As a new member of the forum and a novice in the world of vintage Omegas, I've been digging around for everything I can find about the history of the brand, their timepieces from the 30s-70s, and how to spot a good one. This forum is an incredible resource, so thanks to you all for contributing!

One of the searches that doesn't seem to yield great results is "favorite movements". I would love to know what some of you seasoned collectors prefer and why? This could be by virtue of design, reliability, rarity, etc. If you'd like to subdivide into manual, auto, bumper, chrono etc etc feel free. I love a good rabbithole, so don't worry about brevity.

What are your faves, which models did they live in, and what makes them special?

P.S. If there's some master thread I've overlooked on this topic, sorry all!

 

Hi, for a start I will give You my 3 fav ref's and movements.
Flightmaster 145.026 (cal 911), Speedmaster 125 178.0002 (cal 1041), Speedsonic 188.0002 (cal 1255).
Great movements (2 by Lemania, 1 by Bulova), very accurate and reliable, packed in a beautiful design from the 70s
No point to describe them here, there is plenty info about them on the net, dig through!

 

I'm fond of the 561 automatic chronometers, many of which are still within chronometer spec today, and the 601 and 602 hand winding movements.

 

ref 105.012 and 145.012 with caliber 321
went to moon and back.
nuff said.

 

All beautiful pieces, thanks for sharing! I am in love with that Flightmaster.

 

With a name like TropicConnie that comes as no surprise

A nice steel Constellation is on my must have list. 501 is a non-date model correct?

 

Ok, I'll play! My favourites are the 505 and the 552. The 505 because for me it's the classic Constellation movement, powering most of that range I like best, and the 552 because it's the long-serving versatile no-date workhorse of the Omega movement and can still run within chrono specs even though not chronometer rated. I have a 505 that I rather like:


and several 552s; here's the one I'm wearing today. Both recently serviced and running within chrono specs.

 

I like the 145.012-67 with caliber 321 most, because I have one!

 

ST 105.012 and Caliber 321.

Okay a little back story just so it's not completely cliche. The 105.012 and Caliber 321 is what got me into watches. I wasn't into watches, but was already into NASA and Apollo stuff and was researching the Apollo missions. I happened to land on the speedmaster-mission.net (which doesnt seem to be working anymore...) and that's when I read about the Moonwatch. Found out what Armstrong wore, and it was the 105.012 with the 321 movement. Saw the picture of the 321 movement and was awes trucked. It was the first time I realize what was inside a mechanical watch. Before I just knew about quartz so mostly electronics.

 

That's a beautiful Constellation! Was the BOR bracelet standard on these?

I'll keep that 552 in mind when shopping for Seamasters, so many different movements used in the series. Thanks for sharing!

 

Certainly hard to argue with that. I'm also enamored of the moon watches, it's an incredible piece of history.

 

Thanks for all the responses so far guys, this is great stuff.

 

model 92 Walthams.... pure porn.

 

Incredible! Now I have to go learn what those are all about

 

Omega Constellations with 505 movements here.