Omega is a name that’s almost synonymous with class, power, and superiority. For over 170 years, it has built a reputation for consistently developing watches that go beyond the industry expectations. Despite their soaring prices, watch fans continue to patronize their top-of-the-line watches and it’s not hard to figure out why.
Among the brand’s most successful collections is the Omega Seamaster. It’s so successful that its limited and special edition watches are being sold for the same retail value in the secondhand market, if not higher. This watch line doesn’t need much PR and this is particularly true when you already have one in your luxury watch collection.
So, what we’re better off discussing next are your options for your next Omega Seamaster purchase. Whether you’re searching for a watch to accompany you on your next dive or a luxury sports watch to match your everyday style, you’re sure to find a Seamaster that fits your preferences.
Omega Seamaster: History & Overview of the 5 Best Sub-Collections
The Omega Seamaster was first introduced in 1948, just as the brand celebrated its centenary, and it has evolved drastically over the last 70 years to include a bevy of different models built for an active lifestyle.
Fast forward to the present, the line is already composed of eight different sub-collections featuring an assortment of high-quality, water-resistant watches. It ranges from professional diving pieces to elegant, nautical-inspired sports watches. Below are our 5 best picks.
Seamaster 1948
Despite its name, the first Seamaster model was not a dive watch first but a robust, elegant watch inspired by the utilitarian watches Omega supplied to the British military in WWII. It was resistant to water, shock, magnet, and dust.
In 2018, Omega celebrated the 70th anniversary of the line with the release of two limited-edition Seamaster models. These integrate the vintage appeal of the 1948 Seamasters with modern technology in the form of Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements. These sported monochromatic silver dials in 38mm cases, which are relatively larger than the 34mm original.
Seamaster 300
Riding on the success of the Seamaster 1948, Omega debuted the Seamaster 300 in 1957 as its first dive watch. The first Seamaster 300, with the reference CK2913, was complete with a rotating bezel, a black dial with lumed indices, and white minute markings. It is housed in a 38.5mm steel case and a matching steel bracelet. It was powered by the in-house manufactured Calibre 501 automatic movement with a 46-hour power reserve. Ironically, though, it didn’t have 300m water resistance. Instead, it was only rated to 200 meters of depth.
The timepiece paved the way for all succeeding Seamaster watches, including the Diver 300m line, which James Bond prominently wore on his wrist. From its debut to this day, it competes directly against watches like the Rolex Submariner.
Diver 300M
You may think that the Seamaster 300 and the Diver 300M are the same. But, they are two different Omega watches. Whereas the Seamaster 300 maintains a vintage vibe, the Diver 300M takes on a modern appeal owing to its scalloped bezel, skeleton sword-shaped hands, and helium escape valve at 10 o’clock.
On the line’s 25th anniversary, Omega made some significant changes to the Seamaster 300M including the use of ceramic dials, matching ceramic bezel inserts, and a date window at 6 o’clock. The dial featured the same wave pattern, but this time it was laser-engraved. Beating inside was Omega’s METAS-certified Co-Axial Chronometer movements, which are displayed through the new sapphire caseback.
Aqua Terra 150M
Not too much later after the widespread success of the Diver 300M, Omega released the Aqua Terra in 2002. The former is regarded as a match to the Rolex Datejust but features more advanced technology.
The Aqua Terra is prized for its casual appeal, versatile features, and professional-level technology, rendering it a watch to go with your everyday style or accompany you in your sports activities, thanks to its 150m water resistance. The 2020 version of the Aqua Terra boasts a Master Chronometer status, proving that its precision and accuracy are up to METAS standards.
Planet Ocean 600M
Released in 2005, the Planet Ocean is a relatively new model. But, while it’s the case, it has immediately risen to become one of the most in-demand diving watches today, owing to its impressive water resistance.
Today, Planet Ocean has three generations of watches under its belt, each integrating advanced technology with modern aesthetics. The latest 2016 model retains the ceramic bezels of the second-generation Planet Ocean watches, but now features the latest Master Chronometer movements.
Takeaway
While we have not covered all the sub-collections under the Omega Seamaster line, these five should give you a background of the Seamaster’s history and an overview of the varying designs that it has to offer. Whether you’re leaning towards 1948, Aqua Terra, or the Planet Ocean, you’re guaranteed to find one that looks as if it’s tailor-made for you.
Which Omega Seamaster do you find most appealing? Let us know by leaving a comment.
