Color has become more important than ever in the realm of fine watches. It’s not just that consumers are interested in an ever-expanding palette of available options, but sometimes a watch doesn't attract attention until it's offered in the right color combination. Marketers have long known the value of choosing the right colors, yet choosing among the many attractive color combinations can be a daunting task. This is why we can all appreciate Omega for the many colors it has experimented with in its watch creations. For this Swiss watch brand, no two colors are more important than black and white.
The famous Speedmaster watches are among the most well-known black-and-white dial watches, as are most versions of the Rolex Submariner. Omega has an interesting heritage with black-and-white watches, including those done entirely in black or white, as well as those that mix the two colors. This particular model of the modern Omega Seamaster 300M is an excellent example of mixing these two colors, creating a very beautiful “cookies and cream” aesthetic - with an addition of red.
Back in 2019, Omega introduced the updated Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer model. The new generation model was built on the classic model introduced by Omega in 1993 to become “not a Submariner clone” as an alternative luxury sports watch. The latest generation of the Seamaster 300M has a slightly larger case (42-43.5 mm wide, depending on how you measure it) and a high-tech, METAS-certified automatic Omega caliber 8800 movement with a coaxial escapement. The 4Hz movement has a power reserve of 55 hours and is more or less protected from magnetic interference due to the use of a-magnetic components in the regulating system, such as non-ferrous metals and silicon parts.
Despite Omega producing several models of dive watches, each stands out with its individuality and case style. What draws people to the Seamaster 300M model is its unique dial style, the signature manual helium release valve position at “10 o’clock”, and the elegant curves of the case. In fact, I sometimes argue that the current Seamaster 300M looks better on a rubber strap than on the matching steel bracelet - because the shape of the case is better visible paired with the strap.
The Omega Seamaster 300M with a white dial, presented in reference 210.30.42.20.04.001 (reference 210.32.42.20.04.001 on a strap), looks slightly larger on the wrist while providing an extremely high level of readability. Traditionally, the problem with sports watches with white dials was poor readability due to low-contrast hands. In this case, Omega not only applied markers together with the hands but also framed them in black (with white inner parts), helping them stand out against the dial. This also looks particularly beautiful because the main dial is made of zirconium oxide-based white ceramic. Another Omega sports watch with a white dial I like is the Speedmaster Professional Alaska Project, which has sharply risen in value over the past few years.
The bezel insert for the unidirectional rotating bezel is also made of ceramic. Most people won't immediately realize that these watches use ceramic in two different colors - and this isn’t even one of the current ceramic models of the Seamaster 300M (a new model will appear in 2021).
Aside from being designed as a serious diver's tool, what I love most about this high-class watch collection is that they stand out from anything else on the market. One of the main reasons consumers feel comfortable spending dollars on luxury items is the value of identification. In other words, they like the idea that others will be able to identify what they have on their wrist - you can easily see this by purchasing the Seamaster 300M.
With a white dial, the modern Seamaster 300M Co-Axial Master Chronograph simply stands out from the same watches with different dial colors, like black or blue. There will be people who will remain indifferent to the Seamaster 300M family until they encounter this model - and then they simply must acquire it.
The price of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronograph 42mm reference 210.32.42.20.04.001 on a strap is $4,900 USD, and reference 210.30.42.20.04.001 on the matching steel bracelet is $5,200 USD. More detailed information can be found on the Omega watches website here.
