For 2018, Omega has debuted a redesigned Seamaster Professional Diver 300M collection. Originally dating to 1993, the quirky 1990s styling has mostly remained intact. However, everything from the dial to the bezel to the movement has been completely revamped.
Starting with a slightly larger 42 mm x 13.56 mm case (up from 41 mm), Omega has installed an updated ceramic bezel insert which now has a more durable diving scale in Ceragold or white enamel (the latter which reduces color fading).
Like the bezel inserts, the dials are also made from polished ceramic and are available in a black, blue or PVD chrome color. Interestingly, Omega has reintroduced the original wavy pattern (which is now laser-engraved into the ceramic dial).
The luminous indices have been raised. The oversized skeleton hands (rhodium-plated, 18K gold, or blued) have been subtly reshaped. Even the date has been moved to 6 o’clock, which is an ideal symmetrical position for the date.
For the Seamster Professional Diver 300M watches, there has always been a helium escape valve, and with this new model, the screw-down valve has been given a new conical shape.
The dial is now marked “CO-AXIAL, MASTER CHRONOMETER, 300m / 1000ft) which signifies the all-new METAS-certified caliber 8800 movement underneath.
This technologically superior movement is visible through a sapphire caseback. Automatic Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 8800 beats at a rate of 3.5Hz (25,200 vph), winds in both directions, has a free sprung-balance wheel, silicon balance spring, a traversing balance bridge, 35 jewels, a 55-hour power reserve, and an incredible 15’000 Gauss magnetic resistance (a hallmark of the Metas certification specifications, which only Omega is currently capable of producing).
The movement has been rhodium-plating on the bridges and winding rotor, and then finished with Geneva waves in arabesque pattern, and is contrasted by blackened screws, barrel and balance wheel.
Each version comes with the brand’s iconic metal bracelet or an integrated black or blue rubber strap (20 mm at the lugs and tapered to 18 mm at the buckle). The metal bracelets feature a new ergonomic design and have been closely integrated into the case and they also include Omega’s patented extendable fold-over rack-and-pusher with diver extension.
At first glance, you might mistake one of these new models for the older 1990s-2010s Omega Professional Diver’s watches, but upon closer inspection, you would realize that many key elements have been thoroughly upgraded – particularly the dial and the movement.
Retail prices start at $4,750 for the basic steel models on a rubber strap, $4,850 on a bracelet, jumping to $9,700 with gold accents, and $13,000 for the tantalum/titanium/gold limited edition. Available late summer 2018.
