Review: Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph

Since 1993, the Seamaster Professional Diver 300M has enjoyed a legendary following. It was an icon of dive watch chronographs, in particular for its unique material contrasts. The usage of contrasting metals was popularized in the late 80s and the Omega’s Seamaster Professional Diver chronograph was possibly the brand’s most famous contrasting metal sports watch.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph

The Case and Dial

This 44 mm chronograph is a Numbered Edition model and is built from grade 2 titanium, 18K Sedna™ gold and tantalum, which can be found on the base of the bezel and the middle links of the bracelet. Having three metals on a single watch is rather interesting, we are not sure if there is another watch which can make this claim.

 

For the bezel, a 18K Sedna™ gold bezel ring is used, this time with a textured frost finish. It is decorated with a laser-ablated diving scale. For the dial, the polished blue ceramic [ZrO2] dial is distinguished by laser-ablated waves, a date window at 6 o’clock, and subdial rings with touches of 18K Sedna™ gold.

 

 

The side of each case includes an 18K Sedna™ gold plate engraved with each unique Numbered Edition number.

 

 

The watch wears large on the wrist, understandable considering its 44mm size. While today’s trend is for smaller and slimmer case profiles, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph is quite the opposite. The chronograph movement with its double barrel movement means the case requires a certain thickness. And in order to have 300m pressure resistance, the watch requires a larger case. As a result, the diver chronograph sacrifices some wearability for its high performance specifications. But while the watch wears big, the titanium case helps keep the weight lighter but still with some heft nonetheless.

 

The Movement

Turning the watch over reveals an OMEGA Seahorse, which has been laser-engraved and lacquered white on the sapphire crystal. Through the glass, you can see the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900, certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

 

The self-winding chronograph movement is equipped with a column wheel and Co-Axial escapement. It also uses a silicon hairspring which increases the movement’s resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. As mentioned earlier, the watch uses a double barrel power train mounted in series. Giving it 60 hours power reserve.

 

 

Concluding thoughts

For most Omega fans, the Speedmaster will always be the go to collectible. While far superior in technology and performance, the co-axial equipped automatic chronographs tend to be lesser in demand as compared to its cam and lever 1861 counterpart. The Speedmaster rides on its widely published Moonwatch story line, but what the Seamaster chronograph lacks in storyline, it makes up for in functions. In particular, this model is delightful to look at because of its unique metal contrasts has a 300m water resistance and an accurate and antimagnetic movement.

That said, it is highly possible that the upgraded Speedmaster models with the new 321 calibre and Co-Axial Calibre 3861, not to mention the new Snoopy, will pose a major challenge to the rest of the brand’s product lines and possibly cannibalize most of them. The watch is priced at US$19,550.00.