The History of the Omega Marine, the World’s First Dive Watch
The 1932 Omega Marine’s patented doubled case. / Credit: Omega
In 1932, Omega introduced the world’s first diver’s wristwatch. Dubbed the Omega Marine, it was the first watch specifically tested and approved for diving at significant depths.
The design came from a Swiss patent, granted to Louis Alix, who was based out of Geneva. It was given to the Omega ref. 679 upon its completion. At the time, however, Rolex had already invented and patented the first waterproof wristwatch, with the Oyster in 1926.
The Rolex ‘Oyster’ case, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, 1926. / Credit: FHH
Thus, in devising this new watch case, the challenge Louis Alix faced was to patent a design for the Omega Marine, specifically making the winding stem waterproof, without infringing on the existing Rolex patent.
He decided to place the entire watch inside an additional outer casing, with the double case sealed with cork to keep water away from the internal components of the watch. A spring clip would then be included to keep the inner caing, the gasket, and the outer casing together.
The Omega Marine, 1932 / Credit: Horologium
The crown would be placed on the top section of the time piece, similar to a pocket watch, this would then be positioned within the safety of the outer casing. This outer case also had a key piece of novel innovation to it – the sapphire crystal.
The true genius of the two-part system was that as the watch would be submerged under water, the air pressure would steadily increase on the outer casing and sapphire crystal, which would then get transmitted to the inner casing. So, as the pressure increases, the force on the gasket would actually intensify increasing the watch’s water resistance.
While Rolex did invent the first waterproof wristwatch, it was not a watch tested to withstand water pressure like the Omega Marine – rightfully deemed the first dive watch.
Initially, the Marine used the manual winding caliber 19.4 T1, then later adopted the improved 19.4 T2 movement, which was created in 1935.
The Omega Cal. 19.4 T1 / Credit: Bold Timepieces
The Omega caliber 19.4 T1 and T2 were round movements, not rectangularly shaped as the case would suggest.
In 1936, it was successfully tested at the bottom of Lake Geneva at a depth of 73 meters. Additional laboratory tests were carried out five years later, and the Swiss Laboratory for Horology found the watch to be completely waterproof to an extraordinary depth of 135 meters! Perhaps not too impressive today, but certainly so in the mid-1930s as these were the first tests to establish the depth capabilities of a wristwatch and to officially qualify its suitability for the atmospheric pressure of diving.
Apart from the technical aspects of the Omega Marine, the case, dial, and lug design were in an Art Deco style. While this taste was similar to many other wristwatches of the time, it differed greatly from the design of modern-day dive watches, which are often seen as more ‘practical’ with large, highly legible dials and fonts.
The Omega Marine was proven to be a dependable partner underwater making it the trusted wrist companion of many early pioneers in the sport of underwater diving.
In 2007, Omega released 135 limited edition ‘Omega Marine’ pieces to commemorate the anniversary of the official certification of being rated water resistant up to 135 meters. The Omega Marine is now the 7th Omega family member to be made a part of the ‘Museum Collection’.
The 2007 ‘Omega Marine 1932’ / Credit: Master Horologer
Somewhat overlooked when discussing the history of dive watches, which is surprising given the level of technical ingenuity and being the world’s first dive watch; the Omega Marine certainly deserves to be regarded in the same lens as fan favourites like the Rolex Submariner and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. Even the re-issues like the 2007 limited edition are stunning!
By: Eric Mulder
Yves Le Prieur seen wearing an Omega Marine during an early dive / Credit: Vintage Watch Straps
Read more:
“A Ski Timing First.” Omega Watches, https://www.omegawatches.com/chronicle/1936-a-ski-timing-first.
Richon, Marco. OMEGA - A Journey through Time. Bienne, Switzerland, Omega Ltd., 2007.
“OMEGA MARINE 1932, MUSEUM COLLECTION LIMITED SERIES.” Master Horologer, December 28th, 2008, https://masterhorologer.com/2008/12/28/omega-marine-1932-museum-collection-limited-series-hand-wound-movement-calibre-2007-red-gold-and-white-gold-versions/.
Boettcher, David. “Blog: Omega Marine: First Dive Watch.” Vintage Watch Straps, June 26th, 2016, https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/blogomegamarine.php.
A 1990s Hamilton Khaki Sub 660ft ref. 9745 B, currently for sale on Toronto Vintage Watches. Click here.