Watches

Take a Look Inside Omega’s New Museum in Switzerland

WatchesOct 25, 2019

Take a Look Inside Omega’s New Museum in Switzerland

The new space in Biel/Bienne is dedicated to telling the watch brand's story. 

20191022_Omega-header.jpg
Omega’s new museum outlines the watch brand’s history with immersive movies, showcases and interactive experiences.

Biel/Bienne, Switzerland—Omega has a new home in Switzerland dedicated to telling its story.

The brand opened its original museum in 1983, making it the first to be dedicated to a single Swiss watchmaker, but “given the length and depth of the brand’s legacy,” a new museum was eventually required, the brand said in an announcement.

Now, it has debuted a new museum at “La Cite du Temps,” the Swatch Group/Omega headquarters located in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland that recently opened after five years of construction.

Located in a light-filled building designed by well-known Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the new museum tells the brand’s story through immersive movies, showcases and interactive experiences.

The visit starts with a walk across the world—a large world map on the floor embedded with digital screens feature the current times at locations across the globe.

Before moving on, guests take a trip back in time with Omega’s “History of Time” immersive, 360-degree video that tracks the path of humankind’s journey to precision, from the first clocks to modern movements.

To celebrate its status as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, visitors can channel their inner Olympian on a 9-meter running track equipped with authentic timekeeping technology like starting blocks and red electronic starting pistol.

Guests who take part also will receive a print-out of their photo finish, captured by the brand’s Scan’O’Vision Myria camera, which can record up to 10,000 digital images a second.

The new museum also has a “Her Time” exhibition, detailing the evolution of the brand’s watches for women, from early Lépine pendants and the iconic Ladymatic to “secret jewelry watches” and its most recent creations.

Next in line for visitors is a spot for them to explore Omega’s long connection with space exploration and moon landings.




The area, seen above, features a lunar surface and Lunar Rover, as well as videos, photos, NASA technology and the many versions of Omega’s “Moonwatch;” qualified by NASA for space flight in 1965, the Speedmaster was the fist watch worn on the moon.

It also highlights other exciting adventures in which the brand has played a part: on the wrist of 007.

Omega has been present in every James Bond mission since 1995’s “GoldenEye,” not only complementing the spy’s style but also helping him with a number of fictional life-saving functions.

Visitors also can journey into the movement of a watch with a giant walk-in Speedmaster
that regularly screens an animated film delving into the inner workings of the brand’s famed Co-Axial Escapement.

To top things off, Omega offers a look at its long history through a 50-meter steel bracelet display featuring 64 windows.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions in the new museum, the venue also set aside a place to display Omega’s latest creations and achievements.

Coinciding with the opening of the new museum, Omega created a dedicated Instagram account, @OmegaMuseum, and hashtag, #OmegaMuseum.

It also upgraded its “Extract from the Archives” service—in which a customer sends them the reference and serial number of their watch and Omega sends back information they have on said watch—which is now available online.

WATCH: A Sneak Peek of Omega’s New Museum
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Sotheby’s Paraiba tourmaline 7.70 carats
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby's

The recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”

Almasika Le Cauri Endiamanté Drop Earrings
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine Power

She wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.

Graphic for Episode 6 of My Next Question featuring Michelle Orman
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken Bathrooms

Couture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.

Brought-To-By-Article-Top-Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center Stage

Colored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.

SSEF emerald with filler
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled Emeralds

The lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.

Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
James Avery Schertz Texas storefront
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail Experience

The Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.

Seattle Seahawks Championship Ring by Jason of Beverly Hills
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical Craftsmanship

The Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Marianna Smirnova
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive Director

Marianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Grandview Klein diamonds
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat Rough

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good Board

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Jalen Javon Davis and Leslie La Vun Jones II
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store Robbery

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy