Luxury watches in comparison - Breitling or Omega?

The watch brands Breitling and Omega enjoy great renown worldwide and are among the most popular watch brands of all. Both manufacturers offer models in the upper price range and have produced iconic bestsellers that have a firm place on the wish list of almost every watch lover. The question of whether Breitling or Omega makes the better watches is accordingly difficult to answer. In this article, we compare the two companies and their products, look at similarities and differences and provide information to help you make a well-founded decision for a Breitling or Omega watch.

The key points in brief

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

• Models and collections: Both brands offer a wide range of iconic models that have loyal fans all over the world. Among the brands' most legendary luxury timepieces are the Breitling Superocean and the Omega Seamaster.

• Quality and price: High-quality materials and excellent workmanship distinguish both brands, and both Omega and Breitling watches score highly for their value retention.

History and development

Whether Omega, Breitling, Rolex, TAG Heuer or Patek Philippe: Behind every great brand in the industry lies a history full of milestones that have shaped its path to success, status and prestige. Below, we therefore take a look at the watchmaking history of Breitling and Omega:

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 development of chronographs that optimally support pilots in their work. Here the manufacturer proved innovative and, among other things, created the classic chronograph with two pushers as we still know and use it today. This led to collaborations with the US Army and the Royal Air Force, which finally dispelled any remaining doubts about the quality and performance of Breitling's movements.

Numerous further milestones and achievements followed, earning the brand its current status as a virtually untouchable force in the watch industry. These include, for example, its involvement in the development of the automatic Chrono-Matic movement and, most recently, the launch of the Emergency watch with its emergency beacon feature.

Omega

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

In the first half of the 20th century, Omega was given the honour of serving as official timekeeper at the Olympic Games – a distinction 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 profile. 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 deciding between Breitling and Omega, the available watches are of course of primary interest. So let's take a closer look at the models and collections at the heart of the two luxury watch brands' ranges:

Breitling models

Breitling's product portfolio undoubtedly includes numerous highlights that make the hearts of seasoned 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 line, the manufacturer presents robust dive watches and thus appeals to those who rely on accurate timekeeping underwater.

Nevertheless: All in all, the brand's focus is quite clearly on high-performance luxury chronographs, which, according to some critics, leads to a somewhat one-sided range. Fans of the brand, on the other hand, view Breitling's clear line as thoroughly positive and appreciate the manufacturer precisely for remaining true to its specialisation.

Omega models

Omega offers style-conscious buyers four collections, each so extensive and varied that there truly is a luxury watch for every taste. The selection of Omega Speedmaster chronographs alone spans six sub-collections, from the Moonwatch and the two-register versions to the visually extravagant Dark Side of the Moon. In the "dive watch" category, the Omega Seamaster is the brand's flagship and thus competes directly with the Breitling Superocean.

Beyond sports watches, Omega is also quite broadly positioned. The Constellation collection includes elegant watches with time zone function and date, while the Omega De Ville timepieces serve as a prestigious symbol of traditional Swiss craftsmanship and are available with, among other things, a tourbillon, date and small seconds. Looking at the entire range, the selection at Omega seems somewhat more multifaceted than at Breitling.

Technical features and innovations

To achieve the level of renown in the watch industry that Breitling and Omega have attained, it takes more than the odd stylish model. It takes inventiveness and innovation. A subject both watch manufacturers know inside out:

Breitling

The chronograph as we know it today might not exist if it had not been for Breitling. After all: The company made a significant contribution to the further development and optimisation of the watch for precise time measurement. For many watch connoisseurs, Breitling is therefore the undisputed number 1 when it comes to chronographs. In the field of non-mechanical movements, Breitling's SuperQuartz technology made it possible to produce quartz calibres with a battery life of up to 10 years that implement complex functions such as flyback mechanisms, second time zones and perpetual calendars excellently.

Omega

Over the course of its history, Omega has also shown plenty of innovative spirit, for example with the series adoption of movements with a Co-Axial escapement, which made this advantageous form of escapement better known and accessible to the "average consumer" in the first place. In addition, the company developed a special certification procedure for chronometers, the so-called Master Chronometer certification (METAS for short). The procedure is based on eight demanding tests, for example on durability and water resistance, which separate the wheat from the chaff in a ten-day test series.

Design and aesthetics

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

Breitling

Massive, functional and striking: That is how you could describe the design character of Breitling watches in three words. Looking at the great classics, such as the Breitling Superocean or the Navitimer, the generous cases and the predominantly sporty aesthetics catch the eye. On closer inspection, however, a pleasant variety also emerges. Thanks to differently designed bezels, dials in various colours and straps in different materials, the coveted models adapt, so to speak, to different tastes and requirements and can certainly also show a refined, thoroughly elegant side.

Omega

The common thread that runs through the Omega collections in terms of style has a clearly classic-modern character. Omega combines – for example with the Omega Seamaster and Speedmaster – classic, proven approaches with novel, contemporary elements, thus creating timeless watches that are hugely popular all over the world. Even more than Breitling, Omega relies on the varied design of bezel, dial and strap, with different materials, colours, textures and finishes putting the crowning touch on every design.

Functions and features

Every experienced watch fan knows: Ultimately, what matters in a watch is quality, reliability and practical functions. A "Breitling or Omega" comparison must therefore of course also address the features these luxury timepieces offer.

Breitling

When it comes to functionality, the Superocean series is one of the interesting options at Breitling. Thanks to luminous indices and a high-contrast design, the dive watch offers the wearer excellent legibility, meets the demands for robustness with its scratch-resistant ceramic inlay bezel and special alloys for corrosion protection, and in the standard version is water-resistant to 300 metres. The Breitling Navitimer is no less sophisticated. Depending on the reference, the watch features a GMT function, measures 1/4 seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours with the utmost accuracy and has an additional 24-hour dial.

Omega

The Seamaster impressively proves that Omega is in no way inferior to Breitling when it comes to functional dive watches. The sporty references, some of which are unaffected by water down to depths of 6,000 metres, are mostly fitted with Co-Axial movements and in some versions feature a discreet date. The Omega Speedmaster is just as packed with functions, as it is equipped with a tachymeter scale on the bezel, three totalisers and small seconds and is optimally protected against magnetic fields.

For all those who need neither immense water resistance nor extensive timekeeping functions in everyday life, Omega offers with the De Ville product line pieces of jewellery for the wrist that are functional and at the same time incredibly beautiful. Here the buyer decides which of the available complications they need in their everyday life. Among others, models with date, small seconds and tourbillon are available.

Quality and workmanship

As befits watch brands from the luxury segment, Omega and Breitling attach the greatest importance to the finest materials and first-class workmanship. There are hardly any differences in this respect. Both manufacturers use high-quality materials, subject their products to strict quality controls and make watches that score highly for longevity and ease of servicing.

Price and value

Breitling and Omega watches both come at a price that lies in the upper segment. Although Breitling models are sometimes somewhat more affordable on the secondary market, the coveted models of both brands essentially belong to the same price class. But what about the value of these timepieces in the long term? Both Omega watches and Breitling references are known for their stable value. Much like the Rolex classics, popular, well-preserved versions from Omega and Breitling – for example the Superocean, Speedmaster, Navitimer and De Ville – hold their value on the market and repeatedly bring investors satisfying returns.

Making a decision

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

• Type of watch: Which type of watch – e.g. dive watch, pilot's watch or dress watch – is desired?

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

• Intended use: On which occasions will the watch be worn?

• Movements: Is an (automatic) mechanical movement or a quartz calibre desired?

• Functions: Which functions should the timepiece definitely offer?

Depending on your individual answers to these questions, models from Breitling or from Omega may be the better fit. If you are looking specifically for a chronograph, for example, Breitling is definitely the obvious port of call. If, on the other hand, you would prefer an elegant watch that is rich in functions but not too sporty, the De Ville and Constellation products from Omega are likely to be worth a closer look.

When buying a luxury watch – whether from Breitling, Omega, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier or Rolex – you should also always pay attention to these points:

• Exact reference and condition of the watch

• Completeness of papers and certificates

• Genuineness and authenticity

• Warranty and right of return

• Reputable seller

Conclusion

If you browse through the product ranges of the two brands, let your gaze wander from the Breitling Superocean to the Omega Seamaster and from the Navitimer to the Speedmaster and draw comparisons, you will in all likelihood reach the following conclusion: Both watch manufacturers operate at an impressively high level, offer watches of the best quality and impress with uniquely high-quality craftsmanship. Our comparison therefore does not end with a clear winner, but with a definite draw and with the observation that ultimately every watch lover has to decide for themselves whether Breitling or Omega offers the better watches from their point of view.