[SaMaster14]

Kinda cool, but $9,200 is out of the question. It retails for more than a new Submariner. I would rather buy 2 stainless steel SMPs.

And $150 MORE than MSRP of a Hulk! (lack of availability aside)


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[shedlock2000]

Again, I am absolutely delighted that one Seamaster 300 has a SOLID CASE BACK :-!

Cheers,
Carl

I’m with you here. I just don’t get the point of display case backs — I never take my watch off, so it’s pretty useless to me. My SMPgmt has a display case back and it does nothing but increase the watches’ thickness.

I do like this watch quite a lot. If it had a gmt complication, I’d be all over it in a heartbeat.


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[Titan II]

Nope, HE makes it what it is

Agree to disagree

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I understand what anonymousmoose is saying. The helium escape valve is a design characteristic that is an inherent part of the Seamaster Professional 300's make up.

Along with other design characteristics that some might consider ugly or useless, the HEV is what makes the iconic Seamaster Pro so recognizable to many. I'm referring to the "outdated" bracelet, wave dial, and the scalloped bezel.

If OMEGA were to change or "update" all these characteristics, the Seamaster Pro would cease being...well, the Seamaster Pro.

ROLEX is highly respected and praised in the watch world for doing exactly the opposite of what some people think OMEGA should be doing. They can go for decades without making any changes to their iconic models. Then, when changes do come, they are so slight as to not change the time proven essence of the watch.

I personally think OMEGA are on the right track by trying to maintain the foundations of their iconic models. While the design of the Seamaster Pro isn't to everyone's liking, it's all part of the hobby. In my opinion, if OMEGA were to follow a lot of the design suggestions from us, all watches would start looking too similar.

There are enough other models and limited editions in OMEGA's line-up to please most people. And for the rest, well, you can't please all the people all of the time.

René

 

[TaTaToothy]

I understand what anonymousmoose is saying. The helium escape valve is a design characteristic that is an inherent part of the Seamaster 300 Professional's make up.

Along with other design characteristics that some might consider ugly or useless, the HEV is what makes the iconic Seamaster Pro so recognizable to many. I'm referring to the "outdated" bracelet, wave dial, and the scalloped bezel.

If OMEGA were to change or "update" all these characteristics, the Seamaster Pro would cease being...well, the Seamaster Pro.

ROLEX is highly respected and praised in the watch world for doing exactly the opposite of what some people think OMEGA should be doing. They can go for decades without making any changes to their iconic models. Then, when changes do come, they are so slight as to not change the time proven essence of the watch.

I personally think OMEGA are on the right track by trying to maintain the foundations of their iconic models. While the design of the Seamaster Pro isn't to everyone's liking, it's all part of the hobby. In my opinion, if OMEGA were to follow a lot of the design suggestions from us, all watches would start looking too similar.

There are enough other models and limited editions in OMEGA's line-up to please most people. And for the rest, well, you can't please all the people all of the time.

René

Well put. It's funny, aesthetically and functionally I prefer the sword-hands models that were released in the early 2000s to the Bond designs in terms of the hands and bracelet - I am wearing a Great White as I type this - but there's no question that the basic Brosnan-era Seamaster design has become iconic, and its basic attributes (the wave dial, skeleton hands, and distinctive bracelet) are defining ones for modern Seamasters.

 

[Betterthere]

Well, as you guys all know, over the years, or decades actually, I have been a staunch supporter of Omega. Even during times when I have started to doubt them myself. One might even say, one of the most loyal fans on this forum. Lots of it is for the emotional side, watching the Moon Landing with my Dad and my family having worn Omega watches over the years. But one can only turn the other cheek for so long.

This Seamaster 300M 007 Edition is a rip-off to not just me, but to a loyal client base. I just feel I can no longer support the brand. They do make very good watches. But so do other companies. I don’t mind spending good money, but when I feel I am being taken advantage of or ripped off, I have to get out.

The sale of my Trilogy pieces and my FOIS will go a long way to funding another watch, maybe even two or maybe one expensive one. But they will have to be watches where I can see honest value.

Basically, I am done with Omega. I have had tons of fun along the way, but it’s time to move on. I have made a few lifelong friends at the Omega Boutique who will always be my friends regardless. And same goes for my friends on this forum.

Cheers,
Carl

That's quite a change in one thread. I may have missed what changed your mind.

 

[Knives and Lint]

After having time to mull over this one for a couple of days I have some thoughts as to what would make it perfect in my eyes (not much relevance here, just some random musings):

--Go ceramic. Keep the brown "tropical" color, and keep it muted not shiny (if possible).
--Lose the HE valve
--I know I may be in the minority here, but I say sword hands
--For the bracelet, go for something classic, but with a rugged look. Something like the look of when people put 1171 bracelets on a Speedmaster, but with modern fit and finish and micro-adjust. Keep everything in Ti though, because I think the duller (for lack of a better word) finish of Titanium goes well with the brown and overall aesthetic.
--Finally, knock about 2k off the price

Now, would this still even be a SMP? Perhaps not, but it would certainly be on my want list.

 

[iinsic]

Well, as you guys all know, over the years, or decades actually, I have been a staunch supporter of Omega. Even during times when I have started to doubt them myself. One might even say, one of the most loyal fans on this forum. Lots of it is for the emotional side, watching the Moon Landing with my Dad and my family having worn Omega watches over the years. But one can only turn the other cheek for so long.

This Seamaster 300M 007 Edition is a rip-off to not just me, but to a loyal client base. I just feel I can no longer support the brand. They do make very good watches. But so do other companies. I don’t mind spending good money, but when I feel I am being taken advantage of or ripped off, I have to get out.

The sale of my Trilogy pieces and my FOIS will go a long way to funding another watch, maybe even two or maybe one expensive one. But they will have to be watches where I can see honest value.

Basically, I am done with Omega. I have had tons of fun along the way, but it’s time to move on. I have made a few lifelong friends at the Omega Boutique who will always be my friends regardless. And same goes for my friends on this forum.

Cheers,
Carl

That's quite a change in one thread. I may have missed what changed your mind.

Carl and I (and Betterthere) are of the same ... ahem, vintage. I've been wearing Omegas for more than a half-century. And, like Carl, I have groused on this forum about Omega's persistent dalliance with dilettantism (their ADD influenced product stability, their fascination with gimmicks and fads, including satellite dish-sized watches, or their fawning obsequiousness toward "celebrity" spokespersons). And, like Carl, I have flirted with renouncing the brand altogether. But ...

I really can't go that far. I love the Omega I have and wear most often. My wife loves her two-tone Constellation. Yes, there are more Rolex models I'd like to have than Omega models, but there at least are Omega models I might still acquire (although I am incensed that the models I like continue to be billed by Omega as "ladies" models, because I am through with wrist frisbees). And thanks to Topper, I can acquire those Omegas for a fraction of what I'd pay a grey-marketeer (like DavidSW, who once sold affordable Rolexes, but now milks the "SS-craze above-retail markups" for all they're worth).

These ridiculous paeans to James Bond have always evoked much eye-rolling here on WUSOF, but at least this is the last James Bond special edition (how they navigate "007" editions in the future without James Bond is anyone's guess).

Carl has some really nice Omegas. If he has tired of them (hey, it happens to all of us horological philanderers ;-)), then selling them makes much sense. But if he still likes them, I hope he will hold on to them until the "Bond revulsion" has passed. They might then get years more wear.

As someone who has bought and sold well more than 100 watches in the last decade, I see Omega's design failings as a boon for my bank account. If they came out with lots of delectable choices every spring, my financial security in retirement might be threatened. :think:

 

[VicLeChic]

OMG I could never wear this. I can safely say there's absolutely nothing I like about this piece.

Dull titanium, skeleton hands, mesh not matching the style of the case, terrible/ghastly/dreadful fauxtina. MOD/007 and all that cheesy sh**.

Overall it looks so artificial. It's trying way too hard to look vintage and cool, but unfortunately fails miserably, not that it's a good idea in the first place. Don't be ashamed of what you are, a modern timepiece. Don't try to look older than you are, it's fu***** ridiculous.

Let watches age naturally and beautifully. Don't cheat time, don't jump the gun, OMEGA.

Full disclosure, I own a PO2500C 45.5 "Casino Royale" since 2005, my first and last Bond watch at this pace.

 

[carlhaluss]

That's quite a change in one thread. I may have missed what changed your mind.

Common sense prevailed! I was ecstatic when I first saw the watch. When I actually took the time to learn all I could about it, including price and value, it started to dawn on me. Just as many people on these forums are enablers, they are also guys who have valuable opinions, and sometimes it takes reading a few threads to realize that maybe my initial quick evaluation of a watch bears a lot more thought.

Cheers,
Carl

 

[carlhaluss]

Carl and I (and Betterthere) are of the same ... ahem, vintage. I've been wearing Omegas for more than a half-century. And, like Carl, I have groused on this forum about Omega's persistent dalliance with dilettantism (their ADD influenced product stability, their fascination with gimmicks and fads, including satellite dish-sized watches, or their fawning obsequiousness toward "celebrity" spokespersons). And, like Carl, I have flirted with renouncing the brand altogether. But ...

I really can't go that far. I love the Omega I have and wear most often. My wife loves her two-tone Constellation. Yes, there are more Rolex models I'd like to have than Omega models, but there at least are Omega models I might still acquire (although I am incensed that the models I like continue to be billed by Omega as "ladies" models, because I am through with wrist frisbees). And thanks to Topper, I can acquire those Omegas for a fraction of what I'd pay a grey-marketeer (like DavidSW, who once sold affordable Rolexes, but now milks the "SS-craze above-retail markups" for all they're worth).

These ridiculous paeans to James Bond have always evoked much eye-rolling here on WUSOF, but at least this is the last James Bond special edition (how they navigate "007" editions in the future without James Bond is anyone's guess).

Carl has some really nice Omegas. If he has tired of them (hey, it happens to all of us horological philanderers ;-)), then selling them makes much sense. But if he still likes them, I hope he will hold on to them until the "Bond revulsion" has passed. They might then get years more wear.

As someone who has bought and sold well more than 100 watches in the last decade, I see Omega's design failings as a boon for my bank account. If they came out with lots of delectable choices every spring, my financial security in retirement might be threatened. :think:

Lots of good comments! I was out for most of the day, and when I came home my Railmaster was lying on my bedside table. Which I wore with pride, along with a new crocodile leather strap I got, last night at the Omega Boutique Christmas party. I do really like the watch and, yes, it and my FOIS I will definitely hang on to, at least for the time being. Perhaps in time I will find a peace with Omega. A similar thing happened to me with Panerai recently (not the scenario but the feeling), and I made my peace by realizing it takes way more energy to be angry and negative than to try and find a positive compromise. Only time will tell.

I do feel very strongly that Omega is taking unfair advantage with the 007, of course if someone loves the watch and is willing to pay the price, and gets enjoyment out of it, then I am not criticizing them personally. I think that the morally correct thing for Omega to do (which, of course, will never, ever happen) is to admit they have grossly inflated the price of this model, and a fair price would be more like a grand or even two over the regular model (I am talking in Canadian$ here, where the price difference is 5 grand).

Anyway, I am sure you guys are tired of my rants, so that's it for now! Hope you all have a great weekend.

Cheers,
Carl

 

[eudaimonean]

My first impressions are this piece looks like peak vintage down to the bezel that's engineered specifically to age quickly (which in a normal context would typically be considered a flaw, no?). But it's perhaps a year or two too late to catch the crest of the vintage trend. There are so many lesser brands or even microbrands putting out really excellent vintage or vintage-inspired dive watches these days for a fraction of the price of what Omega is asking for this that I can't get too excited about it. And I'm a person who adores the vintage look on a diver. But I don't see why I would choose this over the many, many, many vintage- and heritage-inspired pieces available in the $500-2000 range.

 

[MustangMike]

Holy cow some people really realllly analyze a new piece lol. If you have to think that much about it then it’s usually a NO.


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[Iowa_Watchman]

Lots of good comments! I was out for most of the day, and when I came home my Railmaster was lying on my bedside table. Which I wore with pride, along with a new crocodile leather strap I got, last night at the Omega Boutique Christmas party. I do really like the watch and, yes, it and my FOIS I will definitely hang on to, at least for the time being. Perhaps in time I will find a peace with Omega. A similar thing happened to me with Panerai recently (not the scenario but the feeling), and I made my peace by realizing it takes way more energy to be angry and negative than to try and find a positive compromise. Only time will tell.

I do feel very strongly that Omega is taking unfair advantage with the 007, of course if someone loves the watch and is willing to pay the price, and gets enjoyment out of it, then I am not criticizing them personally. I think that the morally correct thing for Omega to do (which, of course, will never, ever happen) is to admit they have grossly inflated the price of this model, and a fair price would be more like a grand or even two over the regular model (I am talking in Canadian$ here, where the price difference is 5 grand).

Anyway, I am sure you guys are tired of my rants, so that's it for now! Hope you all have a great weekend.

Cheers,
Carl

For a little more perspective, the titanium Planet Ocean MSRP is $2,600 higher than the standard model. This Seamaster is $4,000 higher than the standard Seamaster Pro on the bracelet.

When you factor in the small Bond additions and a little more flamboyant packaging, the $1,400 delta isn't THAT egregious. In my opinion at least.

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[Betterthere]

Common sense prevailed! I was ecstatic when I first saw the watch. When I actually took the time to learn all I could about it, including price and value, it started to dawn on me. Just as many people on these forums are enablers, they are also guys who have valuable opinions, and sometimes it takes reading a few threads to realize that maybe my initial quick evaluation of a watch bears a lot more thought.

Cheers,
Carl

That I understand just didn't understand how this one would sour you on omega overall. Fine if it does just didn't get it.

 

[carlhaluss]

That I understand just didn't understand how this one would sour you on omega overall. Fine if it does just didn't get it.

Not just this, but a build up of different things over the past couple of years. I won't go into more details. I guess this was just the last straw, although I am getting back on track a bit more now, and thinking why would this be so disappointing to me? I suppose at one time or another we all have things that upset us. Then we sit back and wonder why we let such a thing upset us. That's kind of the stage I'm at now. Not usually like me to let something bug me so much. It does take so much energy to be negative about something, and so much less energy to turn the other cheek and maybe even turn it into something positive.

I remember years ago, prior to 2009, when Omega removed the Authorized Dealer status from my favorite AD here in town. He is the owner, and he had even been schooled in watchmaking by Omega in Switzerland. And had a great relationship with Omega for many years here. A wonderful gentleman, and a good friend, and I was upset both with Omega and also because he was so upset. I ended up sending a letter to the CEO in Switzerland. And he actually replied, attempting to explain their direction and why they were concentrating on having fewer ADs and going to Boutiques. Anyway, I was still upset.

A couple of years later, I went into the Omega Boutique. I had wonderful service, and made good friends with one of the Associates. Although he no longer works there, but I have become friends with most of the other Associates as well. And I have been a customer there for over 7 years.

By now you probably think I'm nuts!:roll: I will get past this, and who knows, maybe one day I will actually end up buying the new Seamaster 007!:-s (not likely)

Cheers,
Carl

 

[carlhaluss]

For a little more perspective, the titanium Planet Ocean MSRP is $2,600 higher than the standard model. This Seamaster is $4,000 higher than the standard Seamaster Pro on the bracelet.

When you factor in the small Bond additions and a little more flamboyant packaging, the $1,400 delta isn't THAT egregious. In my opinion at least.

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Good way of looking at it. Very reasonable. Of course, it sounds like a lot more in CAD (5000).

 

[Betterthere]

Not just this, but a build up of different things over the past couple of years. I won't go into more details. I guess this was just the last straw, although I am getting back on track a bit more now, and thinking why would this be so disappointing to me? I suppose at one time or another we all have things that upset us. Then we sit back and wonder why we let such a thing upset us. That's kind of the stage I'm at now. Not usually like me to let something bug me so much. It does take so much energy to be negative about something, and so much less energy to turn the other cheek and maybe even turn it into something positive.

I remember years ago, prior to 2009, when Omega removed the Authorized Dealer status from my favorite AD here in town. He is the owner, and he had even been schooled in watchmaking by Omega in Switzerland. And had a great relationship with Omega for many years here. A wonderful gentleman, and a good friend, and I was upset both with Omega and also because he was so upset. I ended up sending a letter to the CEO in Switzerland. And he actually replied, attempting to explain their direction and why they were concentrating on having fewer ADs and going to Boutiques. Anyway, I was still upset.

A couple of years later, I went into the Omega Boutique. I had wonderful service, and made good friends with one of the Associates. Although he no longer works there, but I have become friends with most of the other Associates as well. And I have been a customer there for over 7 years.

By now you probably think I'm nuts!:roll: I will get past this, and who knows, maybe one day I will actually end up buying the new Seamaster 007!:-s (not likely)

Cheers,
Carl

No I know you too well here on wus to think you are nuts. Well maybe we all are to some extent. My first nice watch was omega so always have a soft spot for them. Bought more rolexes than Omegas in last few years myself. I think omega is trying to keep or find the correct direction in the watch world. Onward.

 

[Betterthere]

Not just this, but a build up of different things over the past couple of years. I won't go into more details. I guess this was just the last straw, although I am getting back on track a bit more now, and thinking why would this be so disappointing to me? I suppose at one time or another we all have things that upset us. Then we sit back and wonder why we let such a thing upset us. That's kind of the stage I'm at now. Not usually like me to let something bug me so much. It does take so much energy to be negative about something, and so much less energy to turn the other cheek and maybe even turn it into something positive.

I remember years ago, prior to 2009, when Omega removed the Authorized Dealer status from my favorite AD here in town. He is the owner, and he had even been schooled in watchmaking by Omega in Switzerland. And had a great relationship with Omega for many years here. A wonderful gentleman, and a good friend, and I was upset both with Omega and also because he was so upset. I ended up sending a letter to the CEO in Switzerland. And he actually replied, attempting to explain their direction and why they were concentrating on having fewer ADs and going to Boutiques. Anyway, I was still upset.

A couple of years later, I went into the Omega Boutique. I had wonderful service, and made good friends with one of the Associates. Although he no longer works there, but I have become friends with most of the other Associates as well. And I have been a customer there for over 7 years.

By now you probably think I'm nuts!:roll: I will get past this, and who knows, maybe one day I will actually end up buying the new Seamaster 007!:-s (not likely)

Cheers,
Carl

No I know you too well here on wus to think you are nuts. Well maybe we all are to some extent. My first nice watch was omega so always have a soft spot for them. Bought more rolexes than Omegas in last few years myself. I think omega is trying to keep or find the correct direction in the watch world. Onward.

 

[teeritz]

I read most of the first page comments about this watch and it seems to have gotten a favourable response, for the most part.
I don't have anything new to add, really, suffice to say that it's a nicely made watch, but it doesn't float my boat.

In a nutshell...


apologies for the poor layout of the arrows.

The hands, the hands. Yes, I get that this watch is a link to the Seamaster of the Brosnan era (which I have), but Omega could have borrowed from their own past DNA and put lume-filled swords on this watch and it would have made more sense (to me, anyway). Would have made for a bolder looking watch, too.

A slightly smaller case would be nice, too, but I'd imagine that this would bloat the overall size of the watch due to Omega movements not exactly being slim.

As for the pricing, well Omega decided a long time ago to reach for the stars and, even if I absolutely loved this watch, I couldn't justify the price.

Still, I'm glad that it will be a regular production model for those of you who plan on getting one.

I hope this is the only watch that we see on DC's wrist in the movie. This two-watches-in-every-film (almost) schtick was beginning to bug me.

Good luck and all the best to those of you who snag one of these!

 

[anonymousmoose]

This Seamaster 300M 007 Edition is a rip-off to not just me, but to a loyal client base. I just feel I can no longer support the brand. They do make very good watches. But so do other companies. I don’t mind spending good money, but when I feel I am being taken advantage of or ripped off, I have to get out.

Each to their own yet it does seem like a bit of an overreaction to get out of the brand because one model is being sold overpriced.