In the early ‘70s there were over 2000 lines in the Omega product catalogue and most of the other famous watchmakers were following a similar path. Then came the nightmare – QUARTZ !!!

Quartz watches also destroyed the Swiss watch making industry (it ‘did for‘ the UK and US ones too). Quartz watches could give an accuracy that some watchmakers could only dream of at a fraction of the price that accuracy usually costs. They could also be easily adapted to meet the fashions of the day (Remember those red digital LEDs?).

The problem with Quartz soon became apparent - all the watches were essentially the same. The ability to make a ‘statement’ about your success in life by wearing a premium brand was almost lost. Hence, those premium brands like Omega were able to survive. They embraced quartz technology into their product ranges and worked hard to ‘add value’ to what is essentially is a very similar quartz movement in every watch.

In the late ‘80s and the ‘90s, mechanical movements began to make a comeback. People appreciate the workmanship and technological craft needed to make an accurate mechanical movement and were willing to pay a premium price to get it.

That’s why there is such a strong market in vintage mechanical watches, you can buy a precision Omega horological instrument for a £200 - £300 that would cost over a £1000 today. Omega is the ‘affordable collectable’ that may well appreciate even more in the future than they have over the last few years. A vintage Omega is an investment as well as a beautiful watch to wear day-to-day!
Its always a pleasure to own a thing of beauty and elegant craftsmanship - especially one you can enjoy wearing every day.