It has been barely two weeks since Omega released their latest versions of the Seamaster Diver 300M and yet here we are again with another one. However this time, instead of opting for minimalist monochrome, they’ve gone for a maximalist combination of contrasting materials and a coloured dial in the Seamaster Diver 300M Titanium and Bronze Gold.
Starting with the case, it’s produced from titanium, drawing inspiration from the 007 model that has informed a lot of Omega’s recent Diver 300M designs. It measures 42mm x 13.8mm, well-proportioned for a professional dive watch. What’s particularly striking about the structure of the case though is the integration of a second material: the bezel, crown and helium escape valve are made from Bronze Gold.
While it has gold in its name, Bronze Gold is first and foremost a bronze alloy. It’s exclusive to Omega and has been designed in order to minimise some of the major downsides of common bronze alloys. For example, it has no nickel or iron content, meaning it’s anti-allergenic (that’s in Omega’s own words, they probably mean hypo-allergenic) and helps the watch resist magnetic interference. Additionally, it’s been designed to resist patina, ensuring it stays the same rosy gold colour for a long time and also won’t discolour the skin if worn in direct contact with the wrist.
In an almost ironic twist, since the bronze elements of the design won’t turn green with patina, the dial and bezel insert are green instead. They are both produced in aluminium, which is a fun retro choice Omega have been following with several recent releases, rejecting more modern materials like ceramic. It’s certainly a trade-off as ceramic is more scratch resistant and won’t fade, but aluminium fits a market that loves all things retro.
The green dial also provides a nice contrast to the beige, vintage lume on the oversize diving hour markers, which have black borders to help them stand out even more. The beige colouring also pairs nicely with the bronze elements of the bezel and the Bronze Gold PVD coated hands. In a similar style to the silver monochrome edition I mentioned in the introduction, the dial here goes without the classic Diver 300M wave motif, giving it a clean aesthetic.
Powering the watch is the calibre 8806, a master chronometer movement with a 55-hour power reserve and automatic winding. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback where you can admire its immaculate finishing, the radial Côtes de Genève style pattern is very attractive, spiralling around the rotor and mainplate.
In terms of price, on mesh bracelet it’s £10,100 and on rubber strap it’s £9,400. That’s a considerable amount more than either the black or silver monochrome editions which are around the £5,600-£6,100 mark. Still, with the addition of a bi-metallic design, or technically tri-metallic if you include the aluminium, it does make sense. Personally, I still prefer the silver monochrome edition because I’m more of a minimalist than a maximalist when it comes to taste, but I can imagine a lot of people will love this watch.
Price and Specs:
More details at Omega.
