Hi Guys,

I'm Matteo, an Italian watch geek that is living in UK since quite few years.

Living here I recently discover this forum and the world of the SeaMaster 300 watchco.

About this topic I would like to ask you what you think about those watches and how an owner should service them through the omega service network. Of course, I'm asking you that because I love these watches but the price of the "real vintage" one are rocketing in the last years.

Thank you to who will contribute to this thread and to who will give me a accurate idea about these spectacular watches.

 

I recently purchased one, and I like it a lot. It was a lot cheaper then a real vintage one, although at some point I hope to add one to my collection. But for now the Watchco more then scratches the itch.

I have no intent on ever having it serviced by Omega, so really just need a watchmaker who works with vintage Omega divers.

 

I own one. Love it.



(That's a 1998/840 bracelet btw)





I'm unaware if Omega will service these, though because they are authorizing the assembly, I would have to think so. But I've been wrong (many) times before! [emoji23]

 

There are quite a few threads on the forum discussing the Watchco SM300.

Personally, I love them and hope to own one some day. I almost did recently, until some other shiny object stole my attention.

So long as they are represented correctly by the seller, I see no issues whatsoever with them existing.

In my opinion, Omega really dropped the ball in not maintaining the line as they did with the Speedmaster. Such an iconic design... certainly the equal of its Rolex contemporary.

I wouldn't be surprised if we see a re-issue down the line à la the recent faithful re-issue of the original Speedy/Railmaster/Seamaster.

Just make sure you do your research and take your time finding one with a service history as well as being reasonably priced.

 

Wow!!! It looks beautiful... Congratulations!! I hope to find mine as well!!

 

I Completely agree with you... The point is know what are you buying and sell it for what it is!!

 

One of my favourite watches. I won't hear a bad word about them.

 

Plenty of options in the UK for specialist vintage watchmakers without going to Omega for a service.

 

Afaik, Omega will officially service them, but on the other hand experienced watchmaker should be able to service 565/552 calibres for less costs.

 

I love them, personally I've wanted one for a few years but unfortunately always been bad timing when one has come along for me and now with the current pricing / market I am just hoping and waiting that the prices will drop down.

As far as servicing as others have pointed out finding a qualified independant person should not be too hard.

 

To me, the Watchco concept is bass-akwards. I would think vintage externals with a modern movement makes more sense. Unless vintage movements are superior to modern ones, which I doubt.

 

The movements used in the watchco Seamasters are by all accounts rock solid reliable and easily serviced. They are also extremely plentiful, unlike the case and dials from original SM300's.

 

I had one. Bought it from a member here. Really liked it a lot until the crown snapped off while changing the date when I had just landed in Beijing. The local boutique thought it was a fake and the guy tried to toss it across the room (I kid you not), but thankfully I had quick reflexes and literally grabbed his hand as he was winding up. That was not a good experience. It nearly turned into a fist fight. Thankfully my girlfriend was there, translating and gave the watchmaker hell.

Two months later I was back in the USA, had it serviced and sold it. Bought a new Planet Ocean.

Personally I would recommend buying the no-date Seamaster 300. No antiquated hard to use date change function.

 

If the cost of one of these Watchco models is half the cost of an Omega Seamaster then it makes sense. But older movements have been supplanted by newer movements for a reason. These Watchco models sound like "official knockoffs"to me.

 

Thank you very much guys for your replies and opinions. My point is that I really love that Omega SeaMaster 300 but here in UK the price of a vintage one are literally rocketing... nowadays we are talking over 6K for one in medium (not excellent) conditions.

My 30th birthday is coming in 6 months and I have 3 different watches in my mind with different prices:
- zenith el primero 38 mm
- omega SeaMaster 300 watchCo
- Glashutte Original panomatic lunar

The price of the Omega is so lower than the other 2 that I'm really tempted to go for one of those. That's my dilemma...

 

I'd honestly go for the WatchCo without thinking twice.

Having owned one, I don't understand why it's 1) not more popular and 2) Omega didn't continue to make them. It's all the charm of a vintage diver but a hell of a lot more usability, since you can have 100% confidence in the case.

I haven't really worn much else since I got mine:



That's a Tropic strap by Joseph Bonnie by the way, highly recommend it.

 

The 'reason' the original movements were supplanted was cost. What came after had way more problems, were less carefully decorated and steepened the decline of Omega as a movement manufacturer in the 1970s until they gave up altogether and started using off the shelf ETA stuff by 1980. The 1000 series movements were introduced to save money, not because they were superior. Do your homework and you will see that the 552 and 565 are excellent movements and shouldn't be dismissed so quickly.

 

I may get shot for saying this, but have you looked at the new 300M Seamaster Coaxial? It has that vintage flair, broad arrow, sandwich dial feel, greet bezel. It's a mix between this one and the original aesthetically .IMO. You can get one from the forum for a reasonable price, it has a new movement. Best of both worlds!

 

I like the 2254.50.00. Rock solid modern watch with a vintage twist long before the the retro themes that we see today in watch design. I could never understand why they discontinued this model. Looks great with black dial and fantastic lume!!!! I like the watchco so good luck with your choice.

 

You either get them or you don't, but you can't really judge till you've tried wearing one for a few hours. For me the appeal of the Watchco 300 is the "time machine" factor, like going back to 1968 and returning with a brand new Seamaster that combines the vintage look with being a great "tool watch". The externals being service parts means you can wear it like a modern watch without the concern of damaging a prized vintage item. It's true that the 565 can be awkward when setting the time, but I find it useful to have the date on a watch. Mine has become my "go to".