Possible new 300m spotted on Daniel Craig

I think---like some others on this forum---I'm settling into this release. (The black one---I still think the gray one is a mess.)

I'm disappointed that Omega didn't downsize this watch to a more manageable 40mm. And the return to aluminum (as opposed to, say, a matte ceramic) is a strange move, but it's not unpleasing. I'm not sure how I feel about the mesh bracelet as I've never had a chance to try one, but I don't mind the look. At least it has a taper? And a clasp that won't malfunction?

But if I can acknowledge that Omega was unlikely to produce a watch that ticked off my entire wish-list and see this for what it is, it's really a pretty solid offering. I wanted a no-date 300m Pro. I disliked the laser-cut wave dial and much prefer this newer (Bond 60th style) version. It's a good evolution of the current gen. The price is punchy, but once availability stabilizes, assuming the watch market remains fairly stagnant, I'm guessing there will be discounts or extras for the hard bargainers among us.

Guess I'd put it this way: Omega now offers a newer-tech watch that, for me, makes a compelling alternative to early-2000s-era Rolex Submariners (14060 and 14060M), which, with a little hunting and haggling, can be found for around or just above the same price. If I were looking for a luxury no-date, aluminum bezel diver from a marquee brand and had a pick between a well-kept and RSC-serviced 14060M and and this new Omega at the same price, I'd probably pick this watch, or would at least agonize over the decision a bit. (And then come to my senses and get a Fifty Fathoms instead.)

Not sure yet whether I want to part with my Rio Seamaster (3rd gen), which fits me like a well-tailored suit. But I'm not ruling that out---need to see one of these in the metal and try it on.

Omega has been criticized heavily for making a million different anniversary LE's. They've pulled back on all of the LE and seems like they're focusing on milestone anniversaries (50, 60, 75).

Hmm. This watch is currently available, but only to military/service unit members. I'd be curious to hear more information about what you mean when you say variation?

Here is my take on this watch: I love it for almost every reason other people are criticizing it. It's not the flagship launch of a new generation and it isn't smaller, but it is essentially the most elegant 42mm SMP to-date that captures the essence of being an SMP in a lot of ways.

That is, it honestly makes a lot of sense as a end of generation review... and HOPEFULLY a preview of the next gen as well.

The only thing I do not like about it is that it only comes on a Milanese bracelet, but I'm not a huge fan of the no-taper Bond bracelet either... and I think any sort of a serious bracelet update would be for the next gen.

If Omega can continue to make the heritage diver in the ~40mm range capturing the general concept of the '50s/60s/70s style, and they can keep making the SMP line <~40mm capturing the essence of the '90s-20s, their design language might make sense two decades from now.

One can hope.