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Of all seamaster’s out there, which one is best rival to the submariner?

  1. chronostart Oct 30, 2019

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    Well,the title says it all and actually to me there is no definitive answer.
    So,I wanted to read your opinion on this subject. There are many types of seamasters in omega catalog.
    Which one of them in your opinion can best rival the submariner?
     
  2. dennisthemenace Hey, he asked for it! Oct 30, 2019

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    All of them.
     
  3. flw history nerd Oct 30, 2019

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    I would say either the Seamaster Diver or the Seamaster 300 (they are different models despite being labeled similarly). Same water resistance rating as the Submariner, same basic functions, similar build quality, and a much better value for money at time of purchase.
     
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  4. scapa Oct 30, 2019

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    As a recent Seamaster owner not sure I'm qualified to answer this, but IIRC the early Seamaster 300 was considered a rival to the Submariner and was sold and commissioned as such, so there's a historical precedent to the comparison, even if Rolex can be said to have surged ahead at the time and maintained that advantage for a long time afterwards.

    Also, today's review marketplace is full of reviews of the 2018 SMP Diver 300 as a more sensibly-priced "Submariner killer" -- suggesting that this former comparison/rivalry is now back on in earnest, and that the Omega is catching up/ has caught up/ has surpassed the Rolex as the one to beat in that sector. Plenty of up-and-coming dive watches seem to be compared to the Submariner as the de-facto standard, but there re enough similarities to the designs to make this comparo a natural one, IMO (I own a Sub ND, and would largely agree).

    There's quite a few like the below:


    https://deployant.com/review-diving...-professional-smp-diver-300m-baselworld-2018/

    That said, the Planet Ocean 600 is closer in price (though not that close anymore, really), and would seem to be a natural competitor in the luxury diver category, as this review suggests:

    https://www.fratellowatches.com/rolex-submariner-vs-omega-seamaster/

    Again, plumbing the rich history of these two legendary divers, and even making sense of the present, is well beyond my ken. But it's an interesting and persistent question.
     
    Edited Oct 30, 2019
    stappe, dinexus and chronostart like this.
  5. Kingkongsfinger Oct 30, 2019

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    Always wondered why the back of Rolex watches are so plain and boring?
     
  6. alecuncu Oct 30, 2019

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    Depends on your tastes. To me the Seamaster Diver 300m with the wavy blue dial and bezel is better looking that the standard submariner. However, the Submariner with the sunburst dial or the "Smurf" can compete with the Diver 300m. What can I say, I like blue ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
     
  7. Speedy2254 Oct 30, 2019

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    I vote 2254. its design is directly derived from the Seamaster 300s supplied to the RN in the 60s & 70s, which served alongside the MilSub. Of the modern ones, I'd suggest the 300 Master Co-axial with its military styling, again redolent of the original military Seamasters.
     
  8. mz_cle Oct 30, 2019

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    I always assumed to court purchasers who plan to give the watch as a gift with an engraving. Rolex's movements are also utilitarian looking, so I never thought a display back really had much merit in their case.
     
  9. sjg22 Oct 30, 2019

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    Seconded re: the 2254.

    What disqualifies more recent, Co-Axial Seamasters from consideration is their thickness. If you've worn a Sub (or GMT for that matter), the thickness (or lack thereof) makes the Sub such a versatile watch, and is a major reason as to why it's such a classic IMO.
     
    Edited Oct 30, 2019
  10. maine-iac1 Oct 30, 2019

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    I vote Seamaster Planet Ocean but I'm biased. My PO 39.5 has similar dimensions to the classic 40-mm Submariner. Similar understated bracelet. But, ahem, way cooler than the Rolex :)
     
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  11. dinexus Oct 30, 2019

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    For me, I think the LMLE is the perfect Seamaster, and one that rivals even the modern Submariners on a technical standpoint, while offering a more interesting design proposition.

    [​IMG]
     
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  12. Duckie Oct 30, 2019

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    I consider the old Seamaster 300's to be contenders and maybe the Peter Blake.
    I suppose anything that doesn't have skeleton hands but preferably without the screwed HEV.
     
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  13. mydeafcat Oct 30, 2019

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    Add another vote to the 2254 camp. In my opinion, a more engaging and aesthetically superior timepiece.
     
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  14. omegaswisst Oct 30, 2019

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    Dedalus05, Speedy2254 and mydeafcat like this.
  15. mydeafcat Oct 30, 2019

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    Speedy2254 likes this.
  16. Claven2 Oct 30, 2019

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    IMHO, different watches meeting different needs.

    If you are looking for the most direct comparison in terms of function, size, depth ratings, etc. than maybe the current 300M series of master coaxials is perhaps the closest offering.

    That said, most people choose one or the other over aesthetics, brand recognition or budget - not based on a detailed comparison of features or capabilities.
     
  17. Claven2 Oct 30, 2019

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    I get what you are saying, but the 2500C & D series coaxials are not thicker than a submariner. The 8500+ series movments do add some loft, I believe.
     
  18. flw history nerd Oct 30, 2019

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    The current Seamaster 300 Master Co-axial is indeed thicker than the Submariner, even the maxi-case 116610. That's due partly to the transparent caseback.
     
  19. dennisthemenace Hey, he asked for it! Oct 30, 2019

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    I think the OP's question was about the different Seamasters currently available, not ones that were discontinued donkey's years ago.
     
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  20. Speedy2254 Oct 30, 2019

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    Do you? OK.
     
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