In the mechanical time era, it is no surprise that many watch collectors consider quartz timepieces as less coveted compared to the automatic ones. Quartz watches come with affordable price tags; in fact, they are faster to manufacture than automatic models. Thus, it is easy to criticise them and offer no substantial attention.
However, the fascinating fact is that when the watch industry unleashed quart movements in the 1960s as a feasible option, people perceived it as a profoundly revolutionary and ingenious innovation. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine this today when mechanical watches today represent the standards of the luxury watch industry.
The Seiko Aston was the ever-first quartz wristwatch in the world, crafted from solid gold and was pretty expensive. You can also take a look at the world’s ever-first digital timepiece, Hamilton Pulsar. However, although automatic watches dominate the luxury watch industry today, leading Swiss brands like Omega decided to keep up the quartz trend. Eventually, they started to produce luxury watches equipped with quartz movements besides the mechanical ones.
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Omega and its Quartz Watches
Omega took up the inception of quartz cleverly, and many battery-powered watches made their debut during the Quartz Crisis era. This was a unique move taken by this Swiss watchmaker that made them stand out from the others during that time.
You can today purchase a quartz timepiece at a price similar to a cup of coffee. However, the value of luxury quartz watches can skyrocket, becoming equivalent to buying a new car.
Well, it is better to rectify that quartz watches are not ‘cheap’. It would help if you also kept in mind that you can enjoy several benefits from a quartz movement. It typically has higher durability, better precision and slimmer profiles. You can expect more practicality from a quartz watch too.
Omega still produces a wide range of quartz timepieces. However, the watchmaker offers watches with quartz movements in different forms and functionality. So continue reading to explore some of the most favourite Omega quartz watches coveted among collectors worldwide. If you are more comfortable buying a luxury watch in-store, visit your local shop which offers a wide range of models and guarantees high quality.
Seamaster Diver 300M “James Bond” Quartz
The Omega Seamaster Professional Diver is today popularly known as the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M. Nonetheless, Omega introduced this watch in 1993 as a luxurious and modified dive model for the contemporary period. However, the model came into the spotlight after its appearance in an iconic ‘Bond’ movie.
Pierce Brosnan strapped a Seamaster Professional Diver on his wrist when he played James Bond’s role in ‘GoldenEye’. Interestingly, an Omega watch appeared in the Bond’s films for the first time, thereby becoming James Bond’s official timepiece. And Omega continues to celebrate this partnership to date.
The Seamaster Professional Quartz Reference 2541.80.00 was the first Omega timepiece to accompany Agent 007. This quartz watch sports a 41mm steel case, scalloped bezel and a helium escape manually-operated valve at 9 o’clock.
However, the blue dial with the signature wave pattern is the centre of appeal. What boost the elegance and lure of the dial are the bigger skeletonised sword hands and luminescent round and rectangular index hour markers.
And the stainless steel five-link bracelet with polished and brushed finishes completes the dressy look of the James Bond Seamaster model. Moreover, the brand patented Calibre 1538 quartz movement powers Agent 007’s Seamaster.
Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 “Solar Impulse” Limited Edition
The Omega Speedmaster X-33 watch features both analogue and digital displays. In 1998, the brand developed this watch to keep up the Speedmaster’s legacy of space exploration that dates back to the 1960s. However, the Speedmaster Skywalker Solar Impulse is produced in limited numbers of 1,924 pieces, introduced in 2015.
However, Omega designed the Reference 318.92.45.79.03.001 for paying tribute to the Solar Impulse Project. The watch features a 45mm titanium case and many colourful elements. The dial flaunts analogue hands that point to the usual 12hour marker at the forefront.
Other vibrant features of the timepiece include a blue-green NATO strap and a blue bezel. Moreover, the extremely accurate multifunctional thermo-compensated Calibre 5619 quartz movement powers the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33. Some significant digital features include three alarms, three-time zones, a chronograph, a timer, a perpetual calendar, Phase Elapsed Time (PET) and Mission Elapsed Time (MET).
Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Quartz
The Aqua Terra is an elegant sport watch that the brand designed for regular wear. Introduced in 2002, the timepiece is water-resistant up to 150m. However, it is one of the most diverse Omega series consisting of different functions, materials, sizes and colours.
More significantly, the Aqua Terra collection includes both quartz and automatic models. The Omega Aqua Terra Reference 231.10.39.60.06.001 mainly is an excellent choice for a regular timepiece.
The watch features a 38.5mm case in stainless steel and a ‘teak concept dial that resembles the wooden decks present on yachts. The broad-arrow hands on the dial point to luminescent tapered hour markers. Moreover, the dial flaunts a date display and the Calibre 4564 powers this Aqua Terra quartz model.
However, those preferring a smaller size but a similarly styled option can opt for Reference 231.10.30.61.56.001. The watch features a small 30mm stainless steel case, smooth bezel and a matching stainless steel bracelet. Overall, this timepiece bears a virtually similar case design to its bigger counterpart, but the case size is designed to complement a smaller wrist.
Moreover, the striped grey dial flaunts eleven diamond hour markers, except at the 3 o’clock side that exhibits a date window. And the Calibre 1424 quartz movement powers the diamond-set Aqua Terra. It offers a 32months battery life.
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Omega Quartz Watches
Omega has been producing luxurious wristwatches, pairing them with Swiss-made precise quartz movements for nearly five decades. The brand has dedicatedly upgraded its quartz models and continues to manufacture high-end watches housing quartz movements.
You will be fascinated to know that today’s astronauts use Omega quartz watches during their various space missions. Indeed, quartz versions do not obtain equal attention as their automatic counterparts. However, Omega quartz watches are undoubtedly worth all attention due to their luxurious design, features and practicality. They are some of the best timepieces ever made that are highly coveted among watch collectors worldwide.