Hey Guys

So just wondering when you think the Seamaster Professional will get updated next? I called Omega and he said he doubts they would move to the 8500 as the price would jump significantly which I agree with in one way being the Seamaster is Omegas 'bread and butter' model and often compared directly to the Rolex Submariner, however, by upping the price and movement wouldn't it even more be a direct competitor to the Submariner?

I think the problem Omega have is the Seamaster would then be a direct completion to the 8500 Planet Ocean range.

Personally I feel Omega 'has' to upgrade eventually but I think that wont be for at least two years hence thinking of getting the current then upgrading if/when that happens (it's just so beautiful to wait that long for : ) )

 

I would say the PO / 300 MC reissue is more of Omega's idea of a direct competitor to the Sub, as they tend to have a much more restrained, subtle style (and already feature the 8500 as you point out). The regular Seamaster such as the one you posted above has a more contemporary style that reminds me more of something like the TAG Heuer F1, or the next step up the ladder; it's more a casual watch for everyday wear and occupies that price point. So while they'll certainly keep it fresh by updating every couple of years, I don't think we'll see these with upscale movements for the foreseeable future - unless Omega decides to reposition itself, of course (like TAG did by going downmarket).

 

I thought by 2017 all Omegas will have in house design movements with the exception of the Speedmaster Moonwatch. If they do put the 8500 in the basic Seamaster it will be considerably more expensive, then the whole model line will have a price increase. If Omega wait till 2017 that could be around 18 months from now by then a price hike could be expected and almost justified anyway. Also by then new improvements and adjustments could happen to the rest of the middle/higher Omega watches anyway to further justify price hikes. Then again I may be off the mark.

 

I think I heard this somewhere also RE: inhouse by 2017..problem is I don't particularly like the SM300. Its very nice looking but very vintage where as you say I prefer the more contemporary look of the Professional. I am also considering the PO 42mm standard but not sure I am keen on the grey bezel..

 

Black dial ceramic PO? There's a watch for that!! The LMLE PO

 

You are correct myself and other members have discussed the in house design thing before. I gave you my opinion as you had the same query. Look, there is no correct or wrong answer you get what you are happy with. The SMP will change eventually down the road but if you like the current design go for it as you may not like the next refresh in house or no in house. Sure the current SMP is ETA based but it is set apart by the co axial which is an Omega only thing. The SMP is a great looking watch also you cant go wrong with the PO 42mm SS.

 

Whats the LE version?

 

1947 units made. before Omega had the ceramic models they made this LE with the ceramic bezel and liquid metal applied numbers. Matching ceramic dial the only matching dial /bezel within the PO line. Applied numerals and Logo. Red instead of orange legends and an added Zirconium Dioxide Zco2 Liquid metal legend on center dial. Metal casebook (pre sapphire display backs) slimmer profile (2500 movement) so basically you have all the best qualities of the old 2500 PO and the new 8500 together in one. Even today they command a good price although they lowered a little last year. You should be able to find one for around 6g. Here are some pics of it alone on Nato and next to the 8500 for comparison.

 

I just wonder why they didn't make the ceramic model black instead of grey??

 

Maybe they will, as I said look for the LE of that's a decisive factor to you.

I actually like the new PO except for the case thickness

 

I agree that the SMP needs to step up.. And Omega needs to up the entry level...
There are no $3k Rolex
An 8500 movement is a natural evolution along with the re-introduction of the wave dial (personal wish)

But I wouldn't worry about a price increase in the US .. As the USD challenges parity with the CHF... The USA is one of the most expensive places in the world to purchase... We have seen price decreases in other watch companies... AP/Patek/VC have all adjusted at the higher levels.. Now it's a question of if Rolex Blinks...

 

Just dont know whether to get the SMP back and love it then upgrade when/if they upgrade it but i'm gonna take a bath on it loss wise!

 

In my opinion I think Omega should let the SMPc evolution rest now for a while. The ceramic bezel with smooth dial and applied indices is perfect. The size is perfect for most enthusiasts and collectors, not too big and chunky. The bracelet is comfortable and instantly recognizable. If Omega wants to throw an in-house movement in there someday I sure hope they don't mess with the case thickness too much.

 

I'm wearing a Sub date ceramic and I have to say i've always felt the SMP current bracelet is one of the best i've seen on any watch. Only thing that it could use is the 904L rolex steel as my last SMP bracelet had loads of hair line scratches on it (althought these all came off with service)

 

I hear you on the 904L but at twice the price I'll keep polishing the SMP bracelet! And speaking of price, I think the SMPc is one of the best bargains out there today. Even at retail pricing it is a steal. And now they come with the fancy dancy new box, which is quite the step up from that ratty cheap red abomination.

 

Completly agree. I can get it for £2200 new from an AD I know quite well and really tempting to pull the trigger and have my sub date/seamaster combo wearing one each other week so they dont get worn out. Now another decision..blue or black Always been partial to the blue myself as it links back to the original seamaster heritage. Wonder which is more popular?

 

The appeal of the blue-dial SMP has grown on me quite a bit recently, so much so that it will likely be my next Omega watch purchase. It is arguably one of Omega's most iconic modern watches, with the blue dial distancing the watch quite nicely from the Submariner. I also hope that Omega keeps the 2500 movement inside, mainly because of its historic role in bringing a watch with a co-axial escapement into large scale production.

 

Yes I think as someone else rightly said, they introduced the SM300 last year to directly 'answer' the Submariner I believe in terms of in house movement and price point potentially allowing them to leave the SMP alone as you say its their bred and butter model. So I have decided..I will be putting a pic up of the two most iconic dive watches ever made shoulder to shoulder soon hopefully

 

I recently got the black SMP 300m and it is one of the most comfortable watches I own.

 

Saw this a couple of days ago and I thought about it. Sure didn't last too long.
FS: Omega Seamaster 300 SPECTRE Limited Edition...