Most Famous Omega Watch Wearers

Throughout its 170 years of watchmaking history, Omega has graced the wrists of many important men, on and off the planet.

Best known for their history of underwater and space exploration, Omega watches have incredibly stunning design and technical expertise worthy of attention — but it sure didn’t hurt to be associated with men of influence.
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Here are the most iconic men to ever wear an Omega watch:

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In 1969, the Apollo 11 mission achieved the first manned lunar landing. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin became the second of the astronauts to step on the moon, all while wearing his Omega Speedmaster ref 105.012 – thus making it the first watch to traverse the surface of the moon.

This historic event earned the Omega Speedmaster Professional the name “MoonWatch” and made it one of the most significant watches of the 21^stcentury. Until today, Omega remains the official watch of NASA.

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Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the most famous underwater explorer of modern times, also contributed to the making of an Omega. The French oceanographer, diver, inventor and filmmaker led hundreds of marine expeditions, paving the water for future explorers.

Together with oil research firm Comex, he helped design the Omega Seamaster PloProf short for Plongeuer Professionnel or Professional Diver in French. The massive 45mm watch was the first watch to be able to withstand depths of 600m before the Rolex SeaDweller was launched. The watch remains extremely popular among professional divers, both for its capabilities and its history.

Elvis Presley was the most popular name in the music scene, when he was drafted to serve in the United States Army in 1958. Despite having the opportunity to entertain troops and live in special housing, he chose instead to serve as a regular soldier, earning the respect of many.

He wore an Omega Constellation with dauphine hands and a black dial during his service.

John F. Kennedy wore an Omega Ultra Thin ref. OT3980, when he took his oath of office as President of the United States. It was gifted to him by then Florida senator Grant Stockdale.

On its caseback was the dedication “President of the United States John F. Kennedy from his friend Grant.” Interestingly, Stockdale gave the watch to JFK months before his win in November. It is now in the Omega Museum in Bienne, Switzerland.

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British royalty Prince William is often seen wearing an Omega as his everyday watch: the Omega Seamaster 300m, with the emblematic blue dial and bezel.

The watch has real sentimental value to the Prince, as it’s a present from his mother Diana. He wears the sporty watch even with suits and it’s also the same watch that he wore during his wedding to Kate Middleton in 2011.

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And last but not the least is James Bond. While he’s a fictional character, the British spy has made his mark in pop culture, all while showcasing the abilities of his choice watches: the Omega Seamaster Professional and Omega Planet Ocean.

In 1995, Omega won the bid to be the official watch of Agent 007; and Bond has worn no other watch since then. The Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre was the latest of Bond’s watches; but with a 20-year partnership, there will certainly be many more.

PHOTO CREDITS: Main photo of Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin by NASA / Neil A. Armstrong from Wikimedia Commons, Jacques Costeau by Peters, Hans / Anefo [CC BY 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons, John F. Kennedy by Betty Beale from Wikimedia Commons, Elvis Presley from etsy.com, Prince William by British Embassy Tokyo / Alfie Goodrich [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr, James Bond / Daniel Craig from 007’s Official Instagram page (@007). JFK’s Omega Ultra Thin from aquiremag.com. Elvis Presley’s Omega Constellation from Antiquorum New York.