Omega Watches [Englisch] [Gebundene Ausgabe]

First, let me set the record straight because it is not true that this and Kreuzer's books are the only references on Omega watches. In fact, they are the two poorest.

The best written source is, of course, Marco Richon's book, "Omega Saga" published by the Brandt Foundation and distributed by Omega (ISBN: 2-88380--010-3). However, this is available only in French. But I'm told Mr Richon is working on an English book about Omega.

That being said, Goldberger's entry is interesting only because of the high quality of his pictures. They are numerous (approxinaltely 250 models are represented, consistent and professional.

While the pictures are nice, there is practically no information at all on the watches themselves, the technology, or the history of Omega. No production dates for the timepieces are indicated, which might have provided at least some feeling for a historical timeline.

We might also have been interested in Mr Golberger's experiences as a collector, and some knowledgeable information on the current market for vintage Omega timepieces.

Maybe it's a good thing that text is scarce because where there is text, there are errors, not the least of which is that the author is named "Goldbeger" in his bio on the endpage. These 6 short lines have 6 errors in them, and I easily found at least seven more in the two-page Introduction by Mr Giampiero Negretti: clearly some copy reviewer did a very lousy job...

Let me begin by saying that budding Omega enthusiasts who are looking for a general overview of Omega watches and history may be better served by reading (the albeit flawed) Omega Designs by Kreuzer. On the other hand, if you are looking for a visual compendium of Omega watches, than this could be the book for you. The photography is first-rate, and the hardcover binding is high quality and should be durable. Each page is devoted to one watch, usually with a three-quarter view and sometimes with a view of the movement. Commendably the author has provided data for each watch, including dimensions and movement caliber. The watches mainly come from the author's private collection, and span a broad spectrum from Omega's early days to its current existence under the umbrella of the Swatch Group. Many unique pieces are presented, from early pocket and wrist watches to a platinum cased Constellation. Especially impressive are the numerous photographs of 30mm caliber manual wind chronometer watches in both sub-second and center second versions.

That being said, it is important to point out flaws in the book, especially given its high list price. First of all, except for commemorative models, there are no dates given for each watch. This is significant because it is quite easy to get an approximate date of manufacture from the movement serial number. Also, the movement views are too small. Collectors are interested not only in outward appearances, but also what is "underneath the hood". My biggest complaint is with the design format of the book. Though devoting a whole page to one watch is a good idea in theory, it results in a lot of wasted white space. All that space could have been better utilized (and given real value to the book) by adding enlarged movement views, other case views, or, like the excellent Dorling Kindersley books, informative text boxes.

As an owner of numerous watch books, I'd like to give some suggestions to both the author of this book and future authors. First, an appendix would be useful. Data such as movement serial numbers, movement types and approximate periods of manufacture would help and add value. A few close-up views of famous movements would be fantastic. Candidates include the 30mm caliber, the 321 chronograph caliber, Omega's first bumper automatic, and a full-rotor Constellation movement. Finally, the author seems to be a prolific collector of watches. I'm sure people would like to read about his experiences relating to watch collecting, and Omega watches in particular, in his own words. There must be some good stories...

In conclusion, this book plus Kreuzer's book are the only options currently available for the Omega enthusiast, until a book like the excellent Rolex Wristwatches by Dowling and Hess comes out for the venerable Bieler firm.

In my view, this is the worst book ever printed; it's acctually not a book because it has NO informations or anything you can learn from; it shows pictures and pictures of Omega watches. One watch pictured for the whole big page leaving much empty space. It's such a waste of paper and ink printing this so-call book.