Introducing the New Omega Seamaster 300

This morning, Omega announced new versions of a watch that’s been a mainstay in their collection for several years now: the Seamaster 300. The 300 is the Seamaster that is unapologetically vintage inspired, taking style cues from the first Seamaster diver’s watch released all the way back in 1957 (as opposed to the Diver 300M and Planet Ocean lines, which are very much geared toward those looking for something with a more modern aesthetic). The changes to the new 300 are small, but add up to a watch that has an even more vintage inspired presentation than its predecessor. 

Let’s run through the updates really quick. The dial has some very subtle updates – notice the 6 and 9 are both rendered in an “open” style typeface, and the seconds hand is in the “lollipop” style of the original watch from the 50s (and an incredibly popular James Bond associated limited edition). There’s still a ton of faux-patina lume, which is as always a love-it or hate-it proposition, but on a watch whose whole reason for existing is to pay tribute to something from the past, we think it makes sense. The dial is also more evenly balanced, with the “Seamaster 300” text being moved to the 6:00 hemisphere, and the “Master Co-Axial Chronometer” designation removed entirely. Again, this is in keeping with the vintage spirit of the original, and inches the whole package more toward a straight up recreation of the original Seamaster. Also worth noting with respect to the dial is that the size of the display itself has increased from 29.5mm to 30.4. The case remains 41mm in diameter, which means the bezel is now slightly thinner, and gives the dial a bit more room to breathe. 

The bezel is another difference worth mentioning. At a glance, it looks very similar to the ceramic bezel on the outgoing Seamaster 300, but it’s actually made from oxalic anodized aluminum. As with just about everything else on this watch, it’s a decision that feels geared towards vintage enthusiasts, and while this change doesn’t have a huge impact in the press photos that have been provided, we expect in person that the bezel will have a very different character. 

Those small changes are sure to please Omega’s most hardcore fans, but this is a subtle update overall, and the essence of the Seamaster 300 is still very much intact. That really comes from the dial layout, with sharp triangular hour markers and bold numerals at the cardinal positions, with a construction based on a multi-plate design with a base layer of Super-LumiNova underneath a plate with recessed hour markers and numerals, creating a sandwich effect. The new Seamaster 300 will be available in both the traditional black dial variant as well as blue, which had previously been available only in the titanium version of this watch. 

Both dial variants can be had on a leather strap or a bracelet that, according to Omega, has been given a small update to integrate more closely to the case (polished links are now on the outside, instead of the inside of the bracelet). As you’d expect, these watches are powered by Omega’s modern Calibre 8912, which is METAS certified. This movement will get you 60 hours of power reserve, ultra high magnetic resistance to 15,000 Gauss, and a Co-Axial escapement that’s designed for longevity with minimal service intervention. The retail price for the new Seamaster 300 on a leather strap is $6,150, and on a bracelet it’s $6,500. Omega