Why does Omega have such weird names?
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GnosaJ
High school student atm - Anything over $100 is a lot - Dials > Movements (after all the dial is what u see) - Would like to learn how to make watch straps & dials on my own Open to talk about most th...
Houston, TX, USA
Member since
Last active: 9 hrs ago
6.50” / 16.51 cm
Actually pretty logical & explains the watch -https://millenarywatches.com/omega-reference-numbers-guide/
Im not sure if you know or not but each chunk of the reference number has a meaning so you can decode what a watch is by the reference number. So there is a purpose
https://www.montredo.com/omega-reference-number-101/
Have you seen how many models they have? It's something like two thousand. They need license plate numbers to uniquely identify the model.
Ummm, have you seen Seiko or Orient designations? Seems like all brands do this, but Omega at least uses common watch names.
Have a look at the Omega archive online and it becomes evident why a thorough referencing system is important.
Nowadays collectors are more knowledgeable and demanding about history and traceability (I’ve written to auction houses like Bonhams and Christies to correct their lot entries). Watch companies need to improve their referencing and archiving to match some pretty serious watch scholarship. Some are better than others at the moment - Patek, VC and Longines comes to mind.
Omega has a collosal back catalogue. We actually don’t see most of the watches it’s made in the modern era coming to market, including some truly spectacular examples. It can and should invest more to record its history, rather than just churn out a gazillion overpriced homages to itself. Referencing is an essential part of that.
Think of it like a VIN# on a car or motorcycle. Omega isn't the only brand. Grand Seiko (also Seiko) comes to mind first. Many others do this as well. Also movement manufacturers
Actually pretty logical & explains the watch -https://millenarywatches.com/omega-reference-numbers-guide/
Thank you for getting there first and right at the top… I really do despair.
Im not sure if you know or not but each chunk of the reference number has a meaning so you can decode what a watch is by the reference number. So there is a purpose
I had no clue!
Have you seen how many models they have? It's something like two thousand. They need license plate numbers to uniquely identify the model.
oh my lord
oh my lord
Two years ago there were 99 different Aqua Terra models. I'm sure there are more now. They really need to trim the fat.
What’s a “normal” watch name?
Milgauss?
Oyster Prince Date-Day?
Datejust?
Zulu Time?
Navitimer?
G-Shock?
Have a look at the Omega archive online and it becomes evident why a thorough referencing system is important.
Nowadays collectors are more knowledgeable and demanding about history and traceability (I’ve written to auction houses like Bonhams and Christies to correct their lot entries). Watch companies need to improve their referencing and archiving to match some pretty serious watch scholarship. Some are better than others at the moment - Patek, VC and Longines comes to mind.
Omega has a collosal back catalogue. We actually don’t see most of the watches it’s made in the modern era coming to market, including some truly spectacular examples. It can and should invest more to record its history, rather than just churn out a gazillion overpriced homages to itself. Referencing is an essential part of that.
So many vintage Geneve pieces have the same exact reference number due to the case, but the dials, hands, date/no date are all different. Drives me crazy.
So many vintage Geneve pieces have the same exact reference number due to the case, but the dials, hands, date/no date are all different. Drives me crazy.
It’s worth having a look at books on Omega through the ages. We only see a fraction of the watches they’ve ever produced. While the sheer number of variations can be annoying when looking at the current catalogue, it means there’s a vast universe reaching into the past.
It’s worth having a look at books on Omega through the ages. We only see a fraction of the watches they’ve ever produced. While the sheer number of variations can be annoying when looking at the current catalogue, it means there’s a vast universe reaching into the past.
Thanks I’ll look into it!
What’s a “normal” watch name?
Milgauss?
Oyster Prince Date-Day?
Datejust?
Zulu Time?
Navitimer?
G-Shock?
Absolutely, they’re not just strings of numbers
Absolutely, they’re not just strings of numbers
Neither are the Omegas?
Railmaster
AquaTerra
Speedmaster
Seamaster
Planet Ocean
Etc
Every watch company uses reference numbers for individual models as every dial, handset, case, movement, bracelet etc is different
Neither are the Omegas?
Railmaster
AquaTerra
Speedmaster
Seamaster
Planet Ocean
Etc
Every watch company uses reference numbers for individual models as every dial, handset, case, movement, bracelet etc is different
Understandable, i pointed that out in my question, but why are there so many?
Why can’t they jusr simplify it into words that make sense?