While the original Seamaster 300M from 2019 was a no-frills, James Bond-inspired watch, the Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold and Burgundy is a refined evolution of the design that employs Omega’s proprietary gold alloy.

Used by Omega as well as its sister company Blancpain, Bronze Gold is an alloy of bronze, palladium, silver, and 37.5% gold — making it a 9k gold alloy — that has enhanced corrosion resistance while having the warm hue of bronze but without the accentuated patina that accompanies conventional versions of the metal. Aside from the Bronze Gold case and burgundy bezel, the design remains virtually unchanged, retaining the signature “twisted” lugs of the Seamaster.

Initial thoughts

Omega has introduced several variants of the model since the Seamaster 300M 007 Edition, among them the recent “No-Date”. This time-only design, which omits the date window, has enjoyed commercial success, highlighting the appeal of a cleaner dial, especially on a watch with some vintage flavour. In this context, the Seamaster 300M Bronze Gold is a natural evolution of the collection, bringing it upmarket as is the norm for a successful model.

The upgrade, however, comes at a price. At US$13,900 on a rubber strap, the Bronze Gold edition is more than twice the price of the steel model. And the version on a matching Bronze Gold mesh bracelet costs a whopping US$27,900.

Granted, the new Seamaster 300M is gold, but not really, since it’s a 9k alloy, which is far below the purity considered actual gold (which is 18k or 75%) in modern luxury watchmaking. It does cost less than an 18k gold dive watch, but not that much less. The Tudor Black Bay 18k retails for about US$18,000 for instance.

While the new Seamaster does have visual and tactile appeal, the price means that either a base model in steel or an actual 18k gold diver makes more sense.

9k gold

The new Seamaster 300M is virtually unchanged from its predecessor in terms of design, retaining the no-date layout, but is entirely differently in execution in both colours and materials. The case is Bronze Gold, a 9k gold alloy, matched with a burgundy aluminium bezel insert.

Notably, the matte black sandblasted dial is also aluminium, while the hands are plated in Bronze Gold. The Super-Luminova are off-white for a vintage feel, which is matched with dial markings in light brown.

The watch is powered by the in-house cal. 8806, a METAS-certified movement operating at 3.5 Hz with a 55-hour power reserve. Visible through the sapphire case back, the movement features a free-sprung balance with a silicon hairspring and a paramagnetic escapement, ensuring magnetic resistance up to 15,000 Gauss.

Key facts and price

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold and Burgundy
Ref. 210.90.42.20.01.003 (On a mesh bracelet)
Ref. 210.92.42.20.01.003 (On a rubber strap)

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 13.8 mm
Material: 9k Bronze gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: Cal. 8806
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour (3.5 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 55 hours

Strap: Bronze Gold mesh bracelet or black rubber strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Omega boutiques or retailers
Price: US$13,900 on a rubber strap; US$27,900 on a Bronze Gold mesh bracelet

For more, visit Omegawatches.com.