2018 noticed Swiss Omega launch a wholly up to date Seamaster 300M diver watch assortment (aBlogtoWatch hands-on right here). The up to date Seamaster 300M was meant to retain the core feel and appear of the favored Omega diver’s watch whereas bringing the product’s expertise and supplies into the 21st century. That is the primary Seamaster 300M watch assortment to incorporate a “Grasp Chronometer” licensed in-house made Omega motion, which to me is an enormous a part of conserving the “Skilled” nature of this sports activities watch intact. Omega additional has no scarcity of Diver Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Grasp Chronometer 42mm (the official identify of the watch) variations which incorporates this normal all-steel with black dial mannequin to extra unique fashions with gold and ceramic. On the time of scripting this watch evaluation article, Omega has 15 totally different variations of the Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Grasp Chronometer on its web site.
I selected to evaluation this reference 210.30.42.20.01.zero01 “metal on metal” mannequin with the black ceramic dial and bezel as a result of for my part is represents the unique, core look of the what the Seamaster 300M is to me. Initially launched in 1993 when Jean-Claude Biver was at Omega, the Seamaster 300M sought to be a aggressive various to the Rolex Submariner… that didn’t instantly appear like a Rolex Submariner. Now about 25 years later I feel many individuals will agree that the distinctive hand set together with hour markers continues to assist the Seamaster 300M stand other than the competitors. The watch additionally has pricing on its aspect if judged alongside the Rolex Submariner. The retail worth of this particular metal Seamaster 300M is underneath $5,000 and about $three,500 lower than the Rolex Submariner. With that mentioned, competitors within the high-end dive watch area is extraordinarily fierce and shoppers right now spending upwards of $four,000 on a sports activities dive watch are principally searching for standing and status versus utility and elegance.
Within the 1990s Omega’s recognition with the Seamaster 300M largely onerous to do with the gathering’s very accessible pricing. By right now’s requirements the Seamaster 300M feels costly – despite the fact that Omega has actually upped the worth proposition by way of supplies in addition to the wonderful in-house made caliber 8800 automated motion. Beginning with a Co-Axial escapement, the caliber 8800 can also be (nearly) resistant to the consequences of environmental magnetism, encompasses a dependable silicon steadiness spring, and boasts Omega’s spectacular METAS Certification seal (which additionally embrace COSC Chronometer certification). Working at 4Hz, the automated motion has an influence reserve of 55 hours and consists of the time together with a date window complication. The result’s an correct, dependable, and really resilient mechanical motion – precisely what you’d need in a diver’s model timepiece.
The most recent technology of Seamaster 300M watch is barely bigger than the outgoing technology with a 42mm huge versus 41mm huge case. Water-resistant to 300 meters, the case is about 12mm thick and has a roughly 50mm lug-to-lug distance. Sporting consolation is excessive, however it’s a heavy and chunky watch – particularly when paired with the metallic bracelet. Some of the attention-grabbing albeit delicate updates to the case is the tapering of the helium launch valve crown which is situated at 10 o’clock on the case. This slight design tweak is a fast strategy to visually separate the brand new versus previous technology Seamaster 300M fashions.
Guide helium launch valves on dive watches are old skool expertise that are solely wanted in reasonably uncommon conditions. If you’re not a business diver you most likely received’t ever have a necessity to make use of the helium launch valve. Computerized helium launch valves are a bit extra helpful, however once more the valve itself is barely helpful when in decompression chambers. So why does Omega insist on conserving this vestigial factor on what is meant to be a modern-use high-end sports activities watch? Visible distinction is the reply. Whereas not everybody even likes the look of this 10 o’clock crown, it does assist visually distinguish the Omega Seamaster 300M from different dive watches on the market. So whereas that is meant to be a legit “skilled diver’s watch” it is usually not with out its “branding quirks” that take away from a product purely centered on streamlined utility.
The great thing about the Seamaster 300M case total – together with its swoopy lugs and distinctive bezel design – continues to assist the gathering have model enchantment in addition to nostalgic enchantment to high-end watch shoppers right now. Much more so than Omega’s different diver watches (such because the later launched Seamaster Planet Ocean assortment) the Seamaster 300M has additionally represented a entry-level software watch aspect to the model. It was the model’s genuine skilled diver’s watch with solely the smallest factor of luxurious fluff to assist justify its high-end persona. It was at all times meant to the the Speedmaster of dive watch – which implies it by design is extra about operate and utility than purely type and elegance. The query for me in regard to this 2018 and later Seamaster 300M is that if it retains this character? In some methods sure, however in different vital methods no.
Omega has remade the unique 300M watch with the very same sensibilities because the 1993 mannequin as if it got here out right now. That implies that Omega made a greater classic watch versus making a greater dive look ahead to right now’s skilled divers… that’s nonetheless an “Omega.” Should you’ve at all times like the unique Seamaster 300M and desire a refreshed expertise with it – then this timepiece will simply fulfill you. If you’re searching for a contemporary dive watch expertise from Omega, other than arguably the motion, this can be a retro watch in freshly made pores and skin.
Let’s speak concerning the dial for a bit bit. Legibility is really implausible as a result of the fingers and hour markers are as massive as they are often and in addition excessive (comparatively talking) off the dial. The utilized hour makers and fingers even have a polish which actually picks up mild and helps them distinction nicely with the black ceramic dial. The ironic result’s that as a result of this dial picks up mild and displays it, it finally ends up being extra legible. Normally the other is true as a result of mild causes blurring and glare which makes dials much less seen.
The black ceramic dial has horizontal wave patterns which evoke the look of the unique Seamaster 300M watch dials. Up to date Omega Seamaster 300M watches from a number of years in the past didn’t embrace waves on the dials, providing a contemporary look that did nicely available in the market. For consistency’s sake and to assist display the neat laser etching on the dial, the brand new Seamaster 300M watches brings again the dial waves for an entire new technology.
A really actual improve to the case over the earlier technology Seamaster 300M is the bezel rotation tactility. Contained in the bezel is a ceramic insert, which along with black is available in different colours comparable to blue for different fashions. The Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Grasp Chronometer case additionally has a sapphire crystal exhibition caseback which is new for the Seamaster 300M. Omega provides model of the watch on each a metal bracelet or a rubber strap. I’m normally a bracelet man, however I truly suggest contemplating the strap choice. Let me talk about why.
Omega’s Seamaster 300M bracelet has not been a lot enhanced for the brand new technology of watches. The core design remains to be an offshoot of the Speedmaster bracelet and has solely actually been augmented with Omega’s helpful micro-adjust delpoyant clasp. The bracelet is ok however its not a looker and its by no means going to beat the Rolex Submariner bracelet in a contest. This new technology Seamaster 300M bracelet is extra fluid than the unique and positively higher made. It isn’t nonetheless the world’s greatest trying bracelet for my part and in addition doesn’t put on as comfortably or elegantly as it would if it was designed in a different way. The accessible rubber strap for the Seamaster 300M doesn’t simply put on way more comfortably on the wrist, however it helps showcase the case’s enticing lug design all the higher.
You’ll be able to go for some fancy Omega Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Grasp Chronometer watches proper now with 18okay Sedan or yellow gold accents and occasion an all ceramic mannequin. The gathering is bound to be up to date with extra fashions together with the favored titanium Seamaster 300M watches of the previous. As a late fan of the unique Seamaster 300M watches I like Omega’s skilled potential to remake their early 1990s model success with a good higher model of the unique. What Omega did not do nonetheless was place the Seamaster 300M into right now’s technology of watch lover by way of relevancy or place of distinction. Whereas the 1990s was not that way back, in an actual sense that is one other “retro-refreshed” mannequin by Omega. Quite a lot of collectors need that from the model and we admire their tenacity in doing so. What Omega must do subsequent is fill the void they’ve which is “what’s our diver’s watch of right now?” Maybe that’s simply the Planet Ocean, however with its higher-prices such a bit is not going to enchantment to observe lovers who desire a diving watch equal of the Speedmaster.
At the same time as a now-retro-styled software watch the Omega Seamaster 300M performs nicely. It does all of the issues a superb dive watch ought to, and additionally boasts nice legibility in addition to a gracefully ageing design. Value-wise it’s a good entry level within the higher sport watches by Omega, and is competitively priced in comparison with direct competitors from different Swiss manufacturers with in-house movement-based way of life diver’s watches. Value for this reference 210.30.42.20.01.zero01 Omega Seamaster 300m Co-Axial Grasp Chronometer 42mm watch is $four,850 USD. Be taught extra on the Omega watches web site right here.
Essential Information
>Model: Omega
>Mannequin: Seamaster 300m Co-Axial Grasp Chronometer 42mm reference 210.30.42.20.01.zero01
>Value: $four,850 USD (as examined)
>Dimension: 42mm huge, about 12mm thick, and about 50mm lug-to-lug distance.
>When reviewer would personally put on it: As a handsome informal on a regular basis sports activities watch that doesn’t thoughts getting moist or soiled if the event requires it.
>Buddy we’d suggest it to first: Watch fanatic who has by no means or has not within the final 20 years skilled the Seamaster 300M assortment and is eager to see how this distinctive diver matches their character.
>Finest attribute of watch: Omega legitimately improved on the design and building of the unique Seamaster 300M in a product that could be very a lot devoted to the unique. Dial legibility and motion options are nice.
>Worst attribute of watch: Bracelet isn’t the perfect looker and watch is perhaps greatest on a strap. Helium launch valve doesn’t attempt to disguise its vestigial nature.
