ED209
[Purist]
7307
Two versions of the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial
The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial watch is a model that I've been interested to view since it was introduced last year. I've seen and briefly handled the 18k Sedna gold version at my AD, but not until recently did I have a chance to closely look at the stainless steel and titanium versions. I was on vacation on the Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas cruise ship destined for the Bahamas where the on-board watch store had a large selection of Omegas. In the display case were virtually all the versions available (combinations of steel, Sedna gold, titanium but not the platinum). The two that interested me the most were the stainless steel with black ceramic bezel and black dial, and the blue version in titanium.
At first glance the two were very similar until I picked up the watches. The steel version had a nice heft to it, and obviously the titanium was extremely light. Not as light as my Breitling Aerospace but it was light for it's size.
The texture of the sandblasted dial blue dial looks great and easy to read. From what I understand the dial is made of ceramic. Logos are printed instead of applied.
The 'vintage' colored super-luminova hour markers has a nice depth to it and it almost looks like a sandwich dial. The rhodium plated hands also have the 'vintage' colored super-luminova applied to it and gives a really nice homage to the original Seamaster 300. The hour markers and broad arrow hour hand have a bluish color in the dark, while the minute hand has a standard greenish color.
The blue polished ceramic bezel ring has a Omega Liquidmetal scale applied to it. Overall I like the diameter of the bezel, not too thin and not too thick either.
The bracelet has a polished central link with brushed finishing on the outer links. It looks very attractive in both versions with the black or blue dial. I prefer deployment buckles and Omega did a nice with this one. The clasp features a rack and pusher extension system for diving, and makes adjustments easier without any tools.
Inside the Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial is the caliber 8400 made in-house by Omega. It is a COSC certified chronometer, and has anti-magnetic properties taken from the Seamaster Aqua Terra model. The 8400 movement is basically the caliber 8500 without the date (which I prefer on this watch). You can see the co-axial movement with the transparent caseback. The bridges and oscillating weight is decorated with Geneva waves.
At 41mm in diameter the case and bezel is nicely sized for my wrist and to me it looks proportional. The only issue I had personally was with the thickness, I don't know the exact measurements but it was a little too thick for me. The large case lugs also made overhang my small wrist.
It's a tough choice and eventually left both of them back with the store. I'm concerned about the thickness, but really love everything else about this Seamaster. If I had to pick one I think I'd go with the blue titanium version probably because my favorite color is blue. But it comes at a larger price difference between steel and titanium. I'll have to look at it again and see which one will be my next watch.
So what does everyone think about these two Seamasters? I don't know much about vintage so it doesn't really matter to me how it compares to the original model. I like this modern interpretation and seriously consider adding it to my collection. Would you pick the black stainless or the blue titanium version?
Regards,
ED-209
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Two versions of the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial
The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial watch is a model that I've been interested to view since it was introduced last year. I've seen and briefly handled the 18k Sedna gold version at my AD, but not until recently did I have a chance to closely look at ...
I choose the SS version ...
I have few blue dialed ones and it's enough. The Ti case, as you mention is not that lightweight (the movement and the two sapphire glasses sort of neutralize the case weight). About the overall case height, is not a problem to me. About the bracelet, no ...
The SS version
Excellent choice Nilo and thanks for sharing your thoughts on Seamaster. Looks great on your wrist. hmm, a dark brown cordovan strap would look stunning with the black dial and bezel. Regards, ED-209
I've handled both, Ed, and my take . . .
. . . is that the standard steel version is best suited to a person who reveres the original reference, and titanium for admirers of the current iteration. The appearance and feel of titanium, in conjunction with the matte blue dial . . . [enhanced image ...
black or blue
Thanks Art, I agree the blue is striking. Difficult choice to make, I'm leaning towards the blue titanium. The only comparable watch that I've been contemplating is the JLC Deep Sea Vintage Chronograph. Regards, ED-209
The problem for those of us with slender wrists . . .
. . . is the more pronounced appearance of the titanium version, even though they're otherwise identical. The black dial might go unnoticed; the blue, probably not. One factor in the titanium model's favor: there's a fair chance it will be a collectible i...
I am also in the same camp as you ED209..
the SM300 upon release has interested me..but I have yet to handle one... in the various photos I think the blue is stunning... but as with the DSOM..the watch is tall...its not that I have big issues..but its blocky in profile..I have the 190 and I think...
comparison side by side of the two versions
Hi ocwatching, hope all is well. Agree with you, the blue is stunning and looks very nice in person with the grayish titanium and vintage style luminous markers. But you have to see them up close and it makes it harder to decide. It's definitely blocky an...
Grateful for this back to back report.. As the new SM300 is on my list, also..
Still a bit torn between ss/blk & Ti/blue, with light pref for the blue. Why ? - Well, the black dial for me, is a bit too similiar to the JLC DSA, & I don\'t have a blue dialled watch. But your post, plus the postings from Nilo, confirm my quest, to try ...
This Seamaster version
Hi hs111, thanks for sharing your thoughts, especially on the black dial I agree that it is similar to the JLC DSA. Blue looks really nice in person, hope you have a chance to try them side by side soon. Regards, ED-209