When these got first announced at Basel last year, I thought all the changes were nice, with the exception of the baffling font switch on the applied 12-6-9 numerals. It just looked too modern, too blocky, and more notably, absent of the charm of the source material (the og SM300).

However, after spending a little more time with both size variants at Topper here in the Bay Area last weekend, it suddenly clicked – the new numbers are simply from the same font library as the rest of all the other arabic numerals Omega has deployed on its modern collection. That includes matching the numerals on the bezel of every Planet Ocean all the way back to the 2500, as well as other numbered details on other watches, like the minute tracks on the Aqua Terra watches.

I can actually see why they did it – the PO is fully modern, and the SM300 is the classical homage, so greater differentiation between the two was needed. If anything, I'd argue that the new POs are even more cohesive than before – now if I could just decide between black or blue of the 8800...

 

I vote for blue

QUOTE="dinexus, post: 762579, member: 34093"]When these got first announced at Basel last year, I thought all the changes were nice, with the exception of the baffling font switch on the applied 12-6-9 numerals. It just looked too modern, too blocky, and more notably, absent of the charm of the source material (the og SM300).

However, after spending a little more time with both size variants at Topper here in the Bay Area last weekend, it suddenly clicked – the new numbers are simply from the same font library as the rest of all the other arabic numerals Omega has deployed on its modern collection. That includes matching the numerals on the bezel of every Planet Ocean all the way back to the 2500, as well as other numbered details on other watches, like the minute tracks on the Aqua Terra watches.

I can actually see why they did it – the PO is fully modern, and the SM300 is the classical homage, so greater differentiation between the two was needed. If anything, I'd argue that the new POs are even more cohesive than before – now if I could just decide between black or blue of the 8800...

[/QUOTE]

 

I prefer blue

 

I've always wanted an Omega Seamaster since I was a kid (thanks Pierce Brosnan). I finally decided to treat myself to one which would be my daily (and only) wearer. I was tossing up between the Seamaster 300c and the Seamaster PO 8900. After comparing them side-by-side as well as researching the history of the Seamaster, I settled on the PO. It is a fully modern interpretation of a professional diver that draws heavily on the design ques of the original Seamaster as you can see:



After making that decision, I then had to deal with choosing between blue and black. After agonising on it, I finally chose black as I found it a little more versatile and stealth (which kind of suits my personality and style).

 

I think the black suits me better as well. I had a black 2500, and this would be replacing that – plus, I already have a blue-dialed diver... I dunno. It sure photographs nicely...

 

Just wow!

 

New vs old side-by-side

 

I like the broad arrow hands. Those hollowed out hands look clunky, IMO.

 

First generation 2500 PO's look even more like them.

 

I love my 8900! Was contemplating going with the all black bezel, but the orange is very well done and adds a little more casual feel. Plus, now I have room for the 300 master chronometer

 

I just picked up the PO 39.5 (8800) a couple of weeks ago and it's even better in the flesh. I could have gotten the 42mm version, but I love the more classic size of the 39.5. Omega did a great job with this one. I've found my "forever" dive watch.

 

What size is your wrist? I tried both on at the Vegas OB last night and can't get over the smaller dial aperture on the 39, even though my preference is to introduce a smaller diver to the collection.

 

7" / 17.6cm. I could easily pull off the 42.5mm version, but I like this one: Conservative, yet very refined.

 

Took the plunge finally. Went with the GMT despite concerns over size, and have been pleasantly surprised how well it wears.

 

The Diver 300M in black is the one that is now haunting my dreams.

 

You will love it

 

I'm Not a fan of nato, or GMT PO, or 45mm watches, but none of that matters, if you like it, enjoy it, it's an superb [emoji355]

 

I had the same issue with getting used to my 8900. I came from the 8500 and thought the 8900 was way to blingy. Even had a bit of buyers remorse. I loved the subdued look of the 8500 and how it was more of a matte finish on the dial and bezel. And how compact it looked in 42mm. BUT After a few months, looking at the 8500 seems dull and outdated! Though I still appreciate it and miss it at times.