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When it comes to having a reputation for quality there are a few pairings that jump immediately to mind: German automobiles, Japanese electronics, and of course, Swiss watches. While there are many manufacturers of Swiss watches on the market, only one can lay claim to being the first watch on the moon, and the watch that James Bond now wears on his daring missions.

Since 1848 it has been Omega watches strapped to the wrist of real and fictional superheroes, and to the wrists of millions of discerning watch buyers around the world. But in order to understand what makes an Omega watch so special you must take a look back on the storied history of these amazing timepieces.

Fueled by the creative genius of young Louis Brandt, the fledgling Omega watch company grew from a small Swiss shop to a major manufacturer of watches by the end of the 19th century. Their success was built on a foundation of quality, as many of their business decisions were driven not by bottom line dollars, but by a desire for ever increasing quality. By the late 1800s, Omega had staked their place among watchmakers with the release of their first series produced calibre watches, and with that the legend was truly born.

Today we see Omega watches continuing to lead the pack in their relentless pursuit of quality and innovation. In 1999 Omega watch created a stir when they released the first mass produced watch with a co-axial escapement. In laymen's terms, this escapement mechanism allows the watch to operate with minimal friction and requires almost no lubrication. The result is a watch that requires less service and is more accurate than any of its predecessors.

An Omega watch is high profile; from the people who wear them to the places they can be seen. Omega's proud team of ambassadors comes from all corners of the celebrity world and they collectively highlight the universal appeal of these amazing timepieces. On the golf links we can see an Omega watch on the wrist of players like Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, and Michelle Wie. Champion yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur wore one as she sailed around the Earth while champion race car driver Michael Schumacher is a proud ambassador as he races around the track.

The marriage of sports stars and Omega watches is a natural union for it is Omega watch that provides timing for many of the world's most prestigious sporting events. In fact, Omega watch is the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games. Already, Omega is leading the countdown for the 2010 Winter Games.

Precision has brought Omega to the forefront of the world of sports, and it was that same reputation for precision that made Omega the watch of choice for those who first slipped the bonds of Earth and traveled to the stars. From the first space walks to the first walks on the moon, Omega watches have been there during many of man's finest moments. Even today, Omega watches continue to run circles around the competition * literally(!) - as they orbit the Earth on the International Space Station.