Looking for an Omega entry-level watch? Here are five timeless and attainable options. Of course, we also consider that men of modest height often have smaller wrists.
I’ve always been a fan of Omega. My three favorite Swiss watch brands are Breitling, Omega, and Rolex. First off, Omega has quite a few options for thin-wristed men. Second, they boast quite the history and lore — Omega has been to the moon, after all. Notably, an entry-level Omega watch won’t set you back as much as, say, an entry-level Rolex or Patek.
Now, whether or not you find them affordable is a matter of your budget and priorities. Omega is still a luxury brand. I mean, come on. James Bond has been wearing Omega for decades (along with his impeccable Brioni and Tom Ford “Bond” suits).
There’s still something understated about them, though. Moreover, they’re a bit more of a “fun” brand. And they do it in a way that doesn’t compromise the class and elegance factor. You’ll see what I mean via the choices below. But before we get to the watches, let’s all agree on one thing: What is an entry-level watch?
What Is an Entry-Level Watch?
An entry-level watch can be one of two things. It can be a line of cheap, simple timepieces within a high-end or mid-tier brand. They may be a line of watches that emulate the brand’s style but are built with less luxurious materials. It’s the watch equivalent of when a high fashion house creates a diffusion line for big box stores.
The second thing? Entry-level watches can simply be the least complicated models within a high-end brand. They’re the pared-down watches. So, for Rolex, it’s the fundamental diver (the Submariner), not the deep-diver (the Deepsea) or the luxurious man-of-leisure model (the Yacht-Master).
These entry-level watches are just as well-built as the advanced models. They just don’t have several complications or gemsets or special materials. Rolex is an excellent example of this kind of entry-level timepiece because you’ll notice they aren’t exactly cheap. They also aren’t exactly that attainable (waitlists galore!). Patek is another example of a brand whose entry-level pieces are like this. So, how does this apply to Omega?
The Best Entry-Level Omega Watches
Many of the best entry-level Omegas cost as much as higher-end models from mid-tier brands. You just have to be creative about where you look. I’ve definitely seen Aqua Terras on the Chrono24s and eBays of the world for the same price as a Tissot. Truly, though, the most affordable models you can find from Omega are vintage ones. So, let’s start by talking about vintage Omega watches.
Vintage Omega Watches: A Budget Hack
Believe it or not, you can find a pre-1970s De Ville for less than $300. It’s really one of the cheapest Omega watches you can find. To be candid, these old De Villes are perfect if all you want is the brand name. No judgment — there’s nothing wrong with that, especially at these prices.
They come in a range of case shapes and colors. Do you want a rectangular steel model? What about a gold-toned timepiece with baton indices? Perhaps you’d love a white dial with hooded lugs. The best part about these simple vintage pieces is how versatile they are.
Even their older sports watches look more like everyday watches (in fact, I use the term “sports watches” loosely). The first Seamaster came out in the ‘40s, featuring a simple dial with batons and a static bezel. The Seamaster as we know it, the true diver with a unidirectional bezel and broad arrow hands, came out in the ‘50s. However, they continued to make the less rugged versions well into the 60s.
So try searching for Seamasters and Omega sports watches from the ‘40s and well into the ‘60s. You’ll find some excellent, well-built, and versatile pieces that can range from $400 up to $2,000. My favorite part about these older Omegas? They’re all slender-wrist-friendly, sometimes as small as 30 millimeters.
You might consider new vintage options if you want more iconic and recognizable models for less. These watches were built and released in the late ‘80s and ‘90s (depending on who you ask). In fact, two of our options fall into that category.
Omega Speedmaster Reduced
Here’s the first new vintage piece that won’t set you back as much as newer, similar-looking versions. The Speedy is arguably the brand’s most iconic watch with pushers, a tachymeter scale, and a black dial. It might even be the most culturally important chronograph ever.
The Speedmaster is NASA-approved, which means it can handle spaceflight and interstellar activity off the spacecraft. This isn’t relevant to most people, but it’s certainly a testament to its durability.
The Omega Speedmaster Reduced is less than 40 millimeters. This is one reason I recommend it to men with smaller wrists. However, it’s not just a little brother to the traditionally 42-millimeter Speedmaster Pro.
First off, I like how the subdials are spread out on the Reduced. I think it’s a more efficient use of space. Second, it still looks rugged yet sleek on your wrist because the bezel is relatively thicker (not noticeably so, though).
And finally, unlike the manual-winding Speedy Pro, the Reduced is automatic. I love both manual wind watches and automatics. However, there’s no denying that automatics are more convenient.
Omega De Ville Prestige
Are you looking for an adaptable Omega dress watch? The Omega De Ville Prestige is the line for you. Quartz models can be bought used for as low as $2,000, and models as small as 30 millimeters are available.
Now, are these smaller models ladies’ versions? Technically, yes. However, unless you’re going for a rose pink dial, most of these smaller timepieces are effectively unisex watches. They’re simple designs with close-to-body crowns.
You can find designs like stately-looking Roman indices, gems, and even a railroad inner dial. You can choose neutral options like a white or grey dial or more expressive palettes like green or blue. There are many remixes of this line’s original design. If you decide to top it off with add-ons, like a two-tone bracelet or jewels, you’ll, of course, up the price too.
Another cool thing about this watch is that it isn’t seen out in the wild as often as its sportier cousins are. In that sense, it’s classic but distinct.
Omega Seamaster Pro Quartz
Everyone around me knows how much I love the Omega Seamaster Pro. This isn’t just because it’s the GoldenEye Watch, either. Okay, that plays a big part of it, but there’s more. It’s definitely a classic diver, a member of the Mount Rushmore of Divers.
However, classics very rarely have this much blatant personality. So, in a way, it created a new path for legendary status in the dive watch world. Everyone recognizes the wave dial, scalloped bezel, and helium escape valve. Plus, I’m a sucker for partly-skeletonized minute hands.
There are more modern co-axial versions of this watch in various cool colorways. And on the secondary market, you can often find them for less than $5,000.
Still, my favorite versions are the ones from the ‘90s—the originals. Remember, you can save big with a new vintage piece while still flaunting the same designs as modern iterations. These quartz versions are easily under $3,000. You can go for the 36-millimeter model, which sits beautifully on any wrist. Or, you can go for the 28-millimeter version, which features almost sparkly applied indices.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Many past Omega lines featured the moniker Seamaster — it’s just the nature of how lines have broken off from other lines.
For the Aqua Terra, think of it as the leisurely, luxurious, on-holiday equivalent to its tool watch “cousin.” This timepiece has highly polished remnants of its tool watch ancestry. The Seamaster 300 has wavy lines on its face, symbolizing adventurous deep-sea diving. The Aqua Terra features straight panels evocative of a luxury yacht’s decks. It’s an overall cleaner look.
Instead of circular markers to indicate most of the hours, the Aqua Terra features long, sleek swords.
Don’t think that this watch is just a pretty face, though. It’s a certified Chronometer, the industry’s highest standard by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. And it boasts up to 15,000 gauss resistance to magnetic fields.
FAQs
Do you still have questions about entry-level Omega watches? No problem. Here are some of the most common ones!
How Much Is the Least Expensive Omega?
You can find several vintage Omegas for well under $500 in the secondary market. New vintage pieces, like the Speedy Reduced or the GoldenEye Seamaster, can go for anywhere from $2,500 to under $5,000. You can also find an Omega De Ville Prestige for just over $1,000.
Is Omega More Prestigious Than Rolex?
No. Many would argue that Omega and Rolex are on the same level. However, Rolex has more brand recognition and auction house representation. As such, most would say Rolex is more prestigious.
Is Omega an Entry-Level Watch?
No, Omega is definitely a luxury brand. However, they offer entry-level models at the same price as those from entry-level brands.
Conclusion: The Cheapest Omega Watch Lines
There’s an entry-level Omega watch for every guy out there. Are you an adventurer? Then the Omega Seamaster 300 might be your guy. Love a dress watch? Opt for the De Ville Prestige.
I truly believe that the Omega brand will guarantee you a quality timepiece. It’s all about finding a model that best represents you and your priorities!
What’s your favorite entry-level Omega watch? Let us know in the comments below!
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