The Military Watches Omega Doesn't Want Us to Know About ('Unit Watches')

A Discussion around Omega's Military Unit Program and the "Unit Watches" they create for military branches around the world. The video looks at the evolution of the Milspec watch during the 1960's and 1970's to the transitional "Insignia" watches of the 2000's. The "Unit Seamaster" and "Flight Qualified Speedmaster" shows how this may very well be a new and exciting era for pieces designed with specific intentions in mind: Custom Finishes, Bezels, Handsets and Dials, similar to the old-school briefs and specifications of yesteryear.

#watches #omega #omegawatches

All Images are Sourced from either Press Release Photos or Public Listings.
Below are a list of the common sources that are used in no particular order:

Bob’s Watches | Revolution Watch | HQ Milton | Hodinkee | Monochrome Watches | Jomashop | Analog Shift | Bulang and Sons | Robb Report | Watchfinder | WatchBox | Phillips Watches | Christies | Timekeepers Club | Fratello Watches | Bexsonn | Worn and Wound | A Collected Man | Oracle Time | Time + Tide Watches

[ID-Guy]

The "Unit" Omega Program, a topic I've wanted to get into for a long time.
After seeing the small leak of the "Flight Qualified" Speedmaster... it had to be covered.
Do you think that these bespoke pieces will help inform future watches that we can all get our hands on? 🥃

[ChristianAbildskov]

The danish king is a former “Frømand” ( danish Navy Seals) he has a Omega SM 300 unit that he wore on his crownation 🤴🏻🤿

[rowluxillusion]

I regret not buying a Danish special forces SMP300 2 years ago when it was on ebay, it sold for just under 3000 Euro. Regret it to this day.

[morganthau]

My 1969 US Army issued Hamilton mechanical is my pride and enjoy in my collection.

[robertm.]

For the most part, this “milspec“ angle is pure marketing BS.

Real operators doing real work do not wear these things.

We were issued Suunto, Casio triple sensors, g shock and the like.

[rl]

The Seamaster that Daniel Craig was teasing during the Olympics is probably the closest that civilians will get to the unit Seamaster.

[jameshoward]

Toned down Omegas? Madness, they'd never sell..! Would they..?? Maybe Omega is just toying with us and in a preemptive strike on W&W, unleash a mil-spec trilogy of pared-back field, chrono and dive watches on the unsuspecting enthusiast community... We can but dream!

[xpusostomos]

Love military watches, have a Smith's, Bulova, Lacos, Stowas, Marathon, Hamiltons... That Omega is one they should definitely reintroduce, though I'm sure it would be overpriced... You can't go past a Marathon for value actually, whether it be their low or high end.

[AbdulRWatches]

I did not know that at all, they definitely didn't market it all. I actually do like them 😁
Great video brother, have a great weekend 👍🏽

[BAF]

Contrarily, I think Omega does want us to know about these watches. Nothing like a watch you can't have for creating hype. RAF vet here who saw most watches issued on a mission/sortie basis to be returned after an operation. The watches bought by unit members I have no experience of during my time in the military. I suspect some of the very exclusive models like the SAS Explorer 2 were expressly made as a nice earner post service to be sold on to Walts. The SAS get good equipment but I can't see MOD ever financing 100 Explorer 2s, especially with the advert on the back divulging information about a captured operative as you pointed out.

[benedekgabor.]

These two Omegas are soooo cool! Especially the Seamaster. It’s the best of both worlds.

[MrAndy]

These are beautiful pieces and I do hope we see their evolution to commercial ones. As the CW Desk Diver is more my lifestyle, I won't be seeing them otherwise 🙃

[Sjoldschool]

The CWC quartz SBS divers watch is a good piece of kit

[Valera_Scotland]

What are the chances man... just when I get my new daily. A midsize Seamaster 36mm, (Prince William) from around omega... we are back together....p.s. emailed you photos

[ZeroSOFInfinity]

Please please please... the SM 300 Daniel Craig wore at Paris Olympics be something like the one shown in here.... I'll buy it in a heartbeat.

[lion-zs]

A brilliant episode as always .
I’ve just required the blood moon Bulova space watch .
It’s an awesome piece .❤

[alvinmick]

An excellent video and subject matter indeed! This is one of my favorite topics. I find it absolutely fascinating. 🥃

[melissasmess]

Only interested in what's available, I never watch video about special edition watches. Enjoy my comment and click. Have a good day.

[ian]

I really underestimate my 2262.50. Thanks for reminding me how special it is ❤

[kevinwall]

You didn't mention the MI5 Breitling Suoerocean Steel fish.