What do you get, when a classic watch design is regardfully revived, using avant-garde technology, by a renowned brand in watchmaking? A timepiece, you can wear at any age and own for generations. That’s how I will begin describing Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-axial Watch, circa 2014.
This revered timepiece caught my eye when members of team Omega generously, laid entire BaselWorld 2014 collection before me. I was asked to choose any watch that I wish to write about. Tough task, eh? There was a temptation to take them all, but it was not up to me and I succumbed to selecting the grandest looking piece i.e. Omega Seamaster 300, an Omega MASTER Co-axial 2014 in full Sedna Gold, Calibre 8401.
Aesthetics: Seamaster 300 in Sedna Gold, is a heavy watch to wear, primarily because of the 18K solid gold bracelet. It’s dial sits magnificently on wrist with unusually long lugs. 41MM wide case is 14.65 mm in height and thus perfectly sized.
Omega has used its signature ‘Sedna’ Gold; an alloy made with gold, copper and palladium. The all-gold watch is balanced well with a black ceramic dial.
Same recessed hour markers from the 1957 watch, partially filled with ‘vintage’ Super-Luminova have made a comeback. Arrow hands and arabic numerals, too.
Overall, Omega Seamaster 300 is a clean, architectural and uncomplicated watch. It’s job is to just tell time – in minutes, hours and seconds. You won’t even see a date window on it!
Many would ask why did Omega bother making a new Seamaster 300, if it was going to make it look exactly like the old one?
The new Omega Seamaster 300, 2014 only looks, vintage. It runs with advanced engine and technology that a 1957 watch, couldn’t even imagine.
The newer Seamaster is designed to last longer. Omega Seamaster 2014 will need less maintenance, in-the-course of time because it is made more robust. Dial is upgraded with sand blasted black ceramic. Hands on this particular model are made with 18K Sedna gold.
Bezel, on new Omega Seamaster 300 is polished ceramic with Ceragold diving scale. Which means that the golden numbers engraved on the bezel are unlikely to wear-off.
Do note that unlike the older version, Seamaster 300 2014 has glass on both sides of dial. This might seem to be a minor change, you think? Not really.
Master Co-Axial: Usually, a watch has a closed back case to protect the movement/calibre from harmful magnetic fields.
Omega has been able to replace the metallic back with a glass one because there is no need for an anti-magnetic case, anymore. The calibre, itself can resist magnetic fields over 15,000 Gauss! Such calibres are termed as MASTER CO-AXIAL calibres. A technology first introduced by Omega in 2013.
Omega has brought all of its latest innovations to Seamaster 300. The bracelet, too, has a rather interesting addition to it. You do see the regular screw and pin bracelet here. Notice the ‘push’ button on the inside. This is Omega’s newly patented extendable foldover rack and pusher clasp. If the watch is to be worn over a suit or is a bit uncomfortable in humid weather, simply push this button and the bracelet extends just a little bit to make the watch more comfortable to wear.
Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial graciously pays tribute to one of the most loved watches of 1950s. It’s a rare feat to accomplish, successfully. Omega has triumphed in making a classic watch, in 2014 that will be cherished for decades. Relish a stream of pictures of Omega’s best creation from Baselworld 2014. Right after are specifications and another hands on experience with another Omega 2014 watch from Baselworld.
Omega MASTER Co-axial 2014: Omega Seamaster 300 specifications and price
Caliber: Omega Master Co-Axial Calibre 8401
- Self-winding movement with Co-Axial escapement for greater precision, stability and durability.
- Resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,000 gauss.
- Free sprung-balance with silicon balance spring, two barrels mounted in series, automatic winding in both directions to reduce winding time.
- Bridges and the oscillating weight are decorated with exclusive Geneva waves in arabesque.
- Power reserve: 60 hours
- Special luxury finish with 18K red gold rotor and balance bridge
FEATURES
- Unidirectional rotating bezel
- Chronometer
- Screw-in crown
- Transparent case back
- Anti-magnetic
DIAL
- Recessed hour markers partially filled with vintage ‘Super- Luminova.
- White transferred dial indications, ‘Seamaster’ in gold colour.
BEZEL
- Dot at 12H with vintage Super-Luminova (green emission)
- Polished ceramic bezeling with Omega Ceragold diving scale.
TECHNICAL DATA
- Crystal: Domed scratch-resistant
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside
- Case: 18K Sedna gold
- Bracelet: 18K Sedna gold
- Dial: Black
- Water resistant: 30 bar
- (300 metres / 1000 feet)
- Size: Case Diameter: 41 mm
The Omega Seamaster 300 is available in an impressive selection of metallic materials including stainless steel, 950 platinum, grade 5 titanium and 18K Sedna™ gold. Bicolour options pairing grade 5 titanium and 18K Sedna™ gold or stainless steel and 18K Sedna™ gold, too will hit stores by November, 2014.
Omega Seamaster 300 Price List: Omega Master CoAxial watch price from BaselWorld 2014
18K Sedna Gold Omega Seamaster 300 with Black Dial Omega (ref. 233.60.41.21.01.001): € 25,540
Limited Edition (357 pieces): 950 Platinum Omega watch with blue dial (ref. 233.90.41.21.03.002): € 49,300
Titanium + 18K Sedna Gold Omega watch with blue dial (ref. O233.60.41.21.03.001) : € 11,200
Stainless steel +18K Sedna Gold with black dial (ref. O233.20.41.21.01.001): € 9.410
Titanium (grade 5) with blue dial (ref O233.90.41.21.03.001): € 6.720
Stainless Steel Omega watch with black dial (ref. O233.30.41.21.01.001) : € 4,930
HANDS ON with OMEGA BUTTERFLY WATCH worn by NICOLE KIDMAN
Pics: Shilpa Dhamija
