Omega, one of the milestones of the Diver Chronograph concept, redefines the rules of this sporty segment with the Diver 300M Chronograph model family.
I'm sure all watch lovers know Omega's history in diving watches. The adventure of the brand, which started in the 1950s, when the curiosity for exploring the seas peaked, continues today without losing anything from the excitement of the first day. Moreover, with a large collection dedicated solely to this purpose: Omega Diver 300M.
The Omega Diver 300 concept is also an indicator of the brand's experience in diver watches. The collection, which is constantly updated over time by making use of the developing technology, manages to become an icon not only in the world of watches but also on the silver screen, especially with the models that left their mark on the 1990s by being seen on Pierce Brosnan's wrist in James Bond films.
By the way, this model family has a special detail for me; The Omega Seamaster Professional 300 Chronograph, which I bought at the beginning of the 2000s when my curiosity about watches started to shift to luxury brands and models, has a sweet spot for me as my first luxury watch purchase.
The model we chose for the review is included in the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 44 model family of the Omega Diver 300M collection. Let's take a closer look at the model, which is not only a member of a compelling segment like the Diver's Chronograph but a kind of standard setter.
The model comes in a stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter and 17mm in height. There are many details that we will remember from the Seamaster 300 Professional family in the design of the case, which has a nice solid feel on the wrist. Visually paying homage to the model's past, these details exceed the watch standards of the modern era, both technologically and functionally. For example, the uni-rotational diver bezel now comes with a ceramic insert. Screw-lock chronograph pushers are made of ceramic material colored following the concept. Helium Escape Valve, one of the indispensable elements of the model family, also takes its place at 10 o'clock with its ergonomic design. Designed to withstand 300 meters of water pressure, the case now features sapphire crystals not only on the front but also on the back.
The dial of the model also hosts the details that are imprinted in the memories with the Omega SMP 300. Of course, with the blessings of advanced technology... The dial background is produced from Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) ceramic alloy. In this way, it also guarantees that it will not be affected by the wearing effects of time, especially UV exposure. The theme, which is rendered in gray/blue in the model we have chosen, is presented with a classic wave-patterned base, SMP 300 type skeleton hands, and large hour markers. The Bi-Compax (double sub-dial) Chronograph layout, which makes the dial both simpler and more useful, sports a date window hidden in the 6 o'clock marker.
No difference is expected from the movement of a model that includes so many high-tech updates. The Co-Axial movement, sporting a column wheel and a vertical clutch, offers a power reserve time of up to 60 hours when fully wound. Let's also add that the movement has a magnetic resistance of a whopping 15,000 Gauss.
The spirit of Omega SMP 300 does not leave us alone in the bracelet section either. The metal bracelet, which became a modern classic of the industry with the model family titled Bond Watch, successfully complements the model in both comfort and visual terms.
For me, the Omega Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph 44 is like being able to have my first car when I was 19, 1976 Pontiac TransAm, equipped with 2021 technology. I'll end this article, which I tried hard to keep my objectivity as much as I can, by saying "you must see it in person".
Have a nice week everyone...
