Category: Omega Replica

Editor’s Note: The fact it’s James Bond’s choice automatically makes it good enough for the rest of us, but even without the exploding bells and whistles, the Seamaster 300 packs a heck of a punch. 

The story in a second

The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial was one of the best replica watches of 2014, combining the brand’s rich history with their impressive Master Co-Axial movement.

The big question

Does Omega finally have a dive replica watch that can challenge the supremacy of the Rolex Submariner?

For the first version of the new Seamaster 300 Omega smartly decided against cherry-picking the best and most popular elements from all of their vintage 300 models, instead they opted (much like they did with the Speedmaster ‘First Omega in Space’) to faithfully reproduce the first Seamaster 300 released in 1957.

The case

When you first see at the Seamaster 300 on a screen it looks like the replica watch is a 1:1 reissue of the 1957 original. The case shape, from the bezel, to the lugs to the exposed crown (crown guards came later) is remarkably similar. But there are differences between old and new. Inflation has (of course) taken its toll; what was once 39mm is now 41mm. You could hardly call this an excessive bloating; it’s more of a sensible adjustment in line with market norms. Understanding specifications is one thing, but the pictures and press releases don’t adequately prepare you for reality. When you hold the Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial in your hands you’re immediately aware that this isn’t a straight vintage reissue. Largely this is down to the Master Co-Axial movement adding significant thickness to the case, giving it a very modern bulk.

Last year Omega answered the prayers of their most fervent fans, re-releasing the Seamaster 300, a beloved vintage model, and one of the all-time great dive replica watches. The Seamaster 300 hasn’t been seen in catalogues for the last 45 years, and it was past due for a comeback. And not only because the replica watch industry can’t get enough of heritage reissues at the moment. The time is right for the Seamaster 300 – it has the combination of looks, legacy and technical prowess to rival the mighty Rolex Submariner.

The other big surprise for me was just how shiny it was. I wouldn’t say Omega have gone out of their way to make this a flashy replica watch. The polished case elements, ceramic bezel and mirror finish on the hands gives the Seamaster 300 a definite new replica watch vibe, which lifts it out of ‘tool replica watch’ territory.

The dial and bezel

Omega has really knocked it out of the park with the dial and bezel. Managing to make what is a very technical execution appear simple and uncluttered. Not an easy thing to pull off. First let’s talk about the dial. The triangular hour indices and the broad arrow hands, both filled with off white luminous material that has become synonymous with heritage pieces dominate the dial.

If you look closely you’ll note that the luminous indices are recessed and you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a ‘sandwich’ type dial construction, of the sort popularised by Panerai. In actuality Omega have laser cut the indices out of the single layer dial and filled them with luminous material, creating a great sense of depth. They’ve further added to the richness of the dial by using a matte textured black finish that looks almost like sandblasting. Completing the vintage look of the dial is the printed numerals and the refreshingly sparse dial text. Sure, it doesn’t say ‘Seamaster 300’ in the lower half as the originals did, but I understand that Omega are keen to show off their new movement and two discreet lines is nothing compared to the paragraphs found on other dials.

Onto the bezel. I said earlier that I found this replica watch unexpectedly shiny. A lot of that has to do with the bezel. Not only the glossy ceramic (with Liquidmetal numerals) insert, but also that mirror-like inner steel ring. The combination of these two elements really plays in the light, and contrast starkly with the sober dial. It’s a good combo, but one that someone expecting a vintage replica watch will be surprised by. On the functionality front the bezel is grippy enough for a replica watch that will mostly be on desk diving duties, and there is minimal play. I’m glad Omega opted for an applied luminous pip at 12, as one inset into the ceramic would have detracted from the look.

Of all the elements of this replica watch the ‘faux-tina’ is the one that might put some people off, but I think that Omega have been judicious with their heritage tweaks and haven’t gone overboard; meaning that this replica watch won’t date too badly when we all move on from our infatuation with vintage.

The movement

The new generation of anti-magnetic Master Co-Axial movements (which meet the stringent new METAS standards) are the most technically impressive and best quality high-volume production movements in the game at the moment. Omega knows this and they’re not letting you or their competitors forget it by hiding it behind a steel caseback.

If the exterior of this replica watch is all about the past, the interior is all about the future. Flip over the replica watch and you can’t help but notice the Calibre 8400, a large movement filling up the sapphire display back and gleaming from every angle thanks to its radial Geneva striping.

The visibility of the movement in this replica watch is also a deliberate statement by Omega. A solid caseback would have suited the aesthetic of the replica watch, and even though I’m sure most consumers of the replica watch are more than happy to be able to whip their replica watch off their wrists and impress their friends with the glimmering workings, I think there’s more to it than that.

On a practical note, the ability to independently adjust the hour hand forwards or backwards in one-hour increments is supremely useful.

On the wrist

I was a little sad that the model I wore for a few days had a leather strap – I was looking forward to seeing how the very vintage looking bracelet (with contentious polished centre links) played in the real world. That classic case of #firstworldproblems aside, the Seamaster was a joy to wear. It managed to achieve what Kung-Fu masters call conscious unconsciousness. I wasn’t aware I was wearing it, until I looked at it, and then BAM! The gorgeousness of the replica watch hits you every time you check the time. For me this continual feeling of excitement is the mark of a great replica watch. The Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial is a close to perfect everyday replica watch, a future classic that takes the best of Omega’s past and packs it full of their latest technology.

The Knowledge

Talking Point

The Seamaster 300 is widely tipped to be the replica watch on James Bond’s wrist in Spectre, the latest instalment of the franchise.

Who’s it for?

In short, everyone and anyone. It impresses the vintage fanboys and meets the needs of the ‘one good replica watch’ crowd.

What would we change?

This is a really hard one. There are a few points about this replica watch such as the vintage-look lume, polished centre links on the bracelet, and the thickness of the case that might turn people off. I can see why all these decisions were made and I don’t think that Omega made the wrong move with any of these choices. Having said that I think an option of a solid caseback would complete the vintage package for those who aren’t overly concerned with looking at the movement.

For the replica watch forums

How do you comfortably balance contemporary technologies, like the Master Co-Axial movement and the ceramic bezel in a heritage reissue replica watch? Do these advances add or detract from the whole package?

Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial Australian Pricing

The Seamaster 300 comes in a range of configurations and metals. In steel on a bracelet it has a retail price of $7750, and on leather $7600.

Images by Jason Reekie.