A little color can go a long way sometimes, and Omega is leaning into exactly that with a new expression of the Seamaster 300M being released today. This is a collection that Omega has become increasingly relaxed with in recent years, following a tone arguably set by the Bond Seamasters, beginning with the No Time To Die variation released back in 2019, and the 60th Anniversary released in 2022. Since then, we’ve seen additional dial variations follow suit, with no date and no laser wave pattern which the watch launched with back in 2018. And for the better, if you ask me. This week, we’re getting a classic Omega colorway in black and orange set within yet another unique dial configuration for the Seamaster 300M.
The newest Seamster boasts a matte black aluminum dial with a fine grain texture not entirely dissimilar to the recent titanium and bronze 300M released late last year. Also like that watch, there is no date present here, just the hour markers and hands for maximum focus. What is new are the orange accents found in the usual places, such as the seconds hand, and the Seamaster branding on the dial, but Omega have gone a step further. The hour markers at the cardinal positions receive an orange outline, which is a new and unique detail to this watch.
The orange around these hour markers are a striking detail, and one that will undoubtedly be polarizing to enthusiasts. This could be seen as a step too far and not entirely necessary. Black and orange are a signature set of colors for the brand as found on the PloProf, but it’s never quite been used like this. Opting for an orange minute hand could have been seen as a more relevant decision, and perhaps even required a filled set of hands rather than the open broadswords. As is, the watch certainly stands out, and that’s a good thing in a collection as crowded as the Seamaster 300M.
Omega is still using the steel 42mm case with a beautiful twisted lug design, and housing the brand’s co-axial master chronometer caliber 8806. The movement is visible through an open caseback, and yes, the superfluous helium escape valve remains a signature feature at 10 o’clock along the case.
This is a welcome addition to the Seamster 300M range, and many will appreciate the use of orange and black in this manner. Many are still waiting to see a closed set of hands return to the design ala Peter Blake references, and I think that this watch would have been a perfect opportunity to do so, and would have allowed for an orange hand rather than the orange hour surrounds. That said, I appreciate the level of personality exhibited by Omega with this, and if anything it shows their willingness to try new ideas, something I’d love to see from more brands.
The new Omega Seamster 300M is available now, and is priced from $6,800 on a steel mesh bracelet. It can also be had on an orange rubber strap priced at $6,500. Omega