We recently had the opportunity to spend a weekend with the white dial Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, thanks to Omega Australia. Although this model was released in March this year at Time To Move 2019, the watch isn’t available for purchase just yet – so this was the first time I’ve had the chance to see it in the metal. The white dial variant of the Seamaster Diver 300M was an addition to the existing collection, and somewhat of a sleeper when launched, so I’ve been hanging to get some hands-on time with the timepiece.
First impressions
The white Seamaster Diver 300M is a handsome watch. The design is modern and forward-looking, at a time when a lot of dive watches are still looking to their past for inspiration. The build quality is impressive, and the price is right. If you’re a fan of dive watches, I highly recommend you check out the highly versatile Omega Seamaster Diver 300M collection, which is a compelling proposition in the $5,000 – $10,000 dive watch category.
The case
The stainless steel case comes in at 42mm, and 20mm between the lugs. On wrist, the case is comfortable, and hugs nicely. The Seamaster Diver 300M wears slightly smaller than your typical 42mm watch, which is due to the shorter lugs that balance out the larger case.
Housed inside is the Omega Master Chronometer Calibre 8800, a self-winding movement, with METAS approval. Boasting a capable 55-hour power reserve, the Calibre 8800 is visible through a sapphire crystal display caseback. The movement itself is attractive, with Omega utilising the wave theme on both the caseback and the engraved movement.
At 10 o’clock you’ll find a second crown with the timepieces helium escape valve, which although unnecessary, didn’t really bother me. Realistically – it’s a function only of use for professional divers operating at great depths for prolonged periods. It’s there, but I didn’t find it intrusive, and for that reason – I’m okay with it.
The bracelet
The bracelet felt sturdy, with a heft that inspired confidence. The smooth clasp snaps into place nicely and is released by simultaneously pressing two pushers. I found the clasp was quite large and it took some getting used to. This clasp does feature a handy divers extension – which typically means a bigger clasp.
The Diver 300M is a stylish tool watch, that checks a lot of boxes. If I could, I’d ask for a bracelet that tapers down to 18mm, with a streamlined clasp to match. As the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is also available on a rubber strap, this might be a better option for those who aren’t into the bracelet.
The dial & hands
Those who know the Seamaster Diver 300M are familiar with the iconic wave motif on the dial. Like the others in the existing line-up, this Diver features laser-engraved waves on a polished white ceramic dial. At first, these waves are a little polarising, and I think that’s due to the fact it’s a bold approach to a dial patterning. The result is a well-defined pattern in deeper relief than its earlier model cousins.
However, one thing that struck me about the Seamaster 300M was how dynamic the dial actually is, and how the experience completely changes depending on the lighting. At times the ridges between engraved waves were crystal clear, and at others – almost washed out by heavy bouts of sunlight.
Omega has tastefully added a couple of pops of colour to the dial with red printing of ‘Seamaster’, and a varnished red tip to the second’s hand. These red accents contrast nicely with the white dial and give the watch a modern feel. Additional balance comes from the black ceramic bezel insert, with white enamel diving scale, that rounds the watch out nicely, acting like a visual border. Wave patterns subtly roll into the wide edges of the bezel, which allows for easy grip.
For the Seamaster 300M Diver, Omega has opted for blackened skeleton hour and minute hands, as well as the blacked second hand mentioned earlier.
To ensure maximum legibility, Omega has used generously sized but well proportioned SuperLumiNova plots, with blackened surrounds to ensure you always have an easy point of reference. The hands themselves, although skeletonised, are quite thick and have plenty of SuperLumiNova, meaning they don’t get lost on the dial. After spending a reasonable amount of time, I had no issues from dusk until dawn.
Final thoughts…
I didn’t think I’d be so drawn to the Seamaster Diver 300M going into this review. I’d seen the rest of the collection at Baselworld 2018, but after spending some proper time with the timepiece – it won me over. In my opinion, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is one of the most versatile divers I’ve worn in and a long time, and you’d be wise to try one out for yourself.
Reference : 210.30.42.20.04.001
Australian Retail Pricing : $7,100.00 on bracelet and $6,675.00 on rubber
Availability : November 2019
Local Omega Boutiques :
- Omega Brisbane – 1/188 Edward Street
- Omega Melbourne – 179 Collins Street Melbourne, Crown Melbourne and Chadstone Shopping Centre
- Omega Sydney – 20 Martin Place and Westfield Bondi Junction
