BaselWorld 2018: Introducing The New Omega Seamaster Diver 300M

March 21, 2018

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Introduced in 1993, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2018. Therefore, Omega will be introducing an updated version this BaselWorld 2018. The Seamaster Diver 300M, introduced as the 2531.80 for the automatic version and as 2541.80 for the quartz model (both models featured in the Pierce Brosnan James Bond movies), came a long way. Available in mid-sizes as well and in a couple of variations (black dial, America’s Cup, chronograph, GMT, etc.).

The Seamaster 300M basically evolved with Omega’s grow regarding movements and materials. Where the Seamaster 300M was always based on ETA’s 2892-A2 movement, later on with Omega’s Co-Axial escapement, you will now see that the Seamaster Diver 300M is now a Master Chronometer watch using caliber 8800.

New Seamaster Diver 300M Models

Before we will go hands-on with the new Seamaster Diver 300M models tomorrow in BaselWorld, we already show you the novelties here on Fratello.

The facelifted Omega Seamaster Diver 300M models come in 14 different variations for now, including 6 models in stainless steel and 8 in gold & steel. You will also find a limited edition model in titanium, tantalum and Sedna gold, like Omega’s Seamaster 300M Chronograph reference 2296.80 had in the past (rose gold instead of the current Sedna of course).

The new Seamaster Diver 300M has increased in size, from 41mm to 42mm (height is 13.56mm). Enabling Omega to properly fit their manufacture caliber 8800 movement. This Master Chronometer (METAS certified) movement brings the Seamaster Diver 300M to a next-level and can compete with some of the other higher priced manufacture watches on the market. The movement ensures high resistance for magnetic fields (up to 15,000 gauss) and better accuracy under several circumstances. All models have also been equipped with a ceramic bezel, with the diving scale in Ceragold or white enamel (depending on the model).

You will also see that the wave dial is back! All wave dials have been made from polished ceramic and are available in: black, blue, (PVD) chrome color. The wave pattern has been engraved by laser (explaining the laser teasers on Omega’s Instagram feed over the last few days). With the later models, we kinda missed the wave pattern as it was so unmistakably ‘Seamaster 300M’. All indexes on the dial are luminous, using Super-LumiNova of course. Another important change to the dial is the date aperture. Where it used to be at 3 o’clock, it now moved to 6 o’clock. Reminding us of the very first Seamaster Calendar watches. The skeleton sword hands have undergone a slight update as well and are rhodium-plated, blued or in 18 carat gold.

The backside of the Seamaster Diver 300M reveals the Omega caliber 8800 movement. Where the solid caseback on these models used to show some engraved waves, you will now find the wave pattern in the edge of the caseback.

Helium Escape Valve

One thing you will immediately notice (we did at least), is the shape of the helium escape valve. An extra crown at 10 o’clock was one of the characteristics of the Seamaster Diver 300M, and it is still there, but now in a conical shape. Now patented by Omega as new technology now permits it to be used under water. We are not sure how many of these helium escape valves are actually being used (based on the high number of sold Seamaster Diver 300M models we suspect it really is a low number), but at least it is cool to know it can be used professionally. Having a 4×4 car also means it probably can do more than you do with it, it is just fun to know your watch is at least able to be used 300 meters under water and that the helium escape valve is there to protect the crystal from popping off after your saturation dive.

The (Iconic) Seamaster Diver 300M Bracelet

Last but not least, the famous Seamaster Diver 300M bracelet. Often hated, but perhaps just as often loved, the bracelet with 9 rows of links. At least optically 9 rows, as when you had to remove a link from the bracelet, it was rather 5. The two parts next to the center one, had polished ‘sides’ appearing as separate links. Many enthusiasts feel this bracelet was a bit too 1990’s in terms of design, but Omega apparently didn’t want to let it go. So instead of replacing it, they gave it an upgrade as well. It is not as round-ish anymore, which gave it that 1990’s appearance. It is also a bit more ‘flat’ on top of the links. Omega also include the extendable foldover rack-and-pusher with a helpful diver extension. With the extension(s), the bracelet can become 33mm longer. Some older models/references also used to come with the Speedmaster-style bracelet, but Omega chose for the original version to update. Besides the iconic Seamaster Diver 300M bracelet, you can also opt for a rubber strap (in black or blue). The lug size of the new 300M is (still) 20mm.

Prices for the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M will start at CHF 4400 Swiss Francs. The watch comes with a 4-year warranty.

Seamaster Diver 300M Titanium Tantalum Limited Edition

As mentioned above, there will also be a limited edition of 2500 pieces of the Seamaster Diver 300M in titanium, tantalum and 18 carat Sedna gold. Not an entirely new combination, as Omega already had a Seamaster 300M in this combination (rose gold, titanium and tantalum) in the 1990’s. In fact, I have one of those, the chronograph reference 2296.80 and it is a very cool combination to have titanium and tantalum as well as rose gold (or Sedna gold). The tantalum and titanium give a bit of contrast to each other, due to the blueish color of the tantalum. This watch has the same dimensions and other technical specifications as the ‘normal’ new Omega Seamaster 300M models, except for the movement (caliber 8806). As you can see, the caliber 8806 is the ‘no date’ version of their caliber 8800.