Introduced in 1957 alongside the Railmaster and Speedmaster as part of the trilogy of “Professional” watches for air, land, and sea, the original Seamaster 300 was Omega’s first true dive watch. Even though the Seamaster Diver now wears the mantle of the brand’s highest-spec dive watch, the vintage-inspired Seamaster 300 stands apart in Omega’s crowded catalogue with its retro aesthetic.

For 2021, Omega doubles down on the vintage styling with a facelifted Seamaster 300 that’s closer to the look of the 1950s original. The new model will be available in steel, as well as the unusual proprietary alloy of Bronze Gold.

A 1950s brochure for the original trilogy

Initial thoughts

When I first saw pictures of the new Seamaster 300, my immediate thought: “Absolutely beautiful”. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Seamaster 300, despite it being less of a “professional” watch than the Seamaster Diver. I’m a fan of its vintage aesthetic, especially how it harks back to an important era in Omega history.

The new Seamaster 300, with its subtle but significant improvements, is undoubtedly the best version yet (albeit only the second iteration). Compared to its predecessor, the new model has a cleaner, more coherent design. That being said, the abundant faux-aged Super-Luminova is a bit affected.

The new Seamaster 300 is being launched in a limited number of options, steel with a blue or black dial, along with the Bronze Gold model. The steel models are also available on a bracelet that Omega says is better integrated and more ergonomic than the earlier generation.

My pick is the blue dial on a steel bracelet – the colour gives it a more contemporary allure, though purists will gravitate towards the black dial, which is very much like the vintage original.

And the steel version is also unusual because this is the first time Omega has offered the blue-dial Seamaster 300 in steel; it was previously available only in platinum, which was exceptionally expensive, or titanium, which was very grey.

Even more vintage

Many of the updates in the new Seamaster 300 were meant to bring its design closer to that of the original. To start with, the new Seamaster 300 is noticeably thinner at 13.85 mm compared to almost 15 mm for the outgoing model. That’s due in part to a flatter bezel, which now has an aluminium insert just like the vintage original. The first-generation model featured ceramic bezel insert, like almost all current Omega dive watches, which felt out of place on a vintage-inspired watch.

In addition, the Seamaster 300 is equipped with a redesigned “sandwich” dial. Almost everything superfluous has been done away with. Gone is the awkward “Master Co-Axial Chronometer”, with the text on the dial reduced to just the logo and “Seamaster 300” in italics that are reminiscent of the original.

Furthermore, the dial also features a “lollipop” seconds hand (which was also found in the Seamaster 300 Spectre), along with Arabic numerals in a font that approximates that of the original.

While the vintage styling is clear, the new Seamaster 300 is powered by a movement that is as modern as it gets, Master Co-Axial cal. 8912. Visible through its sapphire case back, it’s a METAS-certified movement with a silicon balance spring and non-magnetic escapement, giving it substantial resistance to magnetism.

Key facts and price

Omega Seamaster 300 in steel
Ref. 234.32.41.21.01.001 (black dial, leather strap)
Ref. 234.30.41.21.01.001 (black dial, metal bracelet)
Ref. 234.32.41.21.03.001 (blue dial, leather strap)
Ref. 234.30.41.21.03.001 (blue dial, metal bracelet)

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 13.85 mm
Material: Steel
Water resistance: 300 metres

Movement: Cal. 8912
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Self-winding
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour (3.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours

Strap: Leather strap or metal bracelet

Availability: At Omega boutiques and retailers
Price:
Leather strap – US$6,150, or 8,800 Singapore dollars
Steel bracelet – US$6,500, or 9,300 Singapore dollars

For more information, visit Omegawatches.com.