Need some Seamaster advice, PURCHASE MADE!

PhilF · Sep 23, 2019

I am going Thursday to pickup a Diver 300M (210.30.42.20.03.0011) that I have a deposit on, read all the reviews, like the features, all the boxes checked except, I'm becoming somewhat concerned about size as this will become my "daily driver". Have recently checked out the Aqua Terra 150 (220.10.38.20.03.001) and its smaller and has the same movement & specs. I do prefer the adjustable clasp on the 300 and the 18mm strap size is more versatile (?)
Would appreciate any input as to daily wear comfort/practicality on both of these. As an aside, I find my 42mm Speedmaster quite comfortable on bracelet (when temperatures are cooler) leather deployant strap or NATO. Is the Aqua Terra a viable alternative? I'm also thinking that the 300M is a bit "showy", probably not an issue but it's pretty high visibility, has a bit of "please mug me", Should I stick with the 300M or seriously look at the AT? Appreciate any real-world experience with either of these, thanks.

mjb · Sep 23, 2019

I bought my 300M in late April (right before the May price increase) and I will confess, initially I was a little put off by the size and comfort. I found it to wear large for 42mm (I'm more used to 40mm) and the bracelet was a little pinchy, for lack of a better term. I played with the (very convenient) adjustment on the bracelet, and found that if I wear it a bit looser than I usually do, that took care of most of the pinching. It is a heavy watch, but I like the feel of a heavy watch so that's OK. I do not find it to be too showy, blingy or otherwise too noticeable and I have not been mugged, accosted, robbed or threatened since I bought it. I think it's a very attractive watch and I love the dial, the little bits of red color, the waves, the quality of the bracelet and the legibility of the dial and date. I would have preferred that they kept it at 40mm like the previous model (which I owned, briefly) but I never cared for the flat finish of those dials. And I like the updated movement, although mine does run a bit fast, it's within specs.

And my wife loves the blue color.

DaveK · Sep 23, 2019

Omega's advertising assures us that your watch will be unobtrusive and eye-catching (https://omegaforums.net/posts/1316829/), which I think means that you will find it to be beautiful, but muggers will be repelled - a pinnacle in watch design

FlyingSnoopy · Sep 23, 2019

I find it quite comfortable (I have it on the rubber strap) and it can prove to be a great daily watch...
But there is no right or wrong...
Horological wise, a great caliber and top quality especially considering the price...
Good luck deciding
Cheers

PhilF · Sep 23, 2019

mjb
I bought my 300M in late April (right before the May price increase) and I will confess, initially I was a little put off by the size and comfort. I found it to wear large for 42mm (I'm more used to 40mm) and the bracelet was a little pinchy, for lack of a better term. I played with the (very convenient) adjustment on the bracelet, and found that if I wear it a bit looser than I usually do, that took care of most of the pinching. It is a heavy watch, but I like the feel of a heavy watch so that's OK. I do not find it to be too showy, blingy or otherwise too noticeable and I have not been mugged, accosted, robbed or threatened since I bought it. I think it's a very attractive watch and I love the dial, the little bits of red color, the waves, the quality of the bracelet and the legibility of the dial and date. I would have preferred that they kept it at 40mm like the previous model (which I owned, briefly) but I never cared for the flat finish of those dials. And I like the updated movement, although mine does run a bit fast, it's within specs.

And my wife loves the blue color.

My wife also likes the blue, but seriously, appreciate your input and experience. I think you've pushed me over the edge on this decision, the dial is pretty stunning and I really like the hints of red. The real crux of the decision was the adjustability of the bracelet because of the problem I have with my Speedmaster being either a bit too loose or tight depending on the temperature. Like you, I wish it was 40mm, but it is what it is, if they come out with a slightly smaller one next year, I can always trade it in. Really like the overall package and quality, especially the METAS specifications. Again, really appreciate the input and help. Hopefully I'll figure out how to post some pictures. Thursdays the day!

Bizcut1 · Sep 23, 2019

Love mine - on both ther rubber and the steel. Not quite my daily...but it is moving up the list.

jsducote · Sep 24, 2019

The size-creep of the 210 is why I'm probably going to pull the trigger on a later 2220 for my birthday present to myself next month.

scapa · Sep 24, 2019

I've been wearing mine for a year or so, in tandem with a Pelagos and a few others. The quality of the case, dial, lume, bezel, movement and bracelet are absolutely top-notch, of course, but I do find it a bit "showy" -- the word my young son uses to describe it, in fact. it is also undoubtedly a bit heavy on the bracelet for me, especially compared to the Pelagos, but a different story on rubber or NATO. Wearing it tighter or looser on the bracelet does make a difference for me.

I love the SMP 300's design and build and its ability to surprise on the wrist depending on environment and lighting conditions, but if I had to do it over again and already owned the Pelagos I would have looked harder at the AquaTerra, I think, which are just as beautiful while being, IMO, a bit more flexible and easier to wear. But then I'd miss the SMP 300, no doubt.

PhilF · Sep 24, 2019

scapa
I've been wearing mine for a year or so, in tandem with a Pelagos and a few others. The quality of the case, dial, lume, bezel, movement and bracelet are absolutely top-notch, of course, but I do find it a bit "showy" -- the word my young son uses to describe it, in fact. it is also undoubtedly a bit heavy on the bracelet for me, especially compared to the Pelagos, but a different story on rubber or NATO. Wearing it tighter or looser on the bracelet does make a difference for me.

I love the SMP 300's design and build and its ability to surprise on the wrist depending on environment and lighting conditions, but if I had to do it over again and already owned the Pelagos I would have looked harder at the AquaTerra, I think, which are just as beautiful while being, IMO, a bit more flexible and easier to wear. But then I'd miss the SMP 300, no doubt.

Ultimately, the solution is to get both, however the budget only allows one for the immediate future, I will probably take a close look at the Aqua Terra before taking the jump. Like you, I find the SMP300 quite beautiful and intriguing, the AT is definitely attractive, actually more of a dress watch which, being retired, I have less need for, but then, this addiction isn't about need, more about want. Started out "wanting" a Speedmaster, got that, then progressed to a fascination with the Seamaster and the history there. It never ends, does it?

rudagger · Sep 24, 2019

I also found the Seamaster too big (particualrly the new one) and showy. I got a Speedmaster. I would have preferred an automatic movement, but I'd put a bigger priority on the size and style suiting my tastes.

PhilF · Sep 24, 2019

rudagger
I also found the Seamaster too big (particualrly the new one) and showy. I got a Speedmaster. I would have preferred an automatic movement, but I'd put a bigger priority on the size and style suiting my tastes.

As I am writing this, I'm looking at my Speedmaster on my wrist, kinda been there, done that, have both the bracelet and the deployant strap. I looked at the Speedmaster automatics and considered one. What attracts me to the Seamaster is the adjustable clasp and the METAS movement. I have had magnatizism issues with my Speedmaster because of my work environment. Also recently discovered the Planet Ocean, checks the same boxes, but the clasp isn't adjustable, also 19mm lugs, going to look at one closely on Thursday before I write the check, who knows, I could be steered in that direction, appreciate the input.

PhilF · Sep 26, 2019

Well, just got back from Maryland, wrote the check, I now am the proud owner of a Seamaster 300m on the bracelet with blue face. I did look at the Blue 38 & 41mm blue Planet Oceans, very nice but the Seamaster was so much more interesting and the adjustable clasp was the clincher (pun intended). My AD, Radcliffe Jewelers in Towson, and the manager, Lukas have always been a pleasure to deal with, nice, low-pressure environment. They spent a generous amount of time with the unboxing and bracelet adjustment. They've been my go-to jeweler for 35+ years, always treated me fairly & honestly, highly recommended. The Seamaster and bracelet wear a bit heavier than my Speedmaster and it's not as thick as I thought it would be.

scapa · Sep 26, 2019

PhilF
Well, just got back from Maryland, wrote the check, I now am the proud owner of a Seamaster 300m on the bracelet with blue face. I did look at the Blue 38 & 41mm blue Planet Oceans, very nice but the Seamaster was so much more interesting and the adjustable clasp was the clincher (pun intended). My AD, Radcliffe Jewelers in Towson, and the manager, Lukas have always been a pleasure to deal with, nice, low-pressure environment. They spent a generous amount of time with the unboxing and bracelet adjustment. They've been my go-to jeweler for 35+ years, always treated me fairly & honestly, highly recommended. The Seamaster and bracelet wear a bit heavier than my Speedmaster and it's not as thick as I thought it would be.

Congrats on an excellent choice! I agree about the weight, though I tend to wear mine snugly on the bracelet, and don't really notice it on rubber. It is certainly an elegant and engrossing piece, and must be one of the best all-rounders on the market. And the blue dial is beautiful under a whole range of lights (and surfaces).

mjb · Sep 26, 2019

PhilF
Well, just got back from Maryland, wrote the check, I now am the proud owner of a Seamaster 300m on the bracelet with blue face.

Great choice, congrats! I'm glad I could act as an enabler for you.

Bushido · Sep 26, 2019

Congratulations! I think you made the right decision on picking up the SM vs AT. I have the ceramic version, and so a bit different, but I really enjoy the look and wear of these watches on the wrist.

Make sure to post up some pics and enjoy!!

PhilF · Sep 27, 2019

My thanks to all for helping & guidance on this, 24 hours in, really love this watch!
The adjustable clasp is extraordinary, watch wears "thinner" than you would expect. It is spectacular in the sun, but subdued in normal light and the lume is excellent. Date window is a tad small for my somewhat challenged eyes, but I can easily work with it. The weight seems less an issue and is very comfortable overall. I am awe of the overall finishing and polish of both the watch and bracelet, truly a home run by Omega. I'll figure out the pictures over the weekend, again, thanks for your kind counsel! 😀

Need some Seamaster advice, PURCHASE MADE!

PhilF

mjb

DaveK

FlyingSnoopy

PhilF

Bizcut1

jsducote

scapa

PhilF

rudagger

PhilF

PhilF

scapa

mjb

Bushido

PhilF

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