The Omega Seamaster (Skilled) Diver 300M has been round since 1993. It has seen a number of revisions and a serious overhaul in 2018. With the present technology turning six this yr, we marvel: is it due for an replace, or is the 300M nonetheless the most effective dive watches below 10 grand?
Be part of us as we marvel what a revised Omega Seamaster Diver 300M would possibly seem like.
Is an replace to the Seamaster Diver 300M obligatory?
Let’s begin with the core query: is the present type, now six years previous, due for an replace? I really feel that I would like to the touch upon financial worth right here to set some context. In 2018, the beginning value for the Seamaster Diver 300M was €4,400, which is €5,453 as we speak, corrected for inflation. The present value sits just below €800 greater at €6,200. Now, the core subject is that it broke the psychological €5,000/US$5,000 barrier. This could have occurred even when it had simply been corrected for inflation, however I really feel it units new expectations, particularly when the value hike exceeded inflation by a major margin.
Admittedly, when it comes to specs, construct high quality, and ending in comparison with rivals, the value remains to be defendable. Omega’s caliber 8800 remains to be powering the model’s new releases, in order that’s not precisely outdated both. Positive, you get a bit extra energy reserve elsewhere, however how a lot is that value? Merely put, the upper value could have modified our notion of the Seamaster Diver 300M, nevertheless it hasn’t rendered it priced out of the market. Nevertheless, it opened the sphere much more for Tudor.
Technically talking, then, the reply appears to lean towards “no, the Seamaster Diver 300M remains to be good to go.” Why did I really feel the urge to pitch this text, then? Nicely, that has to do with aesthetics and dimension. So much has modified within the watch world since 2018, and from a design perspective, the 300M might maybe use a bit facelift.
Improved ergonomics for the Seamaster Diver 300M
One replace that was already towards the development in 2018 was the upsizing of the watch. This wasn’t the kind of reproportioning that the Rolex Submariner went by. That, too, noticed its diameter develop by 1mm, nevertheless it was a part of a set of interventions within the proportions that led to an improved stance on the wrist. The Seamaster Diver 300M simply bought greater, each in absolute dimensions and in perceived wrist presence.
Now, 42mm doesn’t sound very massive for a diver. I personal considerably bigger watches. However the truth is that on smaller wrists, the ergonomics of the present 300M are missing. I’ve tried it on my 17cm wrist a number of instances, and it’s simply too clunky for me, particularly for an on a regular basis diver. This is because of its thickness and case form. Caliber 8800 is 1mm thicker than the older caliber 2500. The watch bought virtually 2mm thicker, although. I assume that the show case again and thick dial have one thing to do with that. However much more than the thickness, the flat profile makes it put on massive for its absolute dimensions. It sits very in another way from a Speedmaster Skilled, which additionally has lyre lugs and a 42mm diameter.
At 41mm large and 11.8mm thick, Nacho’s neo-vintage 2254.50.00 and Morgan’s 2531.80.00 are a special story altogether. These instances sit fantastically on small and huge wrists alike. I’d love for Omega to both revert to these proportions and shapes or add a smaller different. How a couple of 38–39mm Seamaster Diver 300M?
A brand new bracelet
The Seamaster 300M bracelet has at all times been considerably controversial. Some love its ’90s styling, whereas others really feel that it ruins the watch. Consequently, no matter we recommend will doubtless be met with blended reactions. Nonetheless, I believe there are some doable routes to contemplate.
Omega flattened the hyperlinks for the 2018 replace, modernizing the look. An important subsequent step, in my e book, can be so as to add a taper. Keep in mind, the 300M is the model’s each day diver, not the hardcore device diver, which is the Planet Ocean. For some added consolation and class, a tapered bracelet would work miracles.
One other cool choice can be to see the 1610/930-style bracelet of the 2254 and its contemporaries make a comeback. This could be traditionally justified, and it could certainly attract a broader viewers. It’s a little much less daring however, as a consequence, far much less divisive.
Simplifying the Seamaster
Now, now we have spoken about how we worry many manufacturers have priced themselves out of the market. Huge value will increase have been deliberate when the market was booming, and now the world seems a bit completely different. Sadly, manufacturers can not simply come again down in response.
So what if Omega provided a barely smaller Seamaster Diver 300M and, benefiting from the chance, simplified it a bit? It could possibly be a extra back-to-basics model positioned beneath the 42mm present mannequin. I believe it could possibly be a possible gross sales hit.
Right here’s my dream configuration — 39 or 40mm in diameter and 12mm thick (max) on a modernized 1610/930 bracelet. A matte ceramic bezel insert can be nice, as we noticed on the Frogman Corps model lately noticed on Danish King Frederik X. I’d take a simplified matte dial with maybe a shallower wave sample (we have to down-spec for the cheaper price level, in any case), and a strong case again can be simply fantastic. I believe a configuration like this may converse to loads of fans.
What do you assume?
What do you make of my suggestion, Fratelli? Would you have an interest within the watch that I simply described? Alternatively, what updates would you prefer to see on the Seamaster Diver 300M, or do you are feeling that it’s good as is? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
