First Omega, Seamster 300m or Aqua Terra?

JeremyS · Jan 29, 2020

I would vote for the SMP. It's no more or less formal than the AT, given the AT's orange second hand and black markers. Also, the micro-adjustable clasp on the SMP is a nice feature. I'm not sure what size of AT you're considering, but if it's the larger version, you would get the jumping hour hand, which can be convenient for adjusting between timezones. Still, I think the SMP looks great, and it's a bit less expensive to add the rubber strap to the bracelet.

JTridesbikes · Jan 29, 2020

A AvrgJoe
Hello all,

New member here hoping to acquire some recommendations for a purchase that I have been looking forward to for years.

A few years ago I went on a cruise in the Carribean while onboard I was turned onto swiss made watches and bought my first TAG. I now have two Tag Heuer watches, but I am ready to jump to the next level in swiss watches and Omega has been the brand I was quickly drawn too. Over the past year, I have been going back and forth between which Omega will win its way into my watch case.

The two that I have been incredibly drawn towards are the new Seamaster 300m stainless steel grey dial and the Aqua Terra steel white dial and orange second hand, both with steel bracelets. Images below. I am hoping this great group of enthusiasts can help lead me to make the best choice for me.

A little insight into my self for a tailored watch recco... I am in my mid-20s and want a watch I can wear with anything on any day, able to dress it up on a Saturday night and keep it on through the Sunday recovery brunch. Wearing it to work every day is also a must, I am an airline pilot so a black suit and tie in the winter and short sleeve white collared shirt /w tie in the summer must work.

Looking forward to reading your replies, and thanks in advance!

ZB

To the OP, there are 2 AT's you might also want to consider if you like the configuration of that SMP 300 you posted:

220.10.41.21.03.002
&
220.10.41.21.06.001

If you like the grey dial with blue hands of the SMP, the grey dial AT is that exact configuration, but on an AT, which can be a bit dressier.

If you like the pop of a colored second hand, consider the blue dial AT, with the sky blue second hand. That one is going to look very-good in Tshirt or Suit as well.

Also, both of those are going to look KILLER On those new rubber/steel straps they are making or just about any Nato with blue or grey tones.

gbesq · Jan 29, 2020

Another factor to consider is the difference in the bezel materials used in each watch. The high polish stainless steel bezel of the AT is prone to scratches. That’s not an issue with the ceramic bezel on the SMP.

Undefeatable · Jan 29, 2020

I will chime in here since I owned the new SMP 300M and currently own the new Aqua Terra:

Note: I used both as my "only" watch (I have less expensive beater watches I use for beating around).

Having own(ed) both, the AT is more versatile while the Seamaster 300M definitely gives off a more sporty vibe. That might also be because I had the SMP on the rubber strap, but I feel like in my case, the blue dial/ blue bezel/ blue rubber made it feel and look more "fun".

I am loving the Aqua Terra, and of the 2, I prefer it, but both are fantastic watches and if you bought either one, you would be good to go.

guppydriver · Jan 30, 2020

I’ve had the same dilemma. Here’s the thing, you are in your mid 20’s at a legacy carrier....You’ll eventually have both those watches. They are both substantially discounted and available from multiple sources. However at your age, I do think the SMP will dress better than you think, especially with that grey dial, which looks more shiny than I anticipated.

I don’t know what equipment you are on, but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how brutal our work environment can be on watches. From stowing your flight bags, to walk arounds, to banging your wrist on about a million different protrusions as you swivel left and right and reach for the FMS, plug in a headset, secure your food trays....etc. When I went from 777 co pilot back to the much more “intimate” guppy left seat, I was blown away how much I always was scratching/cutting/banging my hands on stuff. If I were you, I’d choose a watch that looks better (bad a**) a little banged up like Speedmaster or maybe even a Bell & Ross so you’re not freaking out every time you ding it. A small cockpit could wreak havoc on a polished AT. I actually bought an Oris for work for about $1500 and don't feel bad beating the crud out of it, looks great with the uniform and has an ocean blue that I love since I am in the islands a lot.

That Oreo GMT though! Try it on! It will look better than you think on your wrist. Since we wear short sleeves, the cuff grab will never be an issue and (I’m showing my age) but I’d love to have the second time zone always set to Zulu to easily extrapolate my TAFS to local time when checking the weather. Of course, with Jepp Pro and Ipads, I guess this is becoming a non issue.

Given those two choices, I’d go with the SMP. Let us know what you decide. Blue Skies and tailwinds brother!

RoarLionsRoar · Jan 30, 2020

All this talk of "the AT is great but the SM's clasp is better"... Just toss an adjustable clasp on the AT like I did 😉

scapa · Jan 30, 2020

RoarLionsRoar
All this talk of "the AT is great but the SM's clasp is better"... Just toss an adjustable clasp on the AT like I did 😉

Very nice. Is the clasp a simple swap?Are a pair of new links required?

Burr · Jan 30, 2020

Mad Dog
Yeppers...it’s a good [great] pilot watch...one of my faves! 👍

And...imho, it looks good [great] with the almighty Dwight Schrute action figure ensemble...short sleeves and a tie! 👍

+100! @ OP, have you considered a Speedmaster? If your want to keep it around 39mm the limited edition “first omega in space” version of the speedy would be the one.

greyfox422 · Jan 30, 2020

OP, of the two choices you presented us, I think the AT is more versatile. It disappears under a cuff slightly easier and is viewed as more dressy. The currently SMPc is a beauty (I own the blue version) but the AT seems to check more of your boxes.

Let us know what you decide.

Dr.K · Jan 30, 2020

While I own neither of these watches, I do own my share of divers and dress style watches. Ins lean towards the AT myself.

First Omega, Seamster 300m or Aqua Terra?

JeremyS

JTridesbikes

gbesq

Undefeatable

guppydriver

RoarLionsRoar

scapa

Burr

greyfox422

Dr.K

Similar threads

Aqua Terra Blue Teak - rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet

Wedding gift- new FOiS or aqua terre

Omega SMP 300 or Aqua Terra

OMEGA Aqua Terra Small Seconds silver/white

Oyster Perpetual 39mm or Aqua Terra 41mm?

Brand NEW Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 231.10.39.21.03.001