Hands-On With The Stylish Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic
Finding your favorites in a single model range can be challenging, especially with an extensive collection like the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M. The latest generation of Omega’s popular diver has been around since 2018. Ever since then, we have seen the brand add models to the lineup with different colors and especially different materials. One is the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic, introduced in 2019. Back then, it was a natural progression from the stainless steel models. But how does this lightweight Seamaster hold up in 2024? I had a chance to find out.
When it comes to Omega’s Seamaster Diver 300M, there are quite a few models that I love. The first that comes to mind is the bicolor stainless steel and gold version with the black dial and bezel, one of the first models to be introduced. Another is the stainless steel model with the green dial and bezel that Omega added in 2022. Although it was a simple color change, that green hue transformed the Seamaster 300M into a stylish diver that I prefer over its standard blue and black counterparts. Another favorite is the blue James Bond 60th Anniversary model that Omega added to the collection early last year. And finally, my absolute favorite is the Sedna Gold version of the Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph. In my opinion, it is still the best Seamaster in the current lineup.
How does the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic fit in?
With so many favorites, how would the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic fit into that picture? I was keen to find out because it is not a model that I have paid much attention to. To be honest, I don’t think many Fratello team members have either in the nearly five years since its debut. All of us on the team have our favorites, but this model does not appear on anyone’s list. However, this version does have some things going for it that make it stand out against its peers. Some of them are obvious, and some of them are not instantly recognizable. Let me explain what I mean by that.
Straight out of the box, the Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic feels very familiar. It looks like a regular Seamaster executed in different colors and materials. But that is not the full story. This specific model is one of four black ceramic references in the lineup. The first is the Black Black version, and the second is the black ceramic variant with a stunning Sedna Gold bezel. The third and fourth references are the Black Ceramic on either a rubber or NATO strap. These four options represent a small niche within the Seamaster Professional Diver 300M lineup that looks slightly different thanks to the materials. On top of that, they have a 43.5mm diameter, making them slightly bigger than the standard 42mm Seamasters.
A slightly bigger case
But the 43.5mm case here is not just bigger in diameter. The Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic also measures 14.3mm thick and 51.5mm long with a 21mm lug spacing. Compared to the 42mm diameter, 13.6mm thickness, 49.9mm length, and 20mm lug spacing of the regular models, it is more substantial on all fronts.
For this model specifically, the black ceramic case combines a Grade 5 titanium bezel with a black ceramic bezel insert with a white enamel diving scale. The case and bezel insert match the matte black ceramic dial with a laser-engraved wave pattern. While the two other models have a pretty stealthy overall feel, this model doesn’t.
Instead, it feels pretty crisp overall thanks to the white diving scale, the raised titanium hour markers filled with white lume, the skeletonized hands with white lume, and the titanium bezel, crown, and helium escape valve. The Black Ceramic also comes on a black curved-end rubber strap, which bears a black ceramic buckle with a mostly polished finish and brushed sides.
The no-date Omega 8806 movement
If you turn the watch around, you get a good view of the Omega Master Chronometer caliber 8806. As some of you will know, that is the no-date version of the 8800 that powers the regular stainless steel models. The 35-jewel movement operates at a 25,200vph frequency and offers 55 hours of power reserve. It also features Omega’s Co-Axial escapement, a free-sprung balance with a silicon balance spring, and bidirectional automatic winding in both directions. Finally, as a METAS-certified Master Chronometer, it offers an accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day and is antimagnetic to 15,000 gauss.
Wearing the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic
So, how does the Black Ceramic compare to its peers? Especially in comparison to my favorites, it was interesting to see what this specific model brings that others do not. Putting the watch on my wrist, it immediately felt familiar and comfortable. At 14.3mm thick, this is by no means a slim watch, but the wearability of the Seamaster Diver 300M line always surprises me in a good way. The watch fits my wrist perfectly, and thanks to the lightweight materials, it doesn’t feel as substantial as it looks.
The curved-end rubber strap is very flexible but sturdy enough to balance out the watch perfectly on the wrist. Combined with a bigger but slightly lighter case, this incredibly comfortable strap makes the watch an absolute joy to wear. And with the way the case and strap curve nicely around my wrist, it’s hard to fault this Seamaster.
Maybe I would have preferred a titanium tang buckle to match the bezel rather than a black ceramic one, but that’s a thought rather than a wish. In terms of presence, the Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic finds a nice balance between a stealthy base and plenty of contrasting elements. There are enough white sparkles to liven up the overall look and make it a watch you keep looking at.
A Seamaster without a date is my preference
When rotating the bezel, it has a modern sound and feel thanks to the modern materials. I will say, though, that it can be challenging to turn it with sweaty hands since the smooth sides of the bezel make it difficult to get a firm grip. That said, I still love many things about this watch, one of which is the absence of a date window.
Most of you will know that the regular model features a date window at 6 o’clock. I am not a fan of dates at that position, so seeing a dial without it makes me a happy man. It feels balanced and complete. While I understand a lot of watch fans want their daily wearer to have a date window, I like this Seamaster better without it.
Final thoughts on the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic
After wearing this Seamaster for a few days, I can confirm that it is a great daily wearer. It is extremely comfortable on the wrist and looks nice with its combination of materials. But does it replace my favorites in the collection? Well, honestly, it does not. Compared to my favorite stainless steel and bicolor models, it is more expensive at €9,900 and doesn’t have the same standout characteristics that I love about the other Seamasters.
Sure, the James Bond 60th Anniversary model is also a hefty €9,200, and the regular steel and rose gold Seamaster Diver 300M is a similar €9,000 on a rubber strap. But I would still pick them because they have that extra charisma that makes them more interesting than this one. That said, I do not consider that a flaw of this particular watch.
With so many great offerings in the expansive Seamaster Diver 300M collection, it’s easy to cherry-pick. Quite simply, there are just other models that I prefer over this one. But the lightweight materials, no-date dial, and great wearability make this a stylish daily diver for fans of something different in the Seamaster line. Consequently, it hasn’t lost any relevance since 2019. It just needs to be your favorite Seamaster of the collection. If it is, you will have a brilliant, more distinctive Seamaster, which is exactly what Omega intended the black ceramic models to be.
For more information, visit the official Omega website. I’d also like to know your thoughts on this Seamaster Diver 300M Black Ceramic, so please share them in the comments section.
