Luxury watches in comparison - Breitling or Omega?

The watch brands Breitling and Omega are well known around the world and are among the most popular watch brands of all. Both watch manufacturers offer models in the upper price range and have produced iconic bestsellers that have a permanent place on the wish list of almost every watch lover. The question of whether Breitling or Omega makes the better watches is therefore difficult to answer. In this article, we compare the two companies and their products, look at similarities and differences and provide information that will help you make an informed decision about a Breitling or Omega watch.

The most important things in brief

• History and innovations: Breitling and Omega look back on a rich history full of ingenious achievements and innovative technologies. The company histories, marked by milestones, are the valuable basis for the uniquely high-quality timepieces that the brands produce today.

• Models and collections: Both brands offer a variety of iconic models that have their loyal fans around the world. The brands' most legendary luxury timepieces include the Breitling Superocean and the Omega Seamaster.

• Quality and price: High-quality materials and excellent workmanship characterize both brands, with both Omega and Breitling watches scoring points for their value retention.

History and Development

Whether Omega, Breitling, Rolex, TAG Heuer or Patek Philippe: Behind every major brand in the industry lies a story full of milestones that have shaped the path to success, status and prestige. Therefore, we take a look at the watch history of Breitling and Omega below:

Breitling

Founded in 1884 by Leon Breitling in Saint-Imier, a municipality in the Swiss canton of Bern, Breitling established itself early on in the field of developing chronographs that optimally support pilots in their work. The manufacturer was innovative here and created the classic chronograph with two pushers, as we still know and use it today. This led to cooperation with the US Army and the Royal Air Force, which finally put an end to any remaining doubts about the quality and performance of Breitling's movements.

Numerous other milestones and achievements followed, which gave the brand its current status as a virtually untouchable giant in the watch industry. These include, for example, participation in the development of the automatic Chrono-Matic movement and, most recently, the release of the Emergency watch with emergency beacon feature.

omega

Omega was founded in 1848. Louis Brandt founded the company in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland and from the beginning focused on the production of high-precision movements that enable incomparably accurate timekeeping. This approach later gave rise to the classic Speedmaster, Railmaster and Seamaster 300, which are still successful today and which expressed Omega's enthusiasm for various branches of sport.

In the first half of the 20th century, Omega was given the honor of serving as timekeeper at the Olympic Games - an award that speaks for the impressive accuracy of Omega timepieces. Another important event in the company's history was the presence of the Omega Speedmaster at the moon landing in 1969, which significantly increased the brand's popularity. Today, Omega watches are also known as loyal and, above all, stylish companions on the wrist of action agent James Bond.

models and collections

When it comes to deciding between Breitling and Omega, the watches available are of course of primary interest. So let's take a closer look at the models and collections that are at the heart of the range of these two luxury watch brands:

Breitling models

Breitling's product portfolio undoubtedly includes a number of highlights that make the hearts of experienced watch fans beat faster. These include the world-famous Breitling Navitimer chronograph models, the versatile Chronomat pilot's watches and the modern Avenger timepieces. But Breitling does not only offer watches for use at lofty heights. With the Breitling Superocean product range, the watch manufacturer presents robust diving watches and thus taps into the target group of those who rely on precise time measurements underwater.

Nevertheless, all in all, the brand's focus is clearly on high-performance luxury chronographs, which, according to some critics, leads to a somewhat one-sided range. Lovers of the brand, on the other hand, rate the clear line that Breitling follows as entirely positive and appreciate the manufacturer precisely for staying true to its specialization.

Omega models

Omega offers style-conscious customers four collections, each of which is so extensive and diverse that there really is a luxury watch for every taste. The selection of Omega Speedmaster chronographs alone extends over six sub-collections, from the Moonwatch to the two-counter versions to the visually extravagant Dark Side of the Moon. In the "diving watch" category, the Omega Seamaster is the brand's flagship model and is therefore in direct competition with the Breitling Superocean.

Aside from sports watches, Omega also has a fairly broad range. The Constellation collection includes elegant watches with a time zone function and date, while the Omega De Ville timepieces are a prestigious symbol of traditional Swiss craftsmanship and are sometimes available with a tourbillon, date and small seconds. If you take a look at the entire range, the selection at Omega seems to be a little more diverse than it is at Breitling.

Technical features and innovations

To achieve the level of fame that Breitling and Omega have achieved in the watch industry, it takes more than just one or two fancy models. It takes inventiveness and innovation. A subject that the two watch manufacturers are very familiar with:

Breitling

The chronograph as we know it today would probably not exist if it weren't for Breitling. The company made a significant contribution to the further development and optimization of watches for precise timekeeping. For many watch connoisseurs, Breitling is therefore the undisputed number 1 when it comes to chronographs. In the area of ​​non-mechanical movements, Breitling's SuperQuartz technology enabled it to produce quartz calibers with a battery life of up to 10 years, which can excellently implement complex functions such as flyback mechanisms, second time zones and perpetual calendars.

omega

Omega has also shown a great deal of innovative spirit over the course of its history, for example with the series adaptation of movements with co-axial escapements, which made this advantageous form of escapement more widely known and accessible to the average consumer for the first time. The company also developed a special certification process for chronometers, the so-called Master Chronometer Certification (METAS for short). The process is based on eight demanding tests, for example on durability and water resistance, which separate the wheat from the chaff in a ten-day series of tests.

design and aesthetics

Even though the movements and functions always play a central role, the appearance of a watch that deserves the label "luxury" should not be neglected. A good reason to take a closer look at the designs before deciding on a model from Breitling or Omega:

Breitling

Solid, functional and eye-catching: that's how you could describe the design of Breitling watches in three words. If you look at the great classics, such as the Breitling Superocean or the Navitimer, the expansive cases and the ostensibly sporty aesthetics are what catch your eye. But a closer look also reveals a pleasant variety. With differently designed bezels, different colored dials and straps made of different materials, the sought-after models adapt to different tastes and requirements and can also show off a noble, absolutely elegant side.

omega

The common thread that runs through the Omega collections in terms of style has a clearly classic-modern character. Omega combines classic, tried-and-tested approaches with new, contemporary elements - for example in the Omega Seamaster and Speedmaster - and in this way creates timeless watches that are well received all over the world. Even more than Breitling, Omega relies on the diverse design of the bezel, dial and bracelet, with different materials, colors, structures and finishes adding the finishing touches to each design.

functions and features

Every experienced watch fan knows that, in the end, what matters is quality, reliability and practical functions. A comparison of "Breitling or Omega" must therefore of course also take into account the features that the luxury timepieces offer.

Breitling

When it comes to functionality, Breitling's Superocean series is one of the most interesting. The diving watch offers the wearer the best legibility thanks to luminous indices and high-contrast design, meets the requirements for robustness thanks to the scratch-resistant ceramic inlay bezel and special alloys for corrosion protection, and is water-resistant to 300 meters in the standard version. The Breitling Navitimer is no less sophisticated. Depending on the reference, the watch has a GMT function, measures 1/4 second, 30 minutes and 12 hours with the highest precision and has an additional 24-hour dial.

omega

The Seamaster is impressive proof that Omega is in no way inferior to Breitling when it comes to functional diving watches. The sporty references, which can withstand water at depths of up to 6,000 meters, are mostly equipped with co-axial movements and some versions have a discreet date. The Omega Speedmaster is just as packed with functions, as it is equipped with a tachymeter scale on the bezel, three totalizers and a small second hand, as well as being optimally protected against magnetic fields.

For those who do not need immense water resistance or comprehensive timekeeping functions in their everyday lives, Omega's De Ville product line offers wrist jewelry that is functional and at the same time incredibly aesthetic. Here, the buyer decides which of the available complications he needs in his everyday life. Models with a date, small seconds and tourbillon are available.

quality and workmanship

As befits luxury watch brands, Omega and Breitling place great value on the finest materials and first-class workmanship. There are hardly any differences in this regard. Both watch manufacturers use high-quality materials, subject their products to strict quality controls and produce watches that score highly in terms of durability and ease of maintenance.

price and value

Breitling and Omega watches both have their price, which is in the upper segment. Although Breitling models can sometimes be purchased a little cheaper on the secondary market, the coveted models from both brands are essentially in the same price range. But what about the value of the timepieces in the long term? Both Omega watches and Breitling references are known for their value stability. Similar to the classics from Rolex, popular, well-preserved versions of Omega and Breitling - for example Superocean, Speedmaster, Navitimer and De Ville - remain stable on the market and always bring investors satisfactory profits.

decision-making

If you have to make a choice and decide whether a Breitling or Omega watch should enrich your personal collection, you should keep these factors in mind:

• Watch type: What type of watch - e.g. diver's watch, pilot's watch or dress watch - is desired?

• Design preferences: Which design features (e.g. sporty, elegant or extravagant) match your personal taste?

• Intended use: On what occasions should the watch be worn?

• Movements: Do you want an (automatic) mechanical movement or a quartz caliber?

• Functions: Which functions should the timepiece definitely have?

Depending on your individual answers to these questions, you may be more likely to choose a Breitling or Omega model. If you are specifically looking for a chronograph, Breitling is definitely the obvious choice. If, on the other hand, you want an elegant watch that is functional but not too sporty, the De Ville and Constellation products from Omega are worth a closer look.

When purchasing a luxury watch - whether from Breitling, Omega, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier or Rolex - the following points should always be considered:

• Exact reference and condition of the watch

• completeness of papers and certificates

• genuineness and authenticity

• warranty and return policy

• reputable provider

Conclusion

If you browse through the product range of both brands, let your gaze wander from the Breitling Superocean to the Omega Seamaster and from the Navitimer to the Speedmaster and make comparisons, you will most likely come to the following conclusion: Both watch manufacturers operate at an impressively high level, offer watches of the highest quality and impress with uniquely high-quality craftsmanship. Our comparison therefore does not end with a clear winner, but with a clear draw and with the conclusion that ultimately every watch lover has to decide for themselves whether Breitling or Omega offers the better watches in their opinion.