 |
 |
 |
||
| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Swiss automatic | Swiss cosc-certified automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 39mm, 41mm | 40mm | 41mm | 36mm, 39mm |
| Lug to Lug | 46mm, 49.8mm | 48mm | 47.5mm | 45mm, 48.75mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet or leather strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m | 100m | 50m | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
|
|
|
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
|
Buy Now at Jomashop | Buy Now at Tissot |
Buy Now at AliExpress
|
Omega Globemaster
|
|
| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 39mm, 41mm |
| Lug to Lug | 46mm, 49.8mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet or leather strap |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
|
Gevril West Village
|
|
| Movement | Swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 40mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It | Buy Now at Jomashop |
Tissot Ballade Powermatic
|
|
| Movement | Swiss cosc-certified automatic |
| Case Size | 41mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It | Buy Now at Tissot |
Bliger Date
|
|
| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm, 39mm |
| Lug to Lug | 45mm, 48.75mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
|
| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
|
For its place in the market, there’s nothing like the Omega Globemaster.
It fulfills all of the requirements for grail status: It’s historical, since it’s the first Master Chronometer ever. It boasts true quality, built from a Swiss hard-hitter of a brand. And, it has a striking design.
Still, it flies under the radar compared to Omega’s sportier offerings, and even compared to its arch-rival, the Rolex Datejust.
This status makes members of the Globemaster fan club that much more hungry for an homage though, since the look would be there, but only fellow club members would get the reference.
Ironically, it’s that status that also makes an homage so hard to find. Fortunately, we did the work for you.
Save a few hours of your life by checking out our six best Omega Globemaster homages.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
As mentioned, Globemaster homages are few and far between. You really have to dig deep to find them, which is what I did.
As a watch auction professional with several years of experience handling Globemasters, I used my connections to basically solve the mystery called, “where are the Globemaster homages?”
I consulted colleagues, watch experts, collectors, and several reviews and forums. With hours of research, I rounded up these six choices.
6 Best Omega Constellation Homages
Image Source: Jomashop
The Gevril West Village looks a bit like a combo Datejust-Globemaster, outfitted into the Globemaster’s silhouette. This makes it a perfect homage for those who love both Rolex’s and Omega’s respective fluted-bezel watches, but can’t decide which one to go for.
Still, it wears more like a Globemaster since the pie-pan bezel is closer in proportion, as is the stout crown.
The finishing on this watch is truly outstanding. The applied indices and hands are immaculately polished, while the dial itself is super satiny, providing lightplay that complements the shine of the bezel.
On the practical front, the West Village runs on a 26-jewel automatic from Sellita that has a whopping 28,800 vph, the same as modern Rolex movements. Other functional high-points include its scratch-resistant sapphire and its 100 meters of water resistance.
What I Like
- Though it’s inspired by the flute-bezel watches of the Swiss hard-hitters, the West Village takes subtle liberties design-wise, making it both an effective homage and a well-executed dress watch in its own right.
- Overall, its build is undeniably premium, from its perfect finishing to its impressive functionality.
- Not only is the movement a high-beat Swiss caliber, but you can watch it at work through the caseback.
What I Don’t Like
- This hybrid homage places its date at the three position, instead of at the six position, which is a signature of the Globemaster.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how immediately high-end this timepiece looks, even at a glance. There’s a lot of love for the strong lume and the exhibition caseback. I agree that it’s a treat to be able to watch a high-beat caliber’s rotor swing.
The Verdict
Though it’s designed to look like both the Datejust and the Globemaster, the Gevril West Village wears more like the latter, therefore offering both the aesthetic and the experience of the Omega.
It’s a high-quality Swiss Made timepiece with a lot of sparkle and an impressive movement. The caseback will satisfy the horology nerds, while the look, wear, function, and price make it a topnotch fluted watch option, regardless of your interest in the Globemaster specifically.
Though it’s designed to look like both the Datejust and the Globemaster, the Gevril West Village wears more like the latter, therefore offering both the aesthetic and the experience of the Omega.
It’s a high-quality Swiss Made timepiece with a lot of sparkle and an impressive movement. The caseback will satisfy the horology nerds, while the look, wear, function, and price make it a topnotch fluted watch option, regardless of your interest in the Globemaster specifically.
Image Source: Tissot
Like what Omega does with the Globemaster, fellow Swatch member Tissot serves up an ornate but not flashy timepiece with the Ballade Powermatic. It has a similarly fluted bezel, isolated center dial, and baton indices, but executes all of that just a little differently.
The center dial has an exquisite guilloche pattern, though the dark hue ensures it’s not too loud or overly whimsical. Meanwhile the Roman 12 and six indices are a stately touch, and the multi-link President-style bracelet adds more surfaces for light to hit. It’s overall more adorned than the Globemaster.
It runs on a 25-jewel ETA movement that’s COSC-certified, just like Omega movements are. This means the movement was subjected to several tests for accuracy and durability. Plus, it has a massive 80-hour power reserve.
Moreover, this movement is beautifully finished with both gold-toned and silver-toned layers that you can watch through the exhibition caseback.
What I Like
- The textured center dial provides a luxurious aesthetic, but also highlights the hands, enhancing the legibility.
- The Swiss automatic movement is COSC-certified for maximum accuracy and durability, and has 80 hours of power.
- This watch flaunts a premium build, from the labored-over details on the dial to the sapphire crystal and perfect finishing.
What I Don’t Like
- While the flat crown adds to the smooth silhouette, it makes it difficult to operate.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers are outrageously impressed with the movement. From its COSC-certification to its silicon balance, many believe that the sub-1000 price point makes this watch a real steal.
There are some complaints about the split friction pins on the bracelet. They push out from the links, instead of screwing in like the sturdier, higher-end screw-in bars do. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but considering how upscale everything else is, many reviewers consider this a misfire.
The Verdict
If you want a Globemaster-esque timepiece for a fraction of the price, without compromising the Swiss luxury of it all, the Tissot Ballade Powermatic is for you.
It has an aristocratic and gilded aesthetic that’s still versatile and timeless. On top of that, its Chronometer movement and high-end construction make it a functionally sound timepiece as well.
If you want a Globemaster-esque timepiece for a fraction of the price, without compromising the Swiss luxury of it all, the Tissot Ballade Powermatic is for you.
It has an aristocratic and gilded aesthetic that’s still versatile and timeless. On top of that, its Chronometer movement and high-end construction make it a functionally sound timepiece as well.
Image Source: AliExpress
The Bliger is another example of a Globemaster-meets-Datejust, especially with that 6 o’clock window situation. However, the elements it takes from the Omega side, the stouter lugs and the proportionally larger bezel with thinner flutes, are two of the Globemaster’s signature features.
In a way, it’s a simplified rendition without the center dodecagon. Most importantly, it feels more like a Globemaster on the wrist.
You can even customize a logo, which, if you go for a star shape of some sort, can really be reminiscent of the Globemaster applique (albeit in a different location on the dial).
As Bliger does, there are a few movements you can choose from. Four, to be exact.
The cheapest is the Chinese Mingzhu, which is a lot like the reliable, slightly more expensive Miyota, but more roughly finished and with harder to find parts. The Miyota, then, is easier to service.
From there, you’ve got the Seiko NH35A, an accurate-enough automatic with hacking. Then, there’s the PT5000 movement, known for its high VPH and smooth second sweep.
What I Like
- Bliger offers you a choice of sizes and movements, all with distinct strengths, so you can purchase based on your specific priorities.
- Offering similar sizes and proportions, this watch feels like a slightly lighter Globemaster on your wrist.
- The 15-day grace period from when you receive your watch gives you a fair amount of time to assess for any faulty or broken parts.
What I Don’t Like
- The bracelet feels cheap and rattly.
- The lack of water resistance makes me insecure to wear this watch near water or in the rain.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers, Reddit posters, and forum-goers love the different size and movement options Bliger offers. There are even some Reddit reviewers that mention buying more than one of the different versions.
There are some complaints about the rattly bracelet and its imperfect finishing.I think the finishing is fine for the price, but I’d definitely replace the bracelet.
The Verdict
The Bliger Date, like so many Globemaster homages, also has touches of the Datejust on it. If you’re looking for the experience of a Globemaster, however, this is a great affordable option thanks to its size and wrist feel.
As always, Bliger gets extra points on the function front for providing options in size and movements as well.
The Bliger Date, like so many Globemaster homages, also has touches of the Datejust on it. If you’re looking for the experience of a Globemaster, however, this is a great affordable option thanks to its size and wrist feel.
As always, Bliger gets extra points on the function front for providing options in size and movements as well.
The dial of Charles-Hubert 3635-WW Professional is as visually dimensional as the dial of the Globemaster, but in a completely different way that’s equally as cool-looking.
The boxed crystal adds actual physical dimension, while creating an exquisite mirror effect around the edges, where the railroad outer dial is located. It reflects differently from every angle, which creates layers and tons of visual intrigue.
Some may consider the mineral crystal a short-cut (and this watch is undeniably a budget piece), but I believe that there are good ways to use mineral crystals, one of them being in a boxed format on a vintage-inspired watch—like this one.
Moreover, the 36mm case makes it look like a proper dress watch, as does the thinned-out Jubilee bracelet.
What I Like
- Between its Jubilee bracelet and boxed crystal, this watch is an exciting-looking dress watch that isn’t too flashy either.
- At 8.8 ounces and a 36mm case, this watch suits most, if not all, wrist sizes and is a comfortable wear.
- The push-button deployment clasp makes it easy to take on and off.
What I Don’t Like
- The looks and price are great, but this guy is definitely a budget watch, with a standard quartz movement and low water resistance. Relatedly, there are a few QA issues that we’ll get into in the next section.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
With Charles-Hubert watches, a few reviewers mention some QA issues, like a faulty clasp and a movement that loses minutes. However, these reviewers also mention they were all easily fixed.
Most agree that this is all standard budget watch stuff, and that it’s a visually attractive accessory worth wearing even if it isn’t your main timekeeper.
The Verdict
The Charles-Hubert 3635-WW Professional is an overall a distinct pie-pan watch, that impressively doesn’t fall prey to any overly predictable design choices that most vintage-inspired pie-pans do.
Basically, this watch implements vintage elements in new ways, without going far off the template for a unique but classic piece.
The Charles-Hubert 3635-WW Professional is an overall a distinct pie-pan watch, that impressively doesn’t fall prey to any overly predictable design choices that most vintage-inspired pie-pans do.
Basically, this watch implements vintage elements in new ways, without going far off the template for a unique but classic piece.
Image Source: San Martin
The SN069-G is a classic San Martin move. It takes the exact design of the Globemaster, then takes one element away (the dodecagon center), and adds a new element (the pillowcase-esque case), for a watch that’s clearly inspired by the Globemaster but gives the audience something Omega doesn’t currently offer.
The case looks like an actual Globemaster started to transform into a pillowcase shape, but doesn’t quite get there. It’s really unique and beautiful.
It’s powered by the YN55A movement, which is basically just the Orient F6922 minus the branding, a famously reliable automatic with hacking.
What I Like
- The combination of its uncommon silhouette but classic design cues make this watch truly visually interesting, and it looks great with any strap.
- Its 22-jewel automatic movement is dependable and comes with hacking and hand-winding for ease of use.
- This watch is clearly premium made, with its AR-coated sapphire, 100 meters of water resistance, and BGW-9 blue light.
What I Don’t Like
- Though the case shape adds to its charm, it also makes the lugs difficult to deal with when it comes to strap changes. They’re pretty short, making the ends of leather straps rub aggressively where they meet, which ruins the leather.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Forum-goers and reviewers praise the stunning dial and the finishing on this watch, with the lume getting a lot of shout-outs for its brightness and duration.
Some smaller-wristed gents mention that the case sits awkwardly for them, though others mention that it’s a matter of getting your bracelet sized right.
The Verdict
The San Martin SN069-G punches above its price point, with its fanciful design, flawless finishing, and high-end functions. If you wish that the Globemaster would serve up more unconventional variants than what’s available with Omega, this San Martin should scratch that itch.
The San Martin SN069-G punches above its price point, with its fanciful design, flawless finishing, and high-end functions. If you wish that the Globemaster would serve up more unconventional variants than what’s available with Omega, this San Martin should scratch that itch.
I know it seems as if this is an instance of taking a not-great Datejust homage and passing it off as a almost-there Globemaster, but hear me out.
With the Burei Automatic’s hard-turn lugs and stouter crown, you can pair this guy with a crocodile-embossed leather strap, and you’ll get more people wondering if it’s a Globemaster than a Datejust.
The best part about Burei is their wide offering of colorways.
Not only are there multiple dial colors available, including dark blue, light blue, gold, and green, but you can also choose the bezel and bracelet tone. There’s a traditional silver, as well as gold-and-silver two-tones, and even a rose gold option.
What I Like
- This watch comes in several colorways, making it a great choice for a wide range of personal styles.
- Regardless of which color you go for, the satiny dial and polished pie-pan display perfect finishing.
- The lug shape and short crown make the watch comfortable to wear, in addition to providing a Globemaster-esque shape.
What I Don’t Like
- The appellation on the dial is meaningless and takes up space. For example, “Automatic Crafted” at the top should really just say “Automatic,” while the “Genuine Original Certification” doesn’t allude to anything at all.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers enjoy the different color options, as well as the automatic movement. Many are impressed with how smooth the sweep on the second hand is.
There are a few complaints about flimsy bracelets or bad lume, so if this is important to you, just make sure you check with your seller regarding what their policy on returns and exchanges are.
The Verdict
The Burei Automatic is a well-finished timepiece with the silhouette and general look of the Globemaster, available in a wide range of colorways. Plus, it has excellent functionality, boasting a Japanese automatic movement with a smooth second hand.
The Burei Automatic is a well-finished timepiece with the silhouette and general look of the Globemaster, available in a wide range of colorways. Plus, it has excellent functionality, boasting a Japanese automatic movement with a smooth second hand.
3 Quality Omega Globemaster Alternatives
If you’re seriously considering a Globemaster or a Globemaster homage, it’s important to also look at alternatives. By checking out what the competition is doing differently, you can figure out what you love most about the Globemaster and what you’re not so crazy about.
Homages are built to be affordable look-alikes to the Globemaster, while alternatives are often equal in price and quality. They don’t always look like the Globemaster, but tend to fall in the same collecting categories or subgenres.
The Rolex Datejust is definitely the Globemaster’s direct competitor. They both come in several colorways and with different dial variants that all still have the same basic template. One big difference with the DJ is that it actually comes with a smooth bezel, as well.
Still, they’re both timeless and versatile models that are horologically superior. On that note, Rolex does take things a step further with its proprietary materials, and the fact that its already COSC-certified movements are leveled up to the brand’s in-house “Superlative” standards, making it a touch more accurate than the Globemaster.
Both the Tudor Style and the Omega Globemaster also offer different dial colors, as well as a 38mm and 41mm version. Tudor’s own pie-pan bezel watch, however, has a smooth dial face, with a silky finish.
Also, the bezel is complemented by the tonal accents on its uniquely Tudor-style oyster bracelet. Though this watch has a flatter dial face than the Globemaster, it makes up for it with the varied and elegant textures and tones on the body of the case and strap.
Image Source: Ball Watch
The Ball Engineer III Marvelight Bronze Star combines sporty and dressy features, like the Globemaster does, but is simple in design in places the Globemaster isn’t, and ornate in places it isn’t as well. For example, the bezel is smooth, not fluted, and the leather strap has zero embossing—it almost looks like a field watch strap.
However, the subtle texturing on the dial makes the gold applications and bezel really pop. Meanwhile, the two-story crown is more complex than the Globemaster’s stout crown, as is the Federal style applique compared to the GM’s star applique. And with shock resistance, anti-magnetism, and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is functionally upscale as well.
Which Omega Globemaster Should You Get?
Thanks to its efficient form, function and perfect Globemaster silhouette, the Gevril is our top pick.
Though it's designed to look like both the Datejust and the Globemaster, the Gevril West Village wears more like the latter, therefore offering both the aesthetic and the experience of the Omega.
It’s a high-quality Swiss Made timepiece with a lot of sparkle and an impressive movement. The caseback will satisfy the horology nerds, while the look, wear, function, and price make it a topnotch fluted watch option, regardless of your interest in the Globemaster specifically.
If you want to level it up though, the San Martin flaunts a vintage charm, while the Tissot’s COSC-certification and Swatch membership make it the closest in status to the Globemaster.
If you want a Globemaster-esque timepiece for a fraction of the price, without compromising the Swiss luxury of it all, the Tissot Ballade Powermatic is for you.
It has an aristocratic and gilded aesthetic that's still versatile and timeless. On top of that, its Chronometer movement and high-end construction make it a functionally sound timepiece as well.
On a budget? No problem. The Bliger offers movement options and a ~$100 price point. Meanwhile, other affordable homages include the unique Charles-Hubert and the Burei, which comes in a lot of colors.
If you know where to look, you don’t have to drop several thousand dollars to get the look of the Globemaster.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Omega Globemaster and the Constellation?
Technically, the Constellation and the Globemaster both fall under the greater Constellation line, which is why the latter’s full title is the Omega Constellation Globemaster. Both are descended from the original Constellation from the ‘50s.
How much is the Omega Globemaster?
A cheap Globemaster is usually around $6,000, and can go up to $60,000 and beyond, depending on how rare the reference is.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
Recommended Reading
6 Best Omega Aqua Terra Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Check out our six stunning Omega Aqua Terra homages before considering an actual one. For a fraction of the cost, you can get the same look and feel.
6 Best Omega Planet Ocean Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Don’t have the deep pockets for Omega’s deep-sea diver? Check out our six Planet Ocean homages and save.
6 Best Omega Seamaster Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Don’t pull the trigger on an Omega Seamaster until you’ve seen these six homages. They’ve got the distinct look and feel, without the deep-end prices.
6 Best Omega Speedmaster Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Want the legendary aesthetic of the Omega Speedmaster for a fraction of the cost? Check out our best Omega Speedmaster homages and alternatives.
6 Best Omega Ploprof Homages & Alternatives in 2023
Want the large wear and hard-edged silhouette of Omega’s Ploprof? Take a look at our six best Omega Proprof homages, all at a fraction of the cost.