Embracing the Seamaster 300M

[Oyster Sauce]

There's been a lot of love for the Seamaster 300M lately, and for good reason. Just a crackin' watch! I've been wearing my 2254.50 and loving it.

At the same time, a number of fans (and would be fans) of the Seamaster 300M offer the following constructive criticism: please remove the helium escape valve. I certainly understand the thought process behind these comments. For myself, I don't mind it. I feel similarly about Rolex cyclops, Tudor BB rivets, and Omega He escape valve -- don't mind them.

With the Seamaster 300M specifically, however, I have reached the conclusion that as it nears 30 years of existence as a model, there might be room for certain appreciation of the He escape valve. What I mean is that although Omega has experimented with all sorts of dials, handsets, and bracelets over the years for the 300M, the overall silhouette of the case has remained basically unchanged. Twisted lugs, thinnish rotating bezel with strange facets, and the He escape valve. From a distance there is no mistaking a 300M, regardless of iteration. Not iconic yet, but might have a chance!

Rolex is often lauded for design conservatism, and no doubt this has contributed to its brand recognition for each model. I am at this point comfortable (and even supportive) of Omega continuing to keep the He valve and overall case shape of the 300M to provide a design anchor for the long run. As a consolation, if the He valve were to be removed from anything, perhaps the Planet Ocean line, whose design language is not as distinct IMO. What do you think? I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm gonna love the 300M for what it is!

[texasmade]

The 2220.80 always gets left out. Everyone includes the Golden Eye, Sword hands, no wave, and current model but forgets the first co-axial Seamaster.

[gnuyork]

From a technical standpoint, if anything the Seamaster 300M should lose the HE valve before the Planet Ocean.

[rcclarkie]

Full support OP

In my four weeks of (daily wear) ownership I haven’t noticed the HE valve once. The case is well balanced and the twisted lugs add to the classic shape of the now 25 year old design language.

I’d agree that by now the HE is a legacy design aspect (albeit useless to 99.9% of us ) but removing it would simply muddle the Omega diver lineup with the PO & SM300.

Not everything needs to be derivative of a Submariner to be worth your attention




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[watchguy72]

I used to love my Seamaster 300m, probably one of my favorite watches!

[Wrist Watcher]

I love the Seamaster and honestly don't mind the HE valve. In fact, I don't even notice it once the watch is on my wrist ... and that goes for the latest SMP ceramic or the older 2254.50.

[Jster]

Originally Posted by Wrist Watcher

I love the Seamaster and honestly don't mind the HE valve. In fact, I don't even notice it once the watch is on my wrist ... and that goes for the latest SMP ceramic or the older 2254.50.

I agree. I don’t notice the HE valve on my 2254.50 at all. I think it’s a cool feature.

[Ringhio]

I like the He valve actually. It’s a distinctive element.
I hope they don’t take it out. Omega doesn’t need to make a clone of the Sub.

[Mac-427]

I love the valve as it makes the watch look bad ass because it implies use at great depths. That being said, the closest mine gets to that kind of use is an occasional dunk in the shower.

[1William]

I like the valve and think it gives the Seamaster a unique look. I have no use for it as the only time it gets wet is in the rain or at the pool. The overall quality of the current generation is outstanding and the timekeeping is as good or better than any Rolex I own. I have gone down the rabbit hole in my purchases of the Seamaster to back up my words. I have the white and blue standard Seamaster, the NTTD and the ceramic and titanium 43.5 model and yesterday I purchased the new Chronograph at 44 mm. I am enjoying them and they have taken up almost all of my wrist time.

[Spikedlee]

[hedet]

Originally Posted by 1William

I like the valve and think it gives the Seamaster a unique look. I have no use for it as the only time it gets wet is in the rain or at the pool. The overall quality of the current generation is outstanding and the timekeeping is as good or better than any Rolex I own. I have gone down the rabbit hole in my purchases of the Seamaster to back up my words. I have the white and blue standard Seamaster, the NTTD and the ceramic and titanium 43.5 model and yesterday I purchased the new Chronograph at 44 mm. I am enjoying them and they have taken up almost all of my wrist time.

Wow. You have truly embraced the 300m.

Which is your favorite?

My blue one says hi



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[1William]

If I had to pick it would be the Ceramic and Titanium no date version. Very comfortable, large but not too large and I have never seen one other than mine on someone's wrist. It also does well on other straps.

[WatchThinker]

Originally Posted by 1William

I like the valve and think it gives the Seamaster a unique look. I have no use for it as the only time it gets wet is in the rain or at the pool. The overall quality of the current generation is outstanding and the timekeeping is as good or better than any Rolex I own. I have gone down the rabbit hole in my purchases of the Seamaster to back up my words. I have the white and blue standard Seamaster, the NTTD and the ceramic and titanium 43.5 model and yesterday I purchased the new Chronograph at 44 mm. I am enjoying them and they have taken up almost all of my wrist time.

So you are the PERFECT person to ask the question that plagues me about this watch, as it is a lead contender for my next purchase: ....... BLUE or WHITE if you were buying just one.

[AAMD11]

Love my Seamaster 300

[1William]

If I could only have one between the white dial and the blue dial it would be the white dial. I like the contrast of the dial and bezel and the touch of red that plays well on the dial and second hand. I bought mine on the bracelet but purchased the OEM Rubber strap and like the look, fit and wear. Nothing wrong with the blue, it is stunning but I gravitate toward black and white. No bad choice just personal preference.

[WatchThinker]

Originally Posted by 1William

If I could only have one between the white dial and the blue dial it would be the white dial. I like the contrast of the dial and bezel and the touch of red that plays well on the dial and second hand. I bought mine on the bracelet but purchased the OEM Rubber strap and like the look, fit and wear. Nothing wrong with the blue, it is stunning but I gravitate toward black and white. No bad choice just personal preference.

This is great feedback!! I've been shopping a "vacation" watch and this is my lead contender. I'm waiting to see what gets released this April / May by everyone.

On quick further question: My one reticence about the white dial is something you mentioned. I think it looks amazing on that strap -but, day-in-day-out, I tend to prefer a bracelet most ( but not all ) of the time. Do you find, since you have the other colors, that when you want to wear a bracelet you still go to the white dial?

[1William]

I own the bracelet for the white dial 300 and do not miss it when I am looking for a bracelet watch as I have a Rolex Polar Explorer II on the bracelet. Before I bought the rubber strap I wore the white dial on the bracelet and found it to be stunning with the metal of the bracelet and the starkness of the dial. I tend to bounce around a bit on what I wear and I am always pulled toward the white dial 300 on the rubber strap and the bracelet. I hope that was helpful and I do not think you can go wrong with the Seamaster 300 in any color or bracelet/strap configuration. I true value in a market that has gone off the deep end.

[na_panpun]

Love it also with GMT, after using it for 20 years (2538.20.00; 2001).

[samson66]

I don't really mind the He valve. It's Omega DNA. Sure it serves no purpose but it sort of wouldn't be a Seamaster 300 without it.

Love my white dial but one little thing that bothers me is the skeleton hands. Love the way they look but it's a negative when it comes to lume. I find the watch hard to read at night. The indicies show up nice and bright but sometimes it can be hard to find the hands. Just not enough surface are for the lume I'm afraid.

Not a deal killer by any means, just something I've noticed.