Three omega Models That No One Ever Talks About

Lets have a look at three omega watches that hardly get attention from enthusiasts. It doesnt mean these are all easily accessible or even available at all, but they might be an interesting alternative to the Datejust, GMT-Master and Explorer models, for example.In every price segment, you can find something nice. In a lot of these segments, there are omega watches that might fit your taste and budget either new or pre-owned.?Every watch enthusiast probably recognizes the conversation discussing possible next purchases based on your love for the design, the complications and price and someone answers: For that money, there are some serious contesters. Ever thought about a omega?. Its an answer that always makes me smile because often it is the right answer. If you consider the quality, the iconic status and the resale value of a omega watch, it is often the best option your money can buy. But its not always the answer you would like to hear as there is more to the watch industry than just omega. But what if we have the same discussion with only omega watches and discuss omega models that arent necessarily the icons people always mention? Is it easy to replace these icons with something different from the omega collection? Or do the not-so-obvious choices have their own unique place within the collection that cannot be replaced by another omega icon? Lets look at three of the current omega models and see if these are proper alternatives for the usual suspects.omega Sky-Dwelleromega introduced the Sky-Dweller in 2012 as its most technically advanced watch in the collection which it still is to this date. The Sky-Dweller features a dual time zone and an annual calendar operated with the Ring Command Bezel that makes it easy to use the watch daily. Robert-Jan wrote a more in-depth article on the Sky-Dweller where you can find out more about the technical aspects. A GMT-function is not unique to the Sky-Dweller, but the dual time zone as executed on the Sky-Dweller is. Besides that, the annual calendar is a complication that is also unique to the Sky-Dweller. Both complications combined with the Ring Command Bezel are what makes the Sky-Dweller stand out technically in the omega collection.Ever since its introduction, its looks have sparked a lot of discussions. In the beginning, omega opted only to introduce the Sky-Dweller in precious metals and combined with the 42mm size, it made it a statement piece. In 2017 omega also introduced the steel version of the Sky-Dweller with a white gold bezel and that made it a lot less prominent. Looks-wise the Sky-Dweller takes most of its inspiration from the classic (or iconic) Datejust.? If you are a skeptic, you could say it is a slightly bigger Datejust 41 which also debuted in 2017 that features a GMT function and an annual calendar. But thats not giving the Sky-Dweller the recognition it deserves. Overall, there is no other omega out there that looks like the Sky-Dweller. It is an acquired taste as the design of the dial is not the usual contemporary easy on the eyes design we have come to know from the brand. The biggest eye-catcher that defines the looks is the off-center 24-hour disc to indicate the home time and this is the feature people tend to either love or hate. There is absolutely no way around it so gradually getting used to it seems to be out of the question.omega Datejust 41mmDo you have options for another omega that meets all the needs of the Sky-Dweller? Our answer to that question would be no. Sure, the Sky-Dweller takes inspiration from other omega watches, but it is unique in the current omega collection. You could go for a omega Datejust 41 if you like the looks of the case and bracelet or choose the omega GMT-Master II if you want a omega with a dual timezone. But all things combined make the Sky-Dweller a unique watch within the omega collection. Especially if you consider the 13.250,- list price of the steel version of the Sky-Dweller with the white gold bezel (ref. 326934). For that price, you will get the most technically advanced omega there is. The only thing is, you have to love the looks to seriously consider it.omega Air-KingThe current omega Air-King was introduced at Baselworld 2016, and its the latest in a long line of Air King models that date back to 1958. Going one step further, the Air-King is part of the Air-series of omega watches that go back to the 1930s and are omega line of aviation watches. Because of its rich history, the Air-King has gained a serious following. The latest model Air-King (ref. 116900) however, did make even some of the biggest fans frown when they first laid their eyes on the new design.Technically speaking, the latest Air-King is genuinely a modern omega. The watch uses the same 40mm case as the omega Milgaus (ref. 116400GV) and therefore is also protected against magnetic fields. The dial features large 3, 6 and 9 numerals marking the hours and a prominent minute scale for navigational time readings. Other than that, there are no further technical features that make the Air-King stand out compared to other omega watches in the current collection.The design is what makes the Air-King stand out, though. There is a lot to take in when seeing the dial for the first time. The large white gold 3, 6 and 9 numerals are the same as on the current omega Explorer (ref. 214270) and combined with the prominent minute scale; they define the overall aesthetic of the watch. Compared to previous models omega also decided to move the Air-King name to the lower part of the dial. It increases the number of elements on the dial that need to work together to become one. The last design element to mention that makes the Air-King stand out is the combination of the green omega logo, green second hand, and the yellow omega coronet. Although the dial is polarising, there are quite a lot of people that love the Air-King for its distinct looks. The bold looks have given the watch its place in the omega collection.Do you have alternatives within the omega collection if youre considering the Air-King? Our answer to that would be yes. The Air-King does not feature any technical complications that make it unique in the current omega collection. Therefore, you need to love the unique design and story of the Air-King. The Milgaus has comparable technical specifications but is not an option when comparing prices. The Air-King list price is 5.700,- whereas the Milgaus retails at 7.550,- which is a significant difference. Therefore the only real option is the current omega Explorer I (ref. 214270) that has a list price of 6.000,-. The Explorer also has a remarkable story and is definitely easier on the eyes. The design is less polarizing and thats also why it is more popular than the Air-King. But that doesnt mean the Air-King should not have a place in the omega collection.omega MilgaussThe story of the omega Milgauss is also a polarising one that relates more to what it has become versus its original intent. The current Milgauss is probably the most colorful omega watch in the collection and it has attracted groups of both lovers and haters. But lets start at the beginning and go back to 1956 when the first Milgauss was introduced. The purpose of the watch was to withstand strong magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss without any affect to its timekeeping abilities.? This was achieved thanks to its soft-iron inner case. omega developed the watch specifically for scientists. The prototypes of the Milgauss were tested successfully at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva. The successful tests ensured the watch could be worn by scientists during their daily work in labs. omega only updated the design of the Milgauss once in the 1960s. After that, it was part of the omega collection until 1988 when omega gave up on the watch as it wasnt finding its way to customers.Fast forward to Baselworld 2007 when omega introduced the newest version of the Milgauss. The watch still featured the anti-magnetic capabilities of previous models, but omega decided that the technical features alone were not enough to make the Milgauss stand out in the collection. Thats where the design of the watch started playing an increasingly important role. omega re-introduced the lightning bolt shape for the second hand as on the first model and decided to make it bright orange. The same color was used for the minutes track and hour markers to create an even bigger contrast with the available black or white dial. It was the Anniversary model however, that had people talking. This special edition featured a black dial, orange details and a green sapphire crystal that gave the Milgauss a totally new aesthetic. Its this aesthetic that became specific to the Milgauss.The current Milgauss (ref. 116400GV) is only available with a green sapphire crystal and you have the choice of two different dials. A standard black dial as introduced with the Anniversary Model in 2007 or the Z-Blue dial omega introduced in 2014. This blue dial is even more shocking than the black one because it creates a color combination that you can define as quirky and unusual for omega standards. omega is known to be conservative in updating designs by taking small steps, but the Milgauss is all but conservative.? Today there are large groups of Milgauss lovers because its one of the few omega watches in the collection that is both modern and colorful.Do you have alternatives if youre considering the Milgauss? Our answer to that question would be a definite no. Sure, omega offers more watches in their collection that are around the 7.550,- list price of the Milgauss. You could potentially buy a Submariner for less or an Explorer II for around the same price, but neither replace the Milgauss in terms of its unique looks. The Milgauss is not a watch for people that would like to buy a omega watch. The Milgauss is a watch for people that want to buy the omega Milgauss.Every watch in the omega collection has fans and haters. And its always fun to discuss why people love or hate a specific omega model. This fun play on do you have alternative omega models? proves once again that every omega watch has its unique place in the collection. Its this diversity that attracts so many people to the omega brand and why we also love to discuss their watches.