Omega Military

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Long before oversized cases, elaborate complications, and watches designed to attract attention from across the room, there was the simple military wristwatch. Practical, legible, and built with a purpose, these were timepieces that placed function firmly ahead of fashion. And few brands did this particular style better than Omega.

Founded in 1848, Omega developed a reputation for precision, reliability, and robust mechanical movements. By the Second World War, the company had become one of the most important suppliers of wristwatches to the British armed forces. Their straightforward designs, highly legible dials, and dependable movements helped establish an aesthetic that remains remarkably appealing more than eight decades later.

This handsome 60s-era vintage Omega captures that spirit beautifully. Housed in a stainless steel case measuring a wonderfully wearable 34.5mm, it features a glossy black dial with slender baton hour markers, a finely graduated outer minute track, and luminous accents at the cardinal positions. Slim, luminous-filled hands provide contrast against the dark dial, while a central seconds hand and restrained Omega signature complete the exceptionally clean composition.

Inside beats a manually wound mechanical movement, while a brown leather strap with a stainless steel pin buckle lends the piece a slightly rugged character. There’s no date window, no unnecessary ornamentation, and certainly nothing competing for attention. Just a beautifully proportioned case, a handsome black dial, and the sort of timeless design that looks as good today as it would have generations ago.

Whether paired with a battered leather jacket or a tailored suit, this is vintage Omega at its most accessible, wearable, and versatile. 

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 two-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.