I bought mine in the black dial with bracelet 3 weeks ago, after taxes it was a few dollars short of $6400. I absolutely love it. I understand I payed above what most are comfortable paying for this model but i still think it commands this price tag.
Exactly. They are a real value if you consider the quality and the fact you don't have to jump through hoops with an AD just to get one like you do with Rolex.
Man it’s true. Rolex should now be anymore expensive than zenith. The Daytonas use zenith movements. Well alt leave one time. And not including that Rolex is prolly the mosey produced watch other than seiko or citizen
I absolutely love my 'blue' Omega Seamaster on the bracelet. I was considering buying a rubber strap but the bracelet with clasp looks cool even on my 6.5 inch wrist! Yes, 6.5 inch wrist! 😄😄😄
I have the green SMP300 and absolutely love the presence on the wrist, but my God the bracelet needs an update!! It's the only change I would make. The finishing is great and the accuracy is superb.
I am a fan of the Blue SMP. Would like to see a bit of taper on the bracelet but not a change of the elegant style. These are beautifully detailed and accurate watches. I’m a genuine Omega Fan. Love the quality, the accuracy and precise fit and finish. I would like to see a solid sword hand electric blue model in the refreshed lineup.
All good suggestions Bruce, but I think the #1 thing Omega could do to accomodate the largest customer base is offer it in two sizes like Tudor is doing with the Black Bay and Pelagos models. Ideally a 41-42mm and a 38-39mm would be great. The 39.5mm PO doesn't get a lot of love, but I think a smaller (preferably not 36mm like prior gens) 300M would be very well received.
I'd love to see a quick release bracelet system on it, like they did for the America's Cup edition. I know some people want a tapered bracelet, I don't care so much about that. I can take it or leave it. But incorporating the quick release bracelet/strap system from the America's Cup model into standard production would be huge in my opinion, since like many others, I love switching between bracelet and rubber strap.
Absolutely! I couldn't agree more! Just by making a quick release bracelet system available (not just on this model, but other models in their lineup outside of the Seamaster line), they could really shake things up in the watch world. Given the added versatility of easily changing the bracelet/strap on their watches would stimulate a lot of extra business for Omega and would set themselves apart from many of their competitors. You're already using this feature on one of your watches, Omega - make it happen throughout your lineup!
Thank you Bruce. Your videos are so easy to understand for non speaking English people. I have bought the Gold Sedna /steel Diveron rubber and I agree 100% on the thickness
I think the design aesthetics of the Seamaster 300m with the wave dial and raised indices should be left in place for a few more years. But upgrading the movement to 8900 is long overdue and if the skeleton hands could have their lume improved to last longer and show as good as the indices - the latter is the only real issue I have with the model. It's darn near a perfect watch- with the Aqua Terra 41mm actually holding that honor for Omega IMO.
I really liked how you brought the price hikes of Omega into just regular inflationary focus. No one likes price increases! I finally believe the Green version of this Seamaster 300 is more widely available. It took a long time. And yes the Seamaster is ready for a few subtle improvements and color options. Omega doesn't seem to have a problem with experimenting with colors so they should go for it.
I think people are being a bit short sighted when it come to prices these days. Are they over priced? Yes, but that’s the point. The next best thing is Rolex and their range is roughly twice the price for comparable. $10.250 for a Sub Date is a lot of money and make Omega look like a bargain. $15,000 for a Daytona? lol if you can get one. Tudor imo is a step down. I’ve owned 4 Tudors and they are great watches but I’d take a Speedmaster over a Black Bay Chrono any day of the week for the upcharge. I’m not a fan of Ti so the Pelagos is a non issue for me. These are luxury toys and logic doesn’t really apply to their pricing scheme.
Some people complain about the HEV, about the hand sets, the bezel, the bracelet not tapering. Get over it, that’s what makes this Seamaster what it is. I wouldn’t mind getting the numerals on the Planet Ocean line and handsets, making it more like the Peter Blake version.
HEV - like skeleton hands - love scaloped bezel - love bracelet - like These are all vital chromosomes in the SMP's DNA. We don't want any mutation, do we? 😆
Great video Bruce, I picked this exact watch up a few months ago. I think if anything Omega undersold this watch for years and now they are pricing it where it should be. I have a Rolex sub and this on interchangeably and honestly prefer this on the rubber strap with the clasp option as an every day wear. Couldn’t agree more that I wish this had the 8900 movement.
Shopped mine in for a 8900 Planet Ocean in September and got back what I paid for it after 18 months so I'm happy. Good stuff Bruce, regards from the UK 🇬🇧
I own the white dial and love it. I've also owned Omegas with the 8900 movement, and I've learned that I don't want it in a watch with a date. I wear watches in rotation and often go 2+ weeks without wearing a particular watch, and found that correcting the date without the quickset date function drives me crazy. If someone were wearing the same watch most of the time or if you travel a lot then the 8900 is more appealing. I live on the east coast and my travel tends to be up and down the coast within the same time zone, so give me quickset date please. P.S. if Omega could out both functions into a single movement (would need an additional crown position or some type of pusher) that would be amazing.
The Seamaster is the best value in dive watches. Any color or strap combo. There is a Seamaster for everyone. Gray market or preowned is the way to go since Omega depreciates by thousands. I am a Bond fan and I have the blue version. The only upgrade I want is the 8900 movement in order to reach perfection.
I like so much about this watch, I would really really like to see at least an option of 38mm and shave off 2mm off the case thickness. They used to offer multiple sizes. I don't know why they stopped, especially given that 42,5 is definitely on the larger side - even for dive watches. Maybe do a Seamaster Professional Diver 200m, if you don't want to "taint" the branding.
8900 movement on a Seamaster? Nah, I'd rather have a quickset date than jumping hours on a diver watch, besides - 8900 requires a thicker case so i'd definitely stick to 8800.
I think it’s still justified for the price. The quality of the ceramic dial and finish is still great. At the time its power reserve was high until Rolex released their 70 hour reserve models. I bought my 300m in 2019 for $3500 from an AD
The market seems to be able justify the higher prices for Omega, but they are just about pricing themselves out of what I'm willing to pay. I am looking for a nice diver to wear when I don't feel comfortable (i.e., safe) wearing my Submariner bluesy and had been leaning toward the Seamaster 300m. I think there are several other brands now that can fit my needs for less money than Omega.
Something to consider is that there aren't many watches of the same pedigree at the same price of the 300m. Many will say the black Bay 58 but movement and fishing aren't at the same level. That's the reason why everyone compares the 300m to a Sub versus comparing the black Bay to the sub. You can also find new used for an excellent deal.
I have the blue/silver dial version with the blue rubber strap. The one thing I really dislike is the rubber strap, The design of the extremely curved prong makes it very difficult to find a comfortable size. The hole you think will fit ends up being too tight or too loose. And the first integrated band keeper with the Seamaster script makes it difficult as well. A strap redesign would be a welcome upgrade. True I can change the band but I like the integrated look but hate the way it fits.
Inflation is a function of the purchasing power of the dollar going down, not prices going up. Wages never keep pace with this regression. I like the Seaweedmaster, personally but do think it needs an upgrade. My main gripe with it is they could have at least put a deployment clasp on the darned thing!
Bruce a great video again, thank you. I have the Seamaster with a white dial and steel bracelet. My favorite way to wear it at the moment is with an aftermarked rubber strap. Yes, the price is high, but the quality of the watch is also high. And its biggest advantage is that it is available or can be bought. It also has its own design language, so who needs a submariner?
Older seamasters offer a much better value. I prefer their designs, fit, and proportions as well. Omega should bring back a 2254.50-based design using modern materials and return to a slim case. It would be a huge hit.
Shame you put that reference in the comment mate 😂 this is probably the apex Seamaster, the halcyon. Please don’t make them even more popular as the price will go up… 😮
My Omega Seamaster Pro 2255.80 electric blue dial is still a better to wear watch than these newer 300s. The Seamaster is nice but there's too many things going against it for me to shell out the $$ these days. Thin the case to 12-13mm, Sword hands please (the skeleton hands are hard to see at a glance), Fix the bezel grip and feel, Taper the bracelet a bit. Drop the price back to ~ $4.5K and I'll be the first in line to buy one. Almost every newer Omega I've tried on my 8" wrist feels like a hockey puck and very top heavy.
I have one, too and love how it wears. The Speedmaster bracelet is top notch when compared with Rolex bracelets of the time. Added plus, the 2255,80 is a lot thinner than all the newer models.
@@brownmcpherson5724 agreed! The case thin'niss is part of what makes it so nice to wear. The newer 300's feel like you stacked 2 2255.80's on your wrist at once. :) Also my sword hands still glow like reactors all these years later.
Beautiful watch. Needs no change. The movement is fine. The hands are fine. The RRP is nuts though. It must have increased 30 percent in the past 3 years or so. It's insane.
Looking into its short history, the Seamaster 300m diver always had He escape valve and the same type of bracelet. Omega likely won't do away with those. Also, the current and previous versions were refreshed after six years. Since the current model was introduced in 2018, a new version may come out in 2024.
I own 3 versions of the current Seamaster 300m. I love this watch! The only thing I would wish for the successor model would be a tapered bracelet. Otherwise, the watch is perfect in my eyes. The price for this watch is fair. Especially if you compate it to the submariner! You get much more watch for your money at Omega compared to Rolex! Just compare the materials, the technology and the workmanship of the two watches. The Submariner is very, very simple, while the Seamaster has a much more complex design. Ceramic dial with laser engraved waves, date, skeletonized hands, helium valve, 5-link bracelet, sapphire back, the elaborately decorated movement...all of this is much more complex and expensive to produce than a Submariner. Therefore, a Seamaster should actually cost more than a Submariner. And the movement of the Seamaster is technically much better than that of Rolex (Metas certification, 15,000 Gaus anti-magnetism,...)
We all have our wishes. I personally wish they hadn’t moved away from 41mm diameter. This watch was definitely more elegant on the wrist at 41mm. Not sure about lumed bezel but love idea of updated movement. Love the Seamaster range. Thanks Bruce
Tapering the bracelet is the big one for me. I dislike the big cuff like bracelet so much it would stop me buying the watch. An increased power reserve would be my second ask. That's all really as the watch head is almost perfect.
Most Omegas can be had at a discount. I bought all my Omegas at a 20-30 percent discount. They include De Ville, Speedy Pro, Aqua Terra and 300 Diver. I paid around $4700 for a new green Aqua Terra. I paid $4900ish taxed for the new Tudor Black Bay 41 (new burgundy bezel model) last month. No discounts given on Tudors. My AD said they are very strict on this. All this to say Omegas are great value since they can be had discounted. I wouldn’t pay retail prices though.
Facts! Omega should never be bought at retail. I got my 300m diver on bracelet for 4300 out the door in 2023. Tbh its my daily and I rarely wear my speedy/hamilton.
The large price hikes across multiple brands is simply price gouging an ever decreasing market. Its getting less and less common to see people wearing flashy watches unless you live in instragram land. The watch industry claims they are booming yet AD's are ghost shops.
Bracelet is hideous, hollow hands look cheap, and helium valve is jarring. I love the heritage models and the auqua terra. They could revamp the professional line and be that sweet spot between tudor and rolex.
Inflation is only a result of some companies price gouging and other companies being forced to raise prices because their direct suppliers are increasing prices.
the hands, while a main characteristic of the seamaster i find kind hard to read in the dark. so i would like to see that improve. the size i would leave alone , just a touch thinner if possible. and i would like a bigger crown. i love the case i find it much more interesting than that o a sub. and i don't mind the smooth bezel. other than that i love the seamster.
I paid £3300 for my Aqua Terra grey dial rubber strap from an AD in 2020 and it looks amazing. Then I bought the steel bracelet to swap when the mood fits. Two watches in one. Prices now are nearly £5k which Is crazy. That rubber strap for the Seamaster is bad imo it doesn't even have a locking clasp.
Great analysis. Love the inflation adjusted price right at the current retail; how funny it was so spot on. Want a new bracelet too; can't stand the existing one and now is a good time to make the jump. About that HRV, it's an Omega thing so they should leave it and instead focus on the upgrade to bracelet. 8900 movement would be a good upgrade but could require a higher cost. The bracelet tho is overdue.
I own the black dial version with the metal bracelet. I watched RUclipsr's complain about the bracelet and after wearing it a while I couldn't agree more. The bracelet needs an update. I have the Seamaster 1957 remake with a flat link tapered bracelet and its beautiful. The SMP clasp is way to big. I also agree that it could use a smaller case, maybt 40 mm and get rid of the helium escape valve please.
It would look a lot nicer without that Reese’s peanut butter cup helium escape valve and skeletal hands. The bracelet also should taper down to the clasp. $6K is not too much to ask. Breitlings were in the mid $6K range many many years ago.
As someone who got this watch new for $3,900 in 2021, I think the current price is a bit high. However, JLC’s decision to price the Polaris and Reverso at over $10,000 makes Omega look flat out reasonable in terms of pricing.
Omega prices are out of hand. My white dial Seamaster 300 was £4500 a couple of years ago and is now £5600. The Aqua Terra, their entry level watch, is even more absurd. About four years ago they were £4100, now they are £6200, and the new summer edition is £6600. How on earth can they warrant this?
I think Omega and Tudor got too greedy. They rise the prices where a lot of enthusiasts are turn off by them or simply cant afford them. If you go to the AD or second hand, they say the prices are dropping like a stone. They should kept their prices because their prices are already ridiculous.
@@alexlilano1931it’s all gotten a little crazy. Sinn used to be seen as a value for money product but now they have over 20 models over $4k and about a dozen over $5k. It’s been out of hand.
The new SMP300 should have a tapered bracelet. Lose the Helium escape wart. Maybe knock it down 1 mm. I own the blue, recently put it on a Zealande rubber strap and I am enjoying being able to experience this watch in a new way.
Wow this is the first time I've heard someone say this. I too think in some ways the NTTD is better than a sub. Lightweight, flys under the radar, and isn't on everyone's wrist at an event. What makes you prefer it over your subs?
I don’t own this watch so I have no skin in the game. That said, Omega should increase their prices. When I compare Omega to Rolex, the Omega just feels better made to me. I do own both brands and if I had to choose one, it would absolutely be Omega.
I still think the watch is a great value and not overpriced. I do think what’s hurting Omegas perceived value is in the previous decade you could get their watches at discounts and now it’s much harder these days to do so on top of several price increases in recent years. I still feel Omega is a great buy and priced accordingly.
The OEM rubber looks vastly more appealing to me than the bracelet. Still won’t look out of place on a jeans and tshirt which is the outfit 90% of people will wear with this watch. I have a dress watch for formal occasions.
I dont mind having the jumping hour hand but if i will lose the quickset date, no thanks. I dont need it for a 3 hander. It makes sense for gmt watches, but unnecessary for a 3 hander.
Your video of the chrome and seeing it in person convinced me to pull the trigger. Would I pay full price? Never! The bracelet is dated tbh. I got the rubber/deployant and the mesh bracelet. Its been my daily. My speedmaster racing gets no love at this point.
I purchased it for € 3600 almost 3 years ago, new, discounted, in black and rubber. It was and still is value for bucks. Prices nowadays I consider to high. On the other hand, still can buy 2 for the price of 1 sub. So its all about perception. Anyway, mine is there to stay!
I like the skeleton hands but they carry much less loom. So when I wake up in the morning all the hour markers are visible but the hands are gone. Which is not the case on my PO.
Hi I think it needs a up grade how about getting rid of the healim valve on the side of the watch and hide it behind the strap lugs and maybe do a two tone colour basal and how about doing a loom wave dial on the face. Giving more than one option with the bracelet would shake it up a bit. (+And go back to the prices before the pandemic because they are taking the piss with the prices now and might have a chance of getting there customers back.) But they probably just print some silly image on the back and call it a special addition. this is why I've gone of omega.
The price increase is a bummer, but unlike Rolex, you can get most Omega watches pretty cheaper than the retail price. I recently just got my AT steel & Sedna gold model which retails at 8,400 USD, at a bargain price of 4,650 USD in Tokyo. I do agree with the need of spec improvements tho😂 Thinner movement with longer power reserve is always welcomed
Interesting topic! I was keeping an eye on the Orange Bezel PO Chrono (Chrono version of what you show here) at an AD here in New Zealand and the price JUMPED $2,000 even though it's old stock! The AD said that this is Omega policy and that they were bound by contract to follow the price increase. To me this is abhorrent and pure greed. It has put me off Omega even though I love their designs. PS with the Seamaster 300's I love the skeleton hands and yes all new dive watches should come with fully lumed bezels. PS I would never own the green version because I've worked on too many dairy farms - that colour looks like cow poo!! :D :D :D
I keep looking at the blue & chrome on rubber strap. My favorite variation of the SMP300. $1050 price increase in 5 years to keep up with inflation sucks but makes sense. Do the people complaining about price have the same salary they did 5 years ago? If they make more, then they should return that money. They shouldn’t make too many changes to this modern SMP300. Going down to 41mm, taper the bracelet 20 to 18, thin the case and bracelet a little bit, and go to the 8900 movement. What I really want is a remake of the 165.024 with Big Triangle, Sword Hands, Spear seconds hand, No date, Lyre lugs, Flat link bracelet with 20mm lugs, and the 8912 movement. Dream watch.
Glad to have purchased my SMP in 2020 when it was so well priced. You got a awesome watch for 3.9k on the grey market. Now I had to think twice if I would spend that extra money on a watch in general. Sad for new watch lovers... Prices get through the top at the market these days... Hopefully in a couple of months/years the market will regulate these price increases and we "poor" people can afford fine watches of big names again.
As I've painfully learned with my 8900-series Planet Ocean, the hour wheel is a weak point in the design and will eventually fail. Unfortunately it requires a complete service to repair and is not routinely reaplaced during the normal maintenance that Omega does. So I actually prefer the 8800 movement. I fine setting the date much less work than the hour-jumping advance needed with the 8900. I've owned two Seamaster Diver 300s and find the metal bracelet way too heavy for my comfort. Therefore, a Zealande or OEM Omega rubber strap works remarkably well with this unique diver. Would I change anything with a new generation? Yes, one bit pet peeve with the watch is the poor grip of the scalloped bezel design. Both of my watches were nearly impossible to turn, so I would love to see Omega do something to improve grip. I understand the argument about inflation's effect on the list price, but jeez these watches are getting more and more expensive. I don't think I would replace mine if it broke or got stolen and find a better value with something like a Black Bay or Pelagos.
Honestly, I would really like the stainless steel mesh bracelet to be one of the off-the-shelf configurations, instead of it being an aftermarket accessory.
Strongly dislike the bracelet and the sword hands. Can we go back to the Peter Blake style 2254.50 design. Better looking in every way and thinner, too.
They build amazing watches. You can get a lot for what you pay in the pre-owned market. They lose 30%-40% really fast. That is the time to buy. Some models are as expensive as their Rolex counterparts, but they are not a Rolex 🤷♂️.
If the Omegas are over-priced then all watches are over-priced. Which they are. ALL watches have gone up in price significantly since COVID. That is the result of free money and inflation.
Unless wages increase in line with the inflation its not really a fair comparison to justify the significant price increases. In some respects it makes the increases even more difficult to afford.
Yeah yeah, all luxury watches are overpriced nowadays. And let’s not forget some idiots are still willing to pay over 30k for a boring Daytona or over 60k for an ugly Aquanaut.
Omega pricing makes no sense. You can get a seamaster on a bracelet for less than an aqua terra and an aqua terra on a strap for the same price as a Rolex op on a bracelet and they wonder why they can’t get more market share
I'd add another model, call it a seamaster 300 sport. Lose the HE escape valve, shrink to 38mm, lose the date, lose the waves at first, and offer in both quartz and automatic. Move the 300 professional to the 8900 movement.
I bought mine in the black dial with bracelet 3 weeks ago, after taxes it was a few dollars short of $6400. I absolutely love it. I understand I payed above what most are comfortable paying for this model but i still think it commands this price tag.
how come u payed over retail?
You can get a bnib for 4400 grey so what gives?
Omegas are not overpriced. Omegas are compared to Rolex more than any watch. Now go compare their prices.
Exactly. They are a real value if you consider the quality and the fact you don't have to jump through hoops with an AD just to get one like you do with Rolex.
Put your salary/income into the inflation calculator and see if it increased as much.
Btw historically (25y) the SMP is priced half a Sub.
not as greedy as AP/PATEK
Brands that I kinda associate with d-bags
Including Rolex
yes@@joshuajuarez3471
Man it’s true. Rolex should now be anymore expensive than zenith. The Daytonas use zenith movements. Well alt leave one time. And not including that Rolex is prolly the mosey produced watch other than seiko or citizen
Rolex would be $1500 if you adjust the original price for inflation....
I absolutely love my 'blue' Omega Seamaster on the bracelet. I was considering buying a rubber strap but the bracelet with clasp looks cool even on my 6.5 inch wrist! Yes, 6.5 inch wrist! 😄😄😄
I have the green SMP300 and absolutely love the presence on the wrist, but my God the bracelet needs an update!! It's the only change I would make. The finishing is great and the accuracy is superb.
I am a fan of the Blue SMP. Would like to see a bit of taper on the bracelet but not a change of the elegant style. These are beautifully detailed and accurate watches. I’m a genuine Omega Fan. Love the quality, the accuracy and precise fit and finish. I would like to see a solid sword hand electric blue model in the refreshed lineup.
All good suggestions Bruce, but I think the #1 thing Omega could do to accomodate the largest customer base is offer it in two sizes like Tudor is doing with the Black Bay and Pelagos models. Ideally a 41-42mm and a 38-39mm would be great. The 39.5mm PO doesn't get a lot of love, but I think a smaller (preferably not 36mm like prior gens) 300M would be very well received.
I'd love to see a quick release bracelet system on it, like they did for the America's Cup edition. I know some people want a tapered bracelet, I don't care so much about that. I can take it or leave it. But incorporating the quick release bracelet/strap system from the America's Cup model into standard production would be huge in my opinion, since like many others, I love switching between bracelet and rubber strap.
Absolutely! I couldn't agree more! Just by making a quick release bracelet system available (not just on this model, but other models in their lineup outside of the Seamaster line), they could really shake things up in the watch world. Given the added versatility of easily changing the bracelet/strap on their watches would stimulate a lot of extra business for Omega and would set themselves apart from many of their competitors. You're already using this feature on one of your watches, Omega - make it happen throughout your lineup!
Cartier has it and very useful. Just that they got weird lug widths 😅
Thank you Bruce. Your videos are so easy to understand for non speaking English people. I have bought the Gold Sedna /steel Diveron rubber and I agree 100% on the thickness
I think the design aesthetics of the Seamaster 300m with the wave dial and raised indices should be left in place for a few more years. But upgrading the movement to 8900 is long overdue and if the skeleton hands could have their lume improved to last longer and show as good as the indices - the latter is the only real issue I have with the model. It's darn near a perfect watch- with the Aqua Terra 41mm actually holding that honor for Omega IMO.
I really liked how you brought the price hikes of Omega into just regular inflationary focus. No one likes price increases! I finally believe the Green version of this Seamaster 300 is more widely available. It took a long time. And yes the Seamaster is ready for a few subtle improvements and color options. Omega doesn't seem to have a problem with experimenting with colors so they should go for it.
Cartier, JLC, IWC……we can go on and on. Whilst there people willing to pay, they’ll keep on raising the prices🤷🏻♂️
I think people are being a bit short sighted when it come to prices these days. Are they over priced? Yes, but that’s the point. The next best thing is Rolex and their range is roughly twice the price for comparable. $10.250 for a Sub Date is a lot of money and make Omega look like a bargain. $15,000 for a Daytona? lol if you can get one. Tudor imo is a step down. I’ve owned 4 Tudors and they are great watches but I’d take a Speedmaster over a Black Bay Chrono any day of the week for the upcharge. I’m not a fan of Ti so the Pelagos is a non issue for me.
These are luxury toys and logic doesn’t really apply to their pricing scheme.
Some people complain about the HEV, about the hand sets, the bezel, the bracelet not tapering. Get over it, that’s what makes this Seamaster what it is.
I wouldn’t mind getting the numerals on the Planet Ocean line and handsets, making it more like the Peter Blake version.
100% agree! On there own these features suck but as a group all added together it’s harmonious and is what gives the SMP300 its character!
HEV - like
skeleton hands - love
scaloped bezel - love
bracelet - like
These are all vital chromosomes in the SMP's DNA. We don't want any mutation, do we? 😆
Perfect watch
Above all other things I would like to see a smaller version 40 x 47mm in addition to the current size. It's the only reason I don't already have one.
Great video Bruce,
I picked this exact watch up a few months ago. I think if anything Omega undersold this watch for years and now they are pricing it where it should be. I have a Rolex sub and this on interchangeably and honestly prefer this on the rubber strap with the clasp option as an every day wear. Couldn’t agree more that I wish this had the 8900 movement.
If a Panerai, Breitling and other brands as such can raise their prices then Omega definitely can raise prices!
Thank you for finally saying it !!! It’s desperately in need of an upgrade. We all know what needs improving
Shopped mine in for a 8900 Planet Ocean in September and got back what I paid for it after 18 months so I'm happy. Good stuff Bruce, regards from the UK 🇬🇧
I have the green dial with bracelet...from my man, Brad, at Brent L. Miller. Exquisite, I hear, is an excellent AD. Cheers.
I own the white dial and love it. I've also owned Omegas with the 8900 movement, and I've learned that I don't want it in a watch with a date. I wear watches in rotation and often go 2+ weeks without wearing a particular watch, and found that correcting the date without the quickset date function drives me crazy. If someone were wearing the same watch most of the time or if you travel a lot then the 8900 is more appealing. I live on the east coast and my travel tends to be up and down the coast within the same time zone, so give me quickset date please.
P.S. if Omega could out both functions into a single movement (would need an additional crown position or some type of pusher) that would be amazing.
Thanks to this channel and to a few mistrials of membership sites. I have begun the first steps of designing and market my microbrand. Cheers.
Looks awesome, bang for buck it’s a terrific piece with lovely accents, great design and sublime execution.
Grey market prices are still good though..
And preowned as well.
The Seamaster is the best value in dive watches. Any color or strap combo. There is a Seamaster for everyone. Gray market or preowned is the way to go since Omega depreciates by thousands. I am a Bond fan and I have the blue version. The only upgrade I want is the 8900 movement in order to reach perfection.
I like so much about this watch, I would really really like to see at least an option of 38mm and shave off 2mm off the case thickness. They used to offer multiple sizes. I don't know why they stopped, especially given that 42,5 is definitely on the larger side - even for dive watches. Maybe do a Seamaster Professional Diver 200m, if you don't want to "taint" the branding.
8900 movement on a Seamaster? Nah, I'd rather have a quickset date than jumping hours on a diver watch, besides - 8900 requires a thicker case so i'd definitely stick to 8800.
I think it’s still justified for the price. The quality of the ceramic dial and finish is still great. At the time its power reserve was high until Rolex released their 70 hour reserve models.
I bought my 300m in 2019 for $3500 from an AD
The market seems to be able justify the higher prices for Omega, but they are just about pricing themselves out of what I'm willing to pay. I am looking for a nice diver to wear when I don't feel comfortable (i.e., safe) wearing my Submariner bluesy and had been leaning toward the Seamaster 300m. I think there are several other brands now that can fit my needs for less money than Omega.
I like my Seamaster Railmaster, subdue $5,400 watch that doesn’t get too much attention. 😅
You can get a discount on these, probably 10 percent. But for less I’d look at Oris with in house caliber, or maybe Longines spirit Zulu
Something to consider is that there aren't many watches of the same pedigree at the same price of the 300m. Many will say the black Bay 58 but movement and fishing aren't at the same level. That's the reason why everyone compares the 300m to a Sub versus comparing the black Bay to the sub. You can also find new used for an excellent deal.
They need to slim it down 1-2mm, update the bracelet to something a bit thinner and with a larger taper and it would be perfect.
I have the blue/silver dial version with the blue rubber strap. The one thing I really dislike is the rubber strap, The design of the extremely curved prong makes it very difficult to find a comfortable size. The hole you think will fit ends up being too tight or too loose. And the first integrated band keeper with the Seamaster script makes it difficult as well. A strap redesign would be a welcome upgrade. True I can change the band but I like the integrated look but hate the way it fits.
Inflation is a function of the purchasing power of the dollar going down, not prices going up. Wages never keep pace with this regression. I like the Seaweedmaster, personally but do think it needs an upgrade. My main gripe with it is they could have at least put a deployment clasp on the darned thing!
Bruce a great video again, thank you.
I have the Seamaster with a white dial and steel bracelet.
My favorite way to wear it at the moment is with an aftermarked rubber strap. Yes, the price is high, but the quality of the watch is also high. And its biggest advantage is that it is available or can be bought.
It also has its own design language, so who needs a submariner?
Older seamasters offer a much better value. I prefer their designs, fit, and proportions as well. Omega should bring back a 2254.50-based design using modern materials and return to a slim case. It would be a huge hit.
Shame you put that reference in the comment mate 😂 this is probably the apex Seamaster, the halcyon. Please don’t make them even more popular as the price will go up… 😮
My Omega Seamaster Pro 2255.80 electric blue dial is still a better to wear watch than these newer 300s. The Seamaster is nice but there's too many things going against it for me to shell out the $$ these days. Thin the case to 12-13mm, Sword hands please (the skeleton hands are hard to see at a glance), Fix the bezel grip and feel, Taper the bracelet a bit. Drop the price back to ~ $4.5K and I'll be the first in line to buy one. Almost every newer Omega I've tried on my 8" wrist feels like a hockey puck and very top heavy.
I have one, too and love how it wears. The Speedmaster bracelet is top notch when compared with Rolex bracelets of the time. Added plus, the 2255,80 is a lot thinner than all the newer models.
@@brownmcpherson5724 agreed! The case thin'niss is part of what makes it so nice to wear. The newer 300's feel like you stacked 2 2255.80's on your wrist at once. :) Also my sword hands still glow like reactors all these years later.
Nothing will ever top the electric ⚡️ blue wave 🌊 dial, love mine.
Instead of Omega Seamaster Professional, I prefered that they updated the Planet Ocean. Been waiting for an update to that model since before corona.
Beautiful watch. Needs no change. The movement is fine. The hands are fine. The RRP is nuts though. It must have increased 30 percent in the past 3 years or so. It's insane.
Bruce the bracelet on your James Bond "GoldenEye" quartz was finished much better than the bracelets now as it had much smoother edges.
I prefer the Omega OEM rubber deployant strap over the traditional rubber strap Omega sells the watches with.
Looking into its short history, the Seamaster 300m diver always had He escape valve and the same type of bracelet. Omega likely won't do away with those. Also, the current and previous versions were refreshed after six years. Since the current model was introduced in 2018, a new version may come out in 2024.
I own 3 versions of the current Seamaster 300m. I love this watch! The only thing I would wish for the successor model would be a tapered bracelet. Otherwise, the watch is perfect in my eyes. The price for this watch is fair. Especially if you compate it to the submariner! You get much more watch for your money at Omega compared to Rolex! Just compare the materials, the technology and the workmanship of the two watches. The Submariner is very, very simple, while the Seamaster has a much more complex design. Ceramic dial with laser engraved waves, date, skeletonized hands, helium valve, 5-link bracelet, sapphire back, the elaborately decorated movement...all of this is much more complex and expensive to produce than a Submariner. Therefore, a Seamaster should actually cost more than a Submariner. And the movement of the Seamaster is technically much better than that of Rolex (Metas certification, 15,000 Gaus anti-magnetism,...)
I'd love to see a 200 meter version without the escape valve!
2 upgrades would make this even more amazing:
- Lumed bezel insert
- Quick-set hour, opposed to the quick-set date
We all have our wishes. I personally wish they hadn’t moved away from 41mm diameter. This watch was definitely more elegant on the wrist at 41mm. Not sure about lumed bezel but love idea of updated movement. Love the Seamaster range. Thanks Bruce
Tapering the bracelet is the big one for me. I dislike the big cuff like bracelet so much it would stop me buying the watch. An increased power reserve would be my second ask. That's all really as the watch head is almost perfect.
Most Omegas can be had at a discount. I bought all my Omegas at a 20-30 percent discount. They include De Ville, Speedy Pro, Aqua Terra and 300 Diver.
I paid around $4700 for a new green Aqua Terra. I paid $4900ish taxed for the new Tudor Black Bay 41 (new burgundy bezel model) last month. No discounts given on Tudors. My AD said they are very strict on this.
All this to say Omegas are great value since they can be had discounted. I wouldn’t pay retail prices though.
Facts! Omega should never be bought at retail. I got my 300m diver on bracelet for 4300 out the door in 2023.
Tbh its my daily and I rarely wear my speedy/hamilton.
The large price hikes across multiple brands is simply price gouging an ever decreasing market. Its getting less and less common to see people wearing flashy watches unless you live in instragram land.
The watch industry claims they are booming yet AD's are ghost shops.
Bracelet is hideous, hollow hands look cheap, and helium valve is jarring. I love the heritage models and the auqua terra. They could revamp the professional line and be that sweet spot between tudor and rolex.
The skeleton hands can be issue, my titanium NTTD is almost impossible to read in low light.
Inflation is only a result of some companies price gouging and other companies being forced to raise prices because their direct suppliers are increasing prices.
is green still the flavor of the week?
the hands, while a main characteristic of the seamaster i find kind hard to read in the dark. so i would like to see that improve. the size i would leave alone , just a touch thinner if possible. and i would like a bigger crown. i love the case i find it much more interesting than that o a sub. and i don't mind the smooth bezel. other than that i love the seamster.
Dial & bezel are awesome.
Bracelet and case size could do with some refinement.
Long live the helium valve😊
I paid £3300 for my Aqua Terra grey dial rubber strap from an AD in 2020 and it looks amazing. Then I bought the steel bracelet to swap when the mood fits. Two watches in one. Prices now are nearly £5k which Is crazy. That rubber strap for the Seamaster is bad imo it doesn't even have a locking clasp.
Great analysis. Love the inflation adjusted price right at the current retail; how funny it was so spot on. Want a new bracelet too; can't stand the existing one and now is a good time to make the jump. About that HRV, it's an Omega thing so they should leave it and instead focus on the upgrade to bracelet. 8900 movement would be a good upgrade but could require a higher cost. The bracelet tho is overdue.
I own the black dial version with the metal bracelet. I watched RUclipsr's complain about the bracelet and after wearing it a while I couldn't agree more. The bracelet needs an update. I have the Seamaster 1957 remake with a flat link tapered bracelet and its beautiful. The SMP clasp is way to big. I also agree that it could use a smaller case, maybt 40 mm and get rid of the helium escape valve please.
It would look a lot nicer without that Reese’s peanut butter cup helium escape valve and skeletal hands. The bracelet also should taper down to the clasp. $6K is not too much to ask. Breitlings were in the mid $6K range many many years ago.
Problem is the skeleton hands lume isn’t strong. After a few minutes you can barely tell what time it is.
As someone who got this watch new for $3,900 in 2021, I think the current price is a bit high. However, JLC’s decision to price the Polaris and Reverso at over $10,000 makes Omega look flat out reasonable in terms of pricing.
You meant JLC and they are in a different league than Omega. Agreed that the price increase is steep though.
@@Rodisflawless good catch. Thank you.
Cartier Santos and return of INGENIEUR both at higher prices with basic movements. Shrugs.
Omega prices are out of hand. My white dial Seamaster 300 was £4500 a couple of years ago and is now £5600. The Aqua Terra, their entry level watch, is even more absurd. About four years ago they were £4100, now they are £6200, and the new summer edition is £6600. How on earth can they warrant this?
How can Rolex warrant a £9000 Submariner? These are luxury toys and logic does not apply
The GBP has also lost a lot of value and that affects your retail price.@@franky3fingers337
I think Omega and Tudor got too greedy. They rise the prices where a lot of enthusiasts are turn off by them or simply cant afford them. If you go to the AD or second hand, they say the prices are dropping like a stone. They should kept their prices because their prices are already ridiculous.
@@alexlilano1931it’s all gotten a little crazy. Sinn used to be seen as a value for money product but now they have over 20 models over $4k and about a dozen over $5k. It’s been out of hand.
@franky3fingers337 Agreed the price is absurbed but Subs are selling like hot cakes , Seamasters are not and are collecting dust in AD windows.
The new SMP300 should have a tapered bracelet. Lose the Helium escape wart. Maybe knock it down 1 mm. I own the blue, recently put it on a Zealande rubber strap and I am enjoying being able to experience this watch in a new way.
It's expensive, but priced pretty well imo. What's overpriced is the NTTD
I think they’re still priced accordingly. I just picked up the NTTD and prefer it over my two subs.
Wow this is the first time I've heard someone say this. I too think in some ways the NTTD is better than a sub. Lightweight, flys under the radar, and isn't on everyone's wrist at an event. What makes you prefer it over your subs?
I don’t own this watch so I have no skin in the game. That said, Omega should increase their prices. When I compare Omega to Rolex, the Omega just feels better made to me. I do own both brands and if I had to choose one, it would absolutely be Omega.
I still think the watch is a great value and not overpriced. I do think what’s hurting Omegas perceived value is in the previous decade you could get their watches at discounts and now it’s much harder these days to do so on top of several price increases in recent years. I still feel Omega is a great buy and priced accordingly.
paulhawkins95……
It’s obvious by your comments, you have never purchased one with your own money and worn it. This makes you luxury watch wannabe.
Get rid of the ugly wart aka helium escape valve and make tapered band that's a must
Great watches! I think they should do some refinements and also bring back the Seamaster 300m GMT. We’ll see.
The OEM rubber looks vastly more appealing to me than the bracelet. Still won’t look out of place on a jeans and tshirt which is the outfit 90% of people will wear with this watch. I have a dress watch for formal occasions.
Taper the braclet, reduced height would be a great stride forward.
I dont mind having the jumping hour hand but if i will lose the quickset date, no thanks. I dont need it for a 3 hander. It makes sense for gmt watches, but unnecessary for a 3 hander.
Your video of the chrome and seeing it in person convinced me to pull the trigger.
Would I pay full price? Never!
The bracelet is dated tbh. I got the rubber/deployant and the mesh bracelet. Its been my daily.
My speedmaster racing gets no love at this point.
Why not buy it on the bracelet and then just get the rubber strap on the side...you can change it up depending on hoa you feel
Great watch, but those skeleton hands and helium relief valve are bad.
The seamaster needs a update
I purchased it for € 3600 almost 3 years ago, new, discounted, in black and rubber. It was and still is value for bucks. Prices nowadays I consider to high. On the other hand, still can buy 2 for the price of 1 sub. So its all about perception. Anyway, mine is there to stay!
I like the skeleton hands but they carry much less loom. So when I wake up in the morning all the hour markers are visible but the hands are gone. Which is not the case on my PO.
Can still buy two of these for the cost of the sub. So the price isn't all that crazy
Sub no date is 9500
@@drpepper3838 that's the list price. Not what you'd pay
@@drpepper3838if you can find one at an AD willing to let you in the door 🚪
Hi I think it needs a up grade how about getting rid of the healim valve on the side of the watch and hide it behind the strap lugs and maybe do a two tone colour basal and how about doing a loom wave dial on the face. Giving more than one option with the bracelet would shake it up a bit. (+And go back to the prices before the pandemic because they are taking the piss with the prices now and might have a chance of getting there customers back.) But they probably just print some silly image on the back and call it a special addition. this is why I've gone of omega.
They just need to do ehat tudor does and just make it 39-37 mm
The price increase is a bummer, but unlike Rolex, you can get most Omega watches pretty cheaper than the retail price.
I recently just got my AT steel & Sedna gold model which retails at 8,400 USD, at a bargain price of 4,650 USD in Tokyo.
I do agree with the need of spec improvements tho😂
Thinner movement with longer power reserve is always welcomed
Interesting topic! I was keeping an eye on the Orange Bezel PO Chrono (Chrono version of what you show here) at an AD here in New Zealand and the price JUMPED $2,000 even though it's old stock! The AD said that this is Omega policy and that they were bound by contract to follow the price increase. To me this is abhorrent and pure greed. It has put me off Omega even though I love their designs. PS with the Seamaster 300's I love the skeleton hands and yes all new dive watches should come with fully lumed bezels. PS I would never own the green version because I've worked on too many dairy farms - that colour looks like cow poo!! :D :D :D
Please make this watch with a gmt complication
I wish they released a thinner reissue of the 1968 seamaster 300 with the twisted lugs. If only pay gets increased in line with inflation lol
I keep looking at the blue & chrome on rubber strap. My favorite variation of the SMP300.
$1050 price increase in 5 years to keep up with inflation sucks but makes sense. Do the people complaining about price have the same salary they did 5 years ago? If they make more, then they should return that money.
They shouldn’t make too many changes to this modern SMP300. Going down to 41mm, taper the bracelet 20 to 18, thin the case and bracelet a little bit, and go to the 8900 movement.
What I really want is a remake of the 165.024 with Big Triangle, Sword Hands, Spear seconds hand, No date, Lyre lugs, Flat link bracelet with 20mm lugs, and the 8912 movement. Dream watch.
If the Seamaster is overprices, what is with the Submariner? Overprices as well?
Glad to have purchased my SMP in 2020 when it was so well priced. You got a awesome watch for 3.9k on the grey market. Now I had to think twice if I would spend that extra money on a watch in general. Sad for new watch lovers...
Prices get through the top at the market these days... Hopefully in a couple of months/years the market will regulate these price increases and we "poor" people can afford fine watches of big names again.
As I've painfully learned with my 8900-series Planet Ocean, the hour wheel is a weak point in the design and will eventually fail. Unfortunately it requires a complete service to repair and is not routinely reaplaced during the normal maintenance that Omega does. So I actually prefer the 8800 movement. I fine setting the date much less work than the hour-jumping advance needed with the 8900.
I've owned two Seamaster Diver 300s and find the metal bracelet way too heavy for my comfort. Therefore, a Zealande or OEM Omega rubber strap works remarkably well with this unique diver. Would I change anything with a new generation? Yes, one bit pet peeve with the watch is the poor grip of the scalloped bezel design. Both of my watches were nearly impossible to turn, so I would love to see Omega do something to improve grip.
I understand the argument about inflation's effect on the list price, but jeez these watches are getting more and more expensive. I don't think I would replace mine if it broke or got stolen and find a better value with something like a Black Bay or Pelagos.
Thank you! This needed to be said….
Honestly, I would really like the stainless steel mesh bracelet to be one of the off-the-shelf configurations, instead of it being an aftermarket accessory.
Yes, electric blue with sword hands! Please!
Strongly dislike the bracelet and the sword hands. Can we go back to the Peter Blake style 2254.50 design. Better looking in every way and thinner, too.
They build amazing watches. You can get a lot for what you pay in the pre-owned market. They lose 30%-40% really fast. That is the time to buy. Some models are as expensive as their Rolex counterparts, but they are not a Rolex 🤷♂️.
If the Omegas are over-priced then all watches are over-priced. Which they are. ALL watches have gone up in price significantly since COVID. That is the result of free money and inflation.
Unless wages increase in line with the inflation its not really a fair comparison to justify the significant price increases. In some respects it makes the increases even more difficult to afford.
Yeah yeah, all luxury watches are overpriced nowadays.
And let’s not forget some idiots are still willing to pay over 30k for a boring Daytona or over 60k for an ugly Aquanaut.
Omega pricing makes no sense. You can get a seamaster on a bracelet for less than an aqua terra and an aqua terra on a strap for the same price as a Rolex op on a bracelet and they wonder why they can’t get more market share
The aqua terra is trash for the price.
100% agree on getting an OP over aquaterra anyday.
I'd add another model, call it a seamaster 300 sport. Lose the HE escape valve, shrink to 38mm, lose the date, lose the waves at first, and offer in both quartz and automatic. Move the 300 professional to the 8900 movement.
Use the savings to knock the price down a hint ad get more entry customers to grow from
Sir Bruce why they called free sprung balance, and most use on the high end brand watches? Thank you for the info