Omega, a name synonymous with precision engineering and pioneering spirit, has a rich history intertwined with exploration, both on land and beneath the waves. Founded in 1848, the Swiss watchmaker quickly established a reputation for crafting robust and accurate timekeeping instruments. This legacy paved the way for the birth of the Seamaster in 1948, a watch designed to withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle, marking Omega's centennial. Fast forward to 1993, the Seamaster Diver 300M emerged, quickly becoming a legend, celebrated for its professional-grade diving capabilities and distinctive design. It gained further notoriety, solidifying its place in popular culture and horological history.
The Seamaster Diver 300M collection has consistently evolved, embracing innovation while staying true to its core DNA.
Omega hasn't rested on its laurels, continually pushing the boundaries of materials and technology. This brings us to the present, and the introduction of two striking new models: the Seamaster Diver 300M in Bronze Gold. These watches represent a compelling blend of the Seamaster's robust heritage and Omega's forward-thinking approach to watchmaking.
Courtesy of Omega
The defining feature of these new Seamasters is undoubtedly the use of Bronze Gold. This isn't your typical bronze. Omega has developed a proprietary alloy that sets it apart. It's enriched with noble elements, including 37.5% gold (hallmarked as 9K), palladium, and silver. This careful concoction results in a metal with a distinctive hue, nestled somewhere between Omega's 18K Moonshine gold and 18K Sedna gold. Expect a soft, warm pink tone that exudes a subtle richness.
Beyond its visual appeal, Bronze Gold offers exceptional practical benefits. It boasts incomparable corrosion resistance. This is a crucial factor for a dive watch, as exposure to saltwater can wreak havoc on lesser materials. Unlike conventional bronze, Omega's Bronze Gold avoids the unsightly green patina of verdigris oxidation. This means the watch will age gracefully, developing a subtle, unique patina over time, rather than an aggressive discoloration.
Courtesy of Omega
The new Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold is offered in two distinct configurations, allowing wearers to choose the style that best suits their preferences. The first (reference 210.90.42.20.01.003) comes equipped with a matching Bronze Gold bracelet. This bracelet is a visually striking element, featuring a mesh design that echoes the vintage charm of the watch. It's a statement piece, adding considerable weight and presence on the wrist. The brushed finish of the bracelet complements the warm tones of the Bronze Gold, and it fastens securely with a foldover clasp, also crafted from Bronze Gold.
The second option (reference 210.92.42.20.01.003) presents a sportier aesthetic. It features an integrated black rubber strap, providing a comfortable and practical alternative to the bracelet. The textured rubber adds a rugged touch, while the Bronze Gold pin buckle ensures consistency with the case material. This configuration offers a lighter feel on the wrist, making it ideal for those who prioritize comfort and functionality.
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The dial of the Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold is a masterclass in functional design. The base is crafted from sandblasted black aluminum, creating a matte texture that minimizes reflections and maximizes contrast. This ensures optimal legibility, even in challenging lighting conditions. The choice of black provides a striking backdrop for the other dial elements.
The hands and indexes are coated with PVD 18K Bronze Gold, providing a warm, luxurious touch that harmonizes with the case. These elements are then filled with vintage-colored Super-LumiNova. This luminescent material emits a bright, long-lasting glow in low-light environments, a crucial feature for a dive watch. The remaining dial markings, including the Omega logo and name, are applied in a light brown transfer, adding a subtle yet refined detail.
The case of the Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold measures 42mm in diameter, a size that strikes a balance between presence and wearability. It's substantial enough to feel robust and purposeful, yet not overly bulky on the wrist. The lug-to-lug measurement is a comfortable 49.7mm, ensuring a good fit on a variety of wrist sizes. Contributing to its sporty profile, the watch has a thickness of 13.8mm. These dimensions contribute to the watch's overall sporty profile. The case is, of course, crafted entirely from Omega's proprietary Bronze Gold.
Courtesy of Omega
The unidirectional rotating bezel, a critical component for timing dives, features a burgundy oxalic anodized aluminum insert. This rich, deep red color provides a beautiful contrast to the warm tones of the case and the black dial. The diving scale on the bezel is executed in vintage Super-LumiNova, ensuring visibility underwater. Protecting the dial is a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with an anti-reflective coating on the inside to further enhance legibility. Between the lugs, the watch measures 20mm, allowing for a wide variety of aftermarket strap options.
Turning the watch over reveals a sapphire crystal caseback, offering a clear view of the impressive movement within. The Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold is powered by the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806. This self-winding movement is a testament to Omega's commitment to precision and reliability.
Courtesy of Omega
The Calibre 8806 boasts a Co-Axial escapement, a signature Omega technology that reduces friction and enhances long-term accuracy. It's also a certified Master Chronometer, meaning it has passed rigorous testing by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). This certification guarantees exceptional performance in terms of precision, resistance to magnetic fields (up to a staggering 15,000 gauss), and overall reliability. The movement features a free-sprung balance with a silicon balance spring, further contributing to its stability and accuracy. It offers automatic winding in both directions and provides a substantial power reserve of 55 hours. The frequency of the movement is 3.5 Hz. The finishing of the movement is equally impressive, with a rhodium-plated rotor and bridges decorated with Geneva waves in arabesque.
The new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold models have different price points depending on the strap or bracelet. Reference 210.90.42.20.01.003, with the Bronze Gold bracelet, costs $27,900. Reference 210.92.42.20.01.003, featuring the black rubber strap, is priced at $13,900. Both of these watches are readily available the Omega's Boutiques and Authorized Dealers.
Case: 42mm diameter, Bronze Gold. Lug-to-lug 49.7mm. Thickness 13.8mm. Between lugs 20mm. Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. Water resistance 30 bar (300 meters / 1000 feet).
Movement: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806. Self-winding. 55 hours power reserve. Frequency 3.5 Hz. Certified Master Chronometer, approved by METAS. Resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. Free sprung-balance with silicon balance spring.
Dial: Sandblasted black aluminum. PVD 18K Bronze Gold hands and blackened indexes. Vintage Super-LumiNova. Light brown transferred markings. Burgundy oxalic anodized aluminium bezel ring with diving scale in vintage Super-LumiNova.
Strap: Two options: 1) Bronze gold mesh bracelet with foldover clasp. 2) Integrated black rubber strap with Bronze Gold pin buckle.
Price: Bracelet version: $27,900. Rubber strap version: $13,900.
Reference Number: Bracelet: 210.90.42.20.01.003. Strap: 210.92.42.20.01.003
Notes: Features Omega's exclusive Bronze Gold alloy, enriched with 37.5% gold (9K), palladium, and silver. Offers exceptional corrosion resistance without verdigris-oxidation.