IntroducingThe Omega Seamaster Diver 300M In Orange

Today marks the second variant of the Seamaster Diver 300M introduced this year, with a new Seamaster Diver 300M in Orange. Following the very luxe (and expensive) Seamaster Diver 300M in Bronze Gold And Burgundy from February, the brand takes everything down a notch with a cheerful yet subdued offering in this new release.

All of the traits found in the recently revamped Seamaster line are very much in place, with the aluminum bezel as well as the mesh bracelet as defining visual details. In fact, from afar, this new model might just look like the black Seamaster 300M from last year. But up close, you'll start noticing a few subtle changes. The wave-pattern dial has been replaced with a flat matte-textured black aluminum dial. A few bursts of orange are introduced, with the lollipop seconds hand coated in a glossy orange varnish, as well as the rectangular indices at twelve, three, six, and nine. The "Seamaster" signature underneath the Omega logo at twelve o'clock is also printed in a matching orange.

The case, featuring the distinctive helium escape valve, is crafted from stainless steel and measures 42mm in diameter, with a thickness of 13.8mm and lug-to-lug of 49.7mm. As implied in the name, the watch boasts a water resistance rating of 300m. Finally, the Caliber 8806 inside the watch remains certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS, as indicated by the printing on the dial. The new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in Orange is available either on a brushed steel mesh bracelet for $6,800 or with an integrated orange rubber strap featuring a deployant clasp for $6,500. 

At the end of the day, this is a black Seamaster with orange accents. While not necessarily groundbreaking, I think it's a very compelling option, and the execution is playful. Orange and black will always be a sick color combination in watchmaking, and Omega is certainly not new to this color scheme. In fact, when I first saw a picture of this new release, I immediately thought that it might be an homage to my favorite Planet Ocean design ever, the 42mm Planet Ocean ref. 2209.50.00 injected with a healthy dose of vitamin C.

It should be no surprise, then, to hear that the one missed opportunity I find with this new release is the lack of an orange aluminum bezel. That, in my opinion, would have been the perfect execution of the new Seamaster, with a genuine commitment to the orange theme. But this new Seamaster 300m in orange will prove to offer something compelling for those who find the current black dial Seamaster variants a bit stoic, and want a bit of a colorful twist to win them over.

Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster Diver 300M
Reference Number: 21030422001018 (bracelet); 21032422001006 (strap)

Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 13.8mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Dial Color: Black
Indexes: Applied rhodium-plated indices, with orange varnish coating at 12, 3, 6, and 9.
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Water Resistance: 300m
Strap/Bracelet: Steel mesh bracelet or orange rubber strap

Caliber: Omega Caliber 8806
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Power Reserve: 55 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 25,200 VpH
Jewels: 35
Chronometer Certified: Yes, METAS Master Chronometer certified
Additional Details: Free-sprung balance with silicon hairspring

Price: $6,800 (steel bracelet), $6,500 (rubber strap)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No

For more, click here.