Omega Seamaster 300 Buying Guide | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

The Seamaster was the first watch from Omega that grew into an entire collection. Introduced in 1948, the Seamaster was Omega’s answer to water resistant watches that were growing in number at the time.

In 1993, Omega introduced a new era of the Omega Seamaster, one that would give birth to the most recognizable model that people know – the Omega Seamaster 300M Diver.

Today, it’s considered a classic, not only because of its versatile looks nor because of its connection to James Bond, but also because of its prominence and staying power for over 25 years now.

There is a vast assortment of models in the Omega Seamaster 300M family, so we’re tackling the ones we consider must-haves. Whether you’re an Omega enthusiast, want a good diver’s watch or just need a good daily watch, these Omega Seamaster 300M models are all that:

Omega Seamaster 300M Blue Dial Steel Mens Watch 2531.80.00

Omega Seamaster 300M James Bond
The emblematic blue Omega Seamaster

The pioneer Omega Seamaster 300M diver was introduced in 1993, in both quartz and automatic versions. These are easy to recognize for their iconic features: the blue wave pattern dial, the scalloped bezel and the blue bezel insert, all inspired by Omega’s maritime legacy.

These are water resistant up to 300 meters (1,000 ft) and have an extra crown at 10 o’clock. This is the manual helium valve, which is used when completing saturation dives, to allow the helium gas to escape without blowing off the sapphire crystal.

It’s impossible to discuss this watch without mentioning its connection to James Bond. In 1995, it appeared on Pierce Brosnan’s wrist in GoldenEye, and became the first Omega watch worn by Her Majesty’s secret agent. What followed was decades of partnership, with Bond sporting an Omega Seamaster or two in each movie.

Omega Seamaster Bond Chrono Blue Wave Dial Mens Watch 2599.80.00

Omega Seamaster 300M Chrono Wave Dial
Elapsed time and diving prowess

Also in 1993, Omega introduced their Chronograph Diver – which today still stands as one of the most effective multitasking automatic chronograph watches on the market.

It took the emblematic blue wave décor dial and blue bezel, and added two features that set it apart from other chronograph divers. First is the brilliant design of the pusher seal system, which allows the use of the pushers at full depth. One can just use them without unscrewing anything, even under water.

Second is that the dial appears very clean and readable in spite of its complexity. With a traditional ETA 7750 chronograph dial layout of seconds at 9 o’clock, minutes at 12 o’clock, hour counter at 6 o’clock, plus skeleton hands, the dial is easily readable even underwater.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 44mm Watch 212.30.44.50.03.001

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 44mm Watch
Lacquered dial and ceramic bezel

In 2011, to the shock of many Seamaster enthusiasts, the wave pattern dial disappeared from the Seamaster 300M. What took its place is a lacquered dial in either black or deep blue, plus a new bezel, this time made of ceramic.

This change added a bit of a dressier look to the Seamaster 300M, while the ceramic bezel provided protection from discoloration and scratching. This still became one of the most wanted Seamaster models, despite the lack of wave pattern on the dial. The iconic wave pattern was still present on the case back of the new model.

In 2013, the Seamaster 300M Diver Chronograph collection was again updated. The chronographs became available in the classic 41.5mm size, but also in a larger case at 44mm.

Omega Seamaster GMT 50th Anniversary Steel Mens Watch 2234.50.00

Omega Seamaster GMT 50^thAnniversary Watch
The traveler’s choice

In 1998, to celebrate the 50^thanniversary of the Omega Seamaster line, the brand introduced a version of its Seamaster 300M with a GMT function. This comes with a wave dial, albeit in black. It also introduced the broad sword style hands to the Seamaster 300M line.

The Seamaster 300M’s GMT function follows the lead of Rolex and Blancpain, keeping the GMT hand constant. It works together with a bezel with 24-hour graduations.

On the case back is an engraving of the Omega Hippocampus or “Sea monster” with the added “50 Years” signature. This inscription pays tribute to the original Seamaster of 1948 and is exclusive to the GMT’s back.

Omega Seamaster 44 Chronograph Mens Watch 210.30.44.51.06.001

Omega Seamaster 300M Modern Collection
The contemporary Seamaster 300M

For the 25^th anniversary of the Seamaster 300M Diver in 2018, Omega returned to the wave pattern dial and added some modern touches. This time, the dial was made available in black, blue, and PVD chrome color, made of polished ceramic.

From the finer pattern of the wave dial we’ve seen from the 2000’s, the waves are now laser patterned. We also find the date aperture on the 6 o’clock position, instead of at 3 o’clock, adding symmetry to the watch.

The movement was also replaced by the in-house Caliber 8800 and 8801 (and 9900 for the chronograph version). These movements have received the Master Chronometer certification, which means that it performs according to much stricter requirements than previous chronometer-certified watches.

The Omega Seamaster 300M Diver’s strength lies in its versatility. It has become well-known and recognized not just as a diver’s watch, but also as the perfect daily wearer for many.

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SEE MORE OF THE WATCHES IN OUR VIDEO:

Omega Seamaster 300M Diver Buying Guide | SwissWatchExpo

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Omega Seamaster 300M Blue Dial Steel Mens Watch 2531.80.00

Omega Seamaster 300M James Bond The emblematic blue Omega Seamaster

Omega Seamaster Bond Chrono Blue Wave Dial Mens Watch 2599.80.00

Omega Seamaster 300M Chrono Wave Dial Elapsed time and diving prowess

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 44mm Watch 212.30.44.50.03.001

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph 44mm Watch Lacquered dial and ceramic bezel