The OMEGA Seamaster 300 in Summer Blue
Last August, OMEGA introduced a new collection that celebrated 75 years of its iconic oceangoing timepiece: The Seamaster. While the brand has been producing watches since 1848 in the Jura mountains of Switzerland, the Seamaster set sail 100 years later as part of the watchmaker’s centenary celebrations in 1948 and just in time for the London Olympics. This newest collection features bold dials in an all-new Summer Blue. Together, the 7 new models (there are actually 11 watches in total) are part of a collective concept launch.
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The exact hue of blue is tied to the watch’s water resistance rating—with that blue becoming darker as the rating descends ever deeper. Aside from dial colour, the timepieces also share a commemorative case back inspired by Jean-Pierre Borle’s 1950s design—a representation of Neptune’s Hippocampi, often seen on either side of gondolas in Venice.
The model we have here is the Seamster 300—an iteration initially launched by OMEGA in 1957.
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Key Features of the OMEGA Seamaster 300 75th Anniversary
The Seamaster 300 shares an almost identical dial tone with the 300M Professional in this new collection, as both sit about midway down the depth chart in the modern Seamaster lineup. As the name makes clear, this watch takes 300 metres in stride. Its varnished dial has a sunburst gradient that begins pale blue in the centre and grows increasingly dark as it reaches the chapter ring. In keeping with the colour code, OMEGA has filled the rhodium-plated hands, recessed sandwich-style hour markers, and numerals with a fresh light blue Super-LumiNova. This is a departure from recent references which generally sport a cream-coloured vintage tone and lume.
The other departure here is the use of a ceramic bezel insert. While I am generally a fan of aluminum for its matte quality, I really think the ceramic insert works in this design.
Dial layout, however, remains relatively faithful to past iterations. Perhaps one of my favourite elements here is the broad arrow handset and the playful lollipop seconds. Because of the symmetrical case, I also like the balance maintained by the no date dial.
The Seamaster 300 sits between the 300M and the Planet Ocean 600 in terms of size. Its 41 mm symmetrical stainless steel case is heritage inspired and stands out in the collection next to the more modern designs of the other divers. It measures 48mm lug to lug and 13.9mm in height. While this may seem thick for a simple three-hand timepiece, much of that can be attributed to the new domed sapphire crystal—an upgrade it received in 2021.
Though the slab-sided mid-case is brushed, the beveled lugs, and coin-edge bezel feature significant polish—as does the tapered three-link bracelet. The clasp features a simple push-button micro-adjust for comfort but sacrifices its diver’s extension.
Calibre 8912
As previously mentioned, the Summer Blue has a closed case back—instead of the exhibition case back we find on other Seamaster 300 references. Beneath the stamped commemorative Seamaster logo oscillates the OMEGA’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8912. Certified by METAS, it has a silicon balance spring and is resistant to magnetic fields up to 15 000 Gauss. The 8912 also has a jumping-hour function for those frequent flyers out there, as well as a 60-hour power reserve. The movement, though unseen, is finished with Geneva waves in arabesque.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 41mm Diameter 48mm Lug to Lug 13.9mm Thick 21mm Lug Width Screw Down Case Back 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Box Sapphire Crystal Varnished Gradient Dial Sandwich Markers and Numerals Broad Arrow Handset Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Calibre 8912 METAS Co-Axial Master Chronometer 38 Jewels 25 200bph 60-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel 3-Link Bracelet /w Micro-adjusting Clasp |
The OMEGA Seamaster 300 75th Anniversary in Summer Blue
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Final Thoughts
While the Seamaster 300 is relatively large for a heritage-inspired watch, it does not feel like a big watch on wrist. The degree of polish on the bracelet and case, as well as the use of ceramic in the bezel, give the watch a dress diver vibe, rather than, say, a tool watch—despite its capabilities on paper. I’m going to go out on a limb here and to say that this Summer Blue colourway is the best among the Seamaster 300 lineup, with the exception of perhaps the 1957 Trilogy.
It reminds me of swimming from depth toward a light at the surface. Is it worth the premium over other Seamasters? I think that depends on how you feel about owning the anniversary edition, with its commemorative case back. Otherwise, the main differences are purely aesthetic. The 75th Anniversary Edition feels—due to its lume and colour choices—like a blend of retro and modern, where other references look distinctly vintage. In the end, the differential between them is about $300, or the cost of an OEM strap.
The Omega Seamaster 75th Anniversary in Summer Blue retails for $7400 USD on the bracelet. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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Love the reference to the dial’s evocation of ‘swimming up towards the light’..felt that too..remembering the moment when the surface is breached. What a Feeling.
Yes, this Watch has the same WOW feeling.
Glad you like it!
What are the key features and historical significance of the Omega Seamaster 300 75th Anniversary edition?