Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (2024)

When talking about watches, it’s difficult to avoid the topic of price and value. Because as a matter of fact, Omega watches are not cheap objects, at least not relatively speaking.

It’s no secret that the vast majority of new products that you buy lose a part of much of their value when you buy them. Just like a brand-new car loses X percent when you buy it from the dealership, most watches also lose value when you buy them from an official Omega retailer. There are of course exceptions to this rule which is predicated on supply and demand. This sometimes applies to hard-to-get limited edition or special release models.

But the fact is that not all watch brands hold their value equally well, and as the title suggests, in this article, we’ll be specifically looking at Omega watches.

Do Omega watches hold their value?

First thing first, it’s important to note that there are a bunch of different factors that affect how well something holds its value on the secondhand market.

Here are some of the factors that we’ll look closer at further on:

  • Type of model: not all models are equally popular (supply and demand)
  • Condition: The condition of a pre-owned Omega watch will obviously affect its value
  • Accessories: what accessories come with your Omega watch will also affect its value
  • Age: How old your Omega watch is will also affect its value

What affects how well an Omega watch holds its value?

Before we go into detail about the points listed above, it’s interesting to discuss what other things affect how well an object holds its value in the secondhand market.

Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (2)

Supply and demand

Supply and demand will always be the most important deciding factor in how well something holds its value on the secondhand market.

Omega, like essentially all other watch brands, has official retailers that sell their watches. Today, the demand for Omega watches is quite high (producing millions per year), but at the same time, the supply of the watches is quite high as well.

This means that there is no lack of Omega watches on the market. Instead, they are easily available in Omega stores. And if they do not have the watch you are looking for, in most cases, they are able to order it for you.

Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (3)

For other brands, for example, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex, the production is smaller, and there may also be an intentional limit of the production of the most popular models in order to create scarcity and thus increase demand.

The official retailers are the main outlet for watches, including Omega, and when it gets increasingly difficult to get the watch you are looking for from them, because of things like waiting lists and limited production, the demand for those watches on the secondhand market will naturally increase. And as a result, the prices will increase. This is the basic principle of supply and demand.

Now, the reason most Omega watches lose value on the secondhand market is that they are brought from the official outlet (an official retailer) to the secondhand market. The second-hand market does not play by the same rules as the official retailers, and the printing there is instead completely based on supply and demand. This brings us to the next point.

Recommended retail prices

All Omega retailers are the main outlet for Omega watches, and when it comes to pricing, they must follow Omega’s guidelines of the recommended retail prices. There are many reasons why Omega makes recommended retail prices, but the most important is that they want to ensure that all Omega watches cost essentially the same across the world, and also to minimize competition among the official retailers. Of course, this will also help ensure that the watches are not sold at heavily discounted prices (even if they are, but generally not publicly).

Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (4)

Now, this brings us to the next point which is discounts. Discounts are an interesting topic in the world of watches as Omega watches, in particular, are classified as luxury objects

But the fact of the matter is that on many other expensive products, it is common to ask for a discount, for example when buying a car.

The ”problem” with discounts is that it dilutes the brand, and teaches the customer that the watch is not worth what the retail price is. Instead, you eventually take for granted getting a discount. What this will ultimately lead to is pushing down prices of the watches on the secondhand market. The cheaper it is possible to get something from the official retailer, the cheaper they are going to be on the secondhand market.

Take Rolex for example. On the most popular models, it is very uncommon to get a discount due to the fact that the demand for them is huge. And factoring in this with the fact that the ”waiting list” for these models can be months or even years without the right contacts, naturally, the demand for these watches will increase on the secondhand market.

Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (5)

The point of this is that it is absolutely possible to get a discount when buying an Omega watch from an official retailer. In fact, all you need to do is ask.

The brand will always matter

Another factor that will impact the secondhand prices of Omega watches is of course brand. The brand is extremely important in the world of luxury objects.

People are willing and prepared to pay more for something that has a strong and recognized brand. Take for example luxury brands like Hermes and Gucci.

The same goes for watch brands and Omega in particular.

Omega is an old and well-known watch brand that is both respected and appreciated. Some of the world’s leaders and famous individuals have worn Omega watches.

This is actually something that helps improve the secondhand value of Omega watches.

Now, the catch is that there is not only one thing that affects how well an Omega watch holds its value. For example, Omega may have a limited supply of their watches, but if there’s limited demand, the secondhand prices will remain consistently lower than from official retailers.

Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (6)

Go for the most popular models

Not all models are created equal. Omega has a large number of models and variants in its production, and as with everything, they have popular and they have less popular models.

Omega’s most popular models are the Speedmaster and Seamaster. This results in the fact that these two models also hold their value best on the secondhand market as the demand for them is quite high.

Now, the catch is that within those ranges, there are an array of different variants. There are gold versions, dial variants, functions variants, and so on.

Generally speaking, the classic ”standard” models tend to be the ones that hold their value best on the secondhand market, and this is also true for Omega watches.

The watches that depreciate the least (when talking about modern Omega watches currently in production) are the standard Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional and the Seamaster Diver 300M. Then, there are other models that are also quite popular such as the Aqua-Terra and Seamaster 300.

Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (7)

Buy from the secondhand market

If you are a conscious buyer who is looking to strike a good deal on your Omega watch, it is almost always best to opt for buying pre-owned.

Just like a car when rolling out from the dealership, an Omega watch tends to depreciate the most when it is taken from the authorized Omega retailer and to the secondhand market. It does not matter if the watch is brand new and never worn.

Now, for the sake of being able to generalize, let’s talk about some numbers about how much a brand-new Omega watch depreciates in value.

Generally speaking, the most popular Omega watches such as the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional and Seamaster steel tend to lose between 20-30% from the retail price.

Now, if you scored a discount of say 15-20% and bought the watch from an authorized retailer, that’s not a very bad deal. Of course, when you start wearing it, the other factors discussed also play in, such as condition, age, and accessories.

Less popular models such as DeVille and Constellation can depreciate as much as 30-40% on the secondhand market. This is all based on supply and demand. The demand for these models is significantly lower, and thus the prices on the secondhand market remain low. We offer tax-free sales of Omega watches to buyers outside the EU, and for these watches, you will get between 20-35% discount from the retail price.

Now, with that said, the most popular Omega watches actually hold their value considerably well compared to many other watch brands such as Tissot, TAG Heuer, Montblanc, and so on.

Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (8)

No, if you buy an Omega watch for full retail price, in most cases, the watch will depreciate in value quite a bit. However, if you get a deal and buy it x percent off from retail, you will be able to save a ton of money that would otherwise have gone lost in depreciation.

Vintage Omega watches

Please recognize that this article focuses specifically on newer watches. The fact of the matter is that an Omega watch can actually prove to be a great investment in the long term as it becomes vintage, but whether or not it will become collectible is pure speculation.

But looking at history, there are many Omega watches, in particular, the Speedmaster which has increased dramatically in value over time and proven to be great investments. But since this is long-term and only speculation, it’s difficult to say how much your Omega watch will depreciate in the long term, because it might just prove to increase in value.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are an array of different factors that affect if an Omega watch holds its value.

The general rule for Omega watches is that they depreciate in value when bought for full retail price. There are some exceptions to this with certain limited editions, however.

Generally speaking, an Omega watch loses between 20-40% in value in the first year. How much depends on the demand for these models, how popular they are, and whether it is new or worn.

At the end of the day, if an Omega watch holds its value depends on what you paid for it. When paying full retail price, Omega watches do not tend to hold the same value as you paid, but if you are able to strike a good deal either from an authorized retailer or on the secondhand market, you may in some cases be able to enjoy an Omega watch and then be able to sell it for the same price that you bought it for.

For buyers outside the EU, we offer unworn Omega watches at tax-free and thus highly competitive prices. Browse our current collection of tax-free Omega watches here.

 Do Omega Watches Hold Their Value? [Complete Guide] - Millenary Watches (2024)

FAQs

Does an Omega watch hold its value? ›

The answer is a resounding yes. They hold their initial value well—and many hold the potential for even more. The promise of Omega watches is two-fold. First, they're constructed with quality materials and comprehensive time.

What is the best Omega watch to hold value? ›

Omega Seamaster and Speed master are the most famous and in-demand Omega models. They will hold value even in the resale market as their demand is equally high. Look for variations like function variants, gold versions, dial variants, etc.

What holds it value better Rolex or Omega? ›

When it comes to average resale value Omega's isn't bad per se. The best Omega watch may fetch a higher average resale value than the worst Rolex but the Rolex brand still dominates the pre-owned market and on average, their watches hold value the best. They are also one of the most knocked-off brands as well.

Which Omega is the most collectable? ›

The Top 5 Most Collectable Omega Seamaster References
  • Omega Seamaster Olympic Official Timekeeper Limited Edition. ...
  • Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre Limited Edition Ref. ...
  • Omega Seamaster 300 The 1957 Trilogy Limited Edition Ref. ...
  • Omega Seamaster Professional Ploprof 1200M Ref. ...
  • Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref.
Feb 17, 2022

Which watch will increase in value? ›

The top two — Rolex and Patek Philippe are considered to be, by far, the most collectable luxury watch brands, and the most likely to hold and even appreciate in value over time.
...
These are:
  • Rolex.
  • Patek Philippe.
  • Omega.
  • Jaeger-Le Coultre.
  • Breitling.
  • TAG Heuer.
Aug 17, 2022

Is it worth buying an Omega? ›

Both new and used, Omega watches are incredibly popular among collectors and enthusiasts. Prestigious and well respected, they provide technically advanced, quality timepieces to last through the generations. As one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, Omega has transformed horology throughout the years.

Is Omega a better watch than Breitling? ›

The two brands are ranked in the top 50 Swiss watchmaking brands in the world. However, when you look at the ranking, Omega ranks higher compared to Breitling. Omega ranks at #7 most recognized Swiss company worldwide, and #2 most recognizable Swiss watch brand. Omega has 70% brand recognition globally.

How long will an Omega watch last? ›

OMEGA watches are designed to last a lifetime if they receive the best care. We recommend that you have the water-resistance checked every year and a full service performed every 5 to 8 years. You can also find on our website tips on how to preserve your watch.

Is Omega an everyday watch? ›

From the Seamaster to the Speedmaster, OMEGA delivers on performance watches for everyday life.

Is Tag Heuer or Omega better? ›

Omega vs Tag Heuer Quality

TAG Heuer is especially known for chronographs, and it's a giant in the watchmaking world but Omega watches are considered to be of higher quality. The quality of an Omega watch is easily demonstrated by the amount of time it takes to create one.

What does wearing an Omega say about you? ›

Omega watches can often signify extravagant taste on the part of the wearer. They say, 'I'm successful, so why shouldn't I show off what I've got? ' Again, the image that is put across by the person wearing this watch depends partially upon his attitude.

What watch is better than a Rolex? ›

Patek Philippe arguably owns the top-tier of high-horology. Once, the most expensive watch ever sold was a Patek Philippe with many complications and sold for over 11 million dollars, second only to a Rolex that was worn by Paul Newman.

Are vintage Omegas worth it? ›

So, even if you purchased a second hand Omega for next to nothing a few years ago, it could be worth plenty shortly due to market fluctuations. For this reason, among several others, watch experts tend to agree that an Omega is always a good investment.

Is a vintage Omega watch a good investment? ›

If a particularly popular timepiece is extremely scarce, its value will undoubtedly rise. This is especially true if the timepiece is no longer in production. Popularity is a third factor that makes second hand Omega watches a good investment.

How do I choose a good Omega? ›

It's important to choose a supplement that is free of heavy metal contaminantsand provides the right kinds and amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Look for the bioactive ingredients—EPA and DHA—these are the key omega-3 fatty acids found in fish.

What watches sell the most? ›

Rolex reigns supreme.

Rolex once again claimed the top spot on Chrono24's list of the five best-selling brands. Next up is Omega, which retained its No. 2 spot, followed by Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.

Which watch brands lose value? ›

Brands that don't hold their value as well as Rolex, such as brands like Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Omega, tend to lose between 40-50%, but this is of course when we're talking short-term, and it's really difficult to know what will happen if you look at the watch's value long-term.

Will Omega last forever? ›

OMEGA watches are designed to last a lifetime if they receive the best care. We recommend that you have the water-resistance checked every year and a full service performed every 5 to 8 years. You can also find on our website tips on how to preserve your watch.

What type of watch does James Bond wear? ›

Since 1995, James Bond has worn OMEGA Seamasters in every film. Over the years, we have also created some very special limited edition timepieces whose special features honour 007 and his legacy of more than half a century of genre-defining movies.

Why Omega is so popular? ›

Trends come and go, but iconic watches like the Omega Speedmaster stand the test of time precisely because of their timeless simplicity. The Speedmaster Professional has a timeless, iconic design that will probably never go out of style.

What is the most iconic Omega watch? ›

The Omega Speedmaster is generally recognised as Omega's most well-known and loved watch, and there are numerous models available on the market today. Famously worn by the astronaut Buzz Aldrin on the first manned lunar landing in 1969, the Omega Speedmaster became known simply as 'the moonwatch'.

Has Breitling gone up value? ›

Breitling watches are a luxury item & as such, they come with hefty price tags. However, Breitling watches hold their value well & can be expected to increase over time. They also last for years & years (some models have been around for decades).

Is Rolex more prestigious than Omega? ›

It's one area where Rolex has an edge over Omega, and that counts for a lot. Despite Omega's illustrious history, when it comes to the strength of the brand, no luxury watchmaker comes close to Rolex. Rolex is not only the most well-known luxury watch brand, but one of the most reputable brands in any category.

Will Omega watch prices go down? ›

Omega will increase prices by approx. 5–7% (also depending on the market).

How often should an Omega watch be serviced? ›

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY OMEGA WATCH SERVICED? OMEGA state that dependant on the use and environment in which the watch is worn, depends on the service frequency. OMEGA recommend that a complete service should be carried out every 5 to 8 years and advise that the water resistance checked every year.

Do Omega watches have a lifetime warranty? ›

In its quest to raise industry standards and push the boundaries of watchmaking quality, OMEGA now offers a full 5-year warranty on all of its timepieces.

Which type of watch is best for everyday use? ›

Best Everyday Watches
  • Seiko SNN241 Chronograph.
  • Seiko 5 SNK793 Automatic.
  • Nordgreen Pioneer.
  • Victorinox Fieldforce Quartz 241851.
  • Citizen Eco-Drive AW1236-03A.
  • Seiko SNE032 Two-Tone Solar.
  • Fossil Townsman Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch.
  • Citizen CA0648-09L Eco-Drive Chronograph.
Feb 14, 2023

How often do you have to wind an Omega watch? ›

A manual watch like the Omega Seamaster should be wound up every morning or evening. The average time span after one winding is between 40-70 hours, so some people only wind their Seamaster when it needs it.

What is considered an everyday watch? ›

Everyday watches are just that. They are watches you can wear in your daily life. Oftentimes these watches are made watches with less precious metals like stainless steel or titanium, but they cover a variety of styles and can be worn with just about anything.

Which tag watches hold their value? ›

Luxury watches like TAG Heuer are more inclined to hold their value well over the years due to the quality and valuable materials of the watch. TAG watches are also reliable and continue to maintain good time which is another factor as to why they'll hold their value.

Is Breitling better than tag? ›

Most well-versed watch collectors would say that Breitling is a more respected and prestigious watchmaker and hold Breitling as a brand, to a higher standard than TAG Heuer. There are always those collectors that would swear by Breitling but still own a TAG Monaco or a Carrera Heuer 01 in his or her collection.

Is Tissot as good as Omega? ›

While the Tissot may not match the engineering or prestige of the Omega, it certainly is a timepiece that won't let you down and looks good anytime, anywhere. The biggest difference? The Omega diver will set you back some $5,000, while the Tissot costs less than $1,000.

What Celebs Wear Omega watches? ›

  • SCREEN LEGENDS. Throughout the acting world, OMEGA's values of excellence and commitment are perfectly reflected by some of the most talented stars on screen. ...
  • GEORGE CLOONEY. ...
  • NICOLE KIDMAN. ...
  • DANIEL CRAIG. ...
  • EDDIE REDMAYNE.

Who wears a seamaster? ›

Prince William – Seamaster 300m

Considering the royal has been involved in sea rescues when he was an Air Ambulance pilot in the past, this watch couldn't have been a more perfect choice.

Why do people like Omega watches? ›

Omega is more than just a brand; it has extremely high-quality standards for all the products it creates, achieving certain records and numbers with which other brands can't compete. Their mechanical precision has only gotten better with time, showing how these watches hold their value.

Which is the No 1 watch brand in world? ›

Patek Philippe consistently tops the list of best watch brands in the world and is a status symbol like no other. Founded in 1839, the Swiss company is the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva.

What brand is closest to Rolex? ›

The Top 5 Rolex Alternatives
  • Omega Seamaster for Rolex Submariner. ...
  • Zenith Chronomaster Sport for Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. ...
  • Tudor Black Bay GMT for Rolex GMT-Master II. ...
  • Cartier Santos for Rolex Datejust. ...
  • Breitling Colt for Rolex Oyster Perpetual.
Jul 24, 2022

What is the most desirable watch? ›

Best Watch Brands Overall
  • Omega: Precise, Stylish And Reliability. ...
  • Rolex: Iconic And Attainable If You Shop Pre-Owned. ...
  • Tag Heuer: Sporty And Sophisticated. ...
  • Timex: American Classics With Rugged Style. ...
  • Citizen: Technical Precision And Innovative Designs. ...
  • Patek Philippe: Coveted Watches For Collectors.
5 days ago

How much i should pay for vintage Omega? ›

They all have in-house Omega movements, wonderful dial designs, and they're affordable. Like, several hundred dollars-affordable (if you're willing to take on the cost of a possible service) or sub-$1k to $3k for a piece from a reputable dealer — even in precious metals.

Is it worth it to buy an Omega Seamaster? ›

Nonetheless, the Omega Seamaster is an excellent watch from a very prestigious brand that also has great value but as a result of the difference in brand recognition, there is about a 30% loss in the resale value and street value on the Omega Seamaster compared to the Rolex Submariner.

Are all omegas handmade? ›

A: Obviously the mechanical watches are handmade. They're hand-produced in our industrial manufacture, where we're producing more than two thousand watches a day…and all of our three hundred and fifty watchmakers are crucial to producing them.

Will my Omega go up in value? ›

The general rule for Omega watches is that they depreciate in value when bought for full retail price. There are some exceptions to this with certain limited editions, however. Generally speaking, an Omega watch loses between 20-40% in value in the first year.

Which is better fish oil or omega-3? ›

No omega-3 oil is totally better than others, as each one serves a unique purpose and offers various health benefits. One common question surrounds the difference between omega-3 and fish oil supplements. All fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, but not all omega-3 fats come from fish oil.

How much is average omega? ›

The average price of an Omega watch is between $5,200 to $7,150 MSRP.

Which omega Do we need more of? ›

Omega-6 fats are essential fats that provide energy for the body. However, people should eat more omega-3s than omega-6s.

Can you pawn an Omega watch? ›

Pawnshops buy, sell, and pawn luxury watches like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe every day. You may also be surprised that other brands like Fossil, G-Shock, or Invicta can also have value to a pawnbroker.

Which Omega Swatch is best investment? ›

Top 5 Omega Watches With Investment Potential in 2023
  1. Omega Speedmaster “Replica” Ref. 3594.50. ...
  2. Omega Seamaster 300 “Spectre” Ref. 233.32. ...
  3. Omega Speedmaster Professional “Alaska Project” Ref. 311.32. ...
  4. Omega Speedmaster First Omega In Space Ref. 311.32. ...
  5. Omega Speedmaster 60th Anniversary “Trilogy” Limited Edition Ref.
Dec 9, 2022

How many watches should a woman own? ›

In closing, we recommend at least three watches for women. If certain needs dictate, a fourth watch is sometimes appropriate. Feel free to invest in more if you feel your needs warrant it. You can never own too many watches.

How many watches should a man own? ›

An average man needs at least three types of watches because not only does a watch tell time, but it is a valuable piece of accessories too. A man should have a dress, diving, and casual everyday watch. It is also good to have a tool watch for hobbyists, aside from the casual watch that is good for daily wear.

How long do Omega watches last? ›

OMEGA watches are designed to last a lifetime if they receive the best care. We recommend that you have the water-resistance checked every year and a full service performed every 5 to 8 years. You can also find on our website tips on how to preserve your watch.

How much does it cost to authenticate an Omega watch? ›

We offer our online Omega watch authentication service to every buyer. Starting at €150 (USD $180 | GBP 130) per watch. Our authentication service is always performed within two business days after receipt. If your watch is fake, we even take care of sending back the watch en you will be fully refunded.

What watches are as good as Omega? ›

5 Alternatives to the Omega Speedmaster
  • Speedmaster Alternative #1: Zenith El Primero. ...
  • Speedmaster Alternative #2: Tudor Black Bay Chrono. ...
  • Speedmaster Alternative #3: IWC Portugieser. ...
  • Speedmaster Alternative #4: Breitling Navitimer. ...
  • Speedmaster Alternative #5: TAG Heuer Carrera.
Jul 26, 2022

Why is everyone queuing for Omega Swatch? ›

If you're wondering why people were queuing up at a Swatch shop near you, it's because they wanted to buy the RM1,065 Swatch X Omega MoonSwatch. People around the world are willing to line up for hours just to get their hands on the watch and they are not even limited.

What is the best selling Moonwatch? ›

The MoonSwatch Mission to Neptune is by far the most in demand MoonSwatch, selling for between $1,700 USD and $2,000 USD on secondary market websites such as StockX and eBay. That is 4 to 5 times the premium price of many of the other MoonSwatch models and almost 8 times the retail price.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 6668

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.