970 by timing a critical rocket burn.

Today, Omega’s watches — all of which feature in-house movements — run the gamut from svelte dress pieces to the venerable Speedmaster in all its guises. Providing an unquestionable value proposition, Omega is a brand that deserves to be at the center of every serious watch lover’s collection.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.