- Posts
- 45
- Likes
- 94
MikeJF
·Good afternoon folks:
As a newer member to the forum, I wanted to create a post that would generate meaningful discussion. I also wanted to address a topic I’ve researched a bit and help educate those who may be in the same boat I was a couple months ago. I know there are contributors on the forum who know more than I do so your feedback/comments/questions are always welcome.
Today’s review/discussion is on the Omega Seamaster 300 Titanium (Ti).
One of my first luxury watches I purchased was the SM 300 SS and it was hands down my favorite watch. I loved the retro aesthetics, the bezel, the size, you name it. The watch felt like it was made with me in mind. A couple months ago, I had the opportunity to add a new watch to my collection: The Trilogy Railmaster. Although excited about my acquisition, I had difficulty justifying keeping both the Railmaster and SM300 since the dials were so similar. I loved the construction of the SM300 and figured I could sell my SS and upgrade to the Ti. I currently do not have a blue dial in my collection and felt it was a perfect fit.
Let’s dive in!
Titanium
Alright, let’s address with the elephant in the room: Titanium. As a watch material, titanium is extremely polarizing; you either love it or hate it. I’ll be honest, I had my doubts about purchasing the SM300 Ti. The purist in me felt SS was the only option, but the more I sit and look at this watch, the more I can honestly say I’m happy with my purchase. Omega upped the ante with its titanium alloy, and it is extremely fitting for this “tool” watch. The Grade 5 alloy Omega used makes for a much harder, scratch resistant alternative to steel and even grade 2 titanium. Omega uses a 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium combination. Although I have seen conflicting reports, the Grade 5 titanium is more scratch resistant. I obviously have those hairline nicks on the bracelet, but I have noticed a good cleaning cloth and a dab of water and I can usually “blend” the marks into the metal. It is a huge upgrade from the soft Grade 2 Ti.
The color of grade 5 was a pleasant surprise. I was preparing for a drab grey, however, the grade 5 presents itself as a warmer alternative. You still get that steel look (especially in the polished center links), but you have what appears to be this matte glaze that takes away some of the sharpness of SS when hitting light. The feel of the ti is warm to the touch and it feels great on your wrist.
Weight
No doubt the biggest draw to the SM300 Ti is the weight. There is about a 30-40% reduction in weight compared to its SS counterpart. I was shocked first putting this on. Although a noticeable weight reduction, there’s still a heft to this watch. The casing and movement still provide a solid feel; “top heavy” is a good way to define it. If wearing a NATO or leather band, there’s little difference in weight from the SS model.
Dial
Lastly, I wanted to take the time to gush over this dial. I am absolutely in love with this shade of blue. It’s warm, welcoming, and sparks joy each time I read the time. It’s not your standard blue. It doesn’t come off as annoying and in your face like a lot of blue dials. The matte sandblast finish helps soften it a bit. The beauty of this shade is the way it interacts with the light. The dial and light are in this constant dance, weaving in and out of sharp and dull qualities. It is what you would imagine a dive watch dial to look like. The indices work so well with the blue(s) as well. I know faux-tina is another controversial topic, but the cream/beige tones of the indices mesh well with the dial. It’s a beautifully crafted dial and it is very pleasing to the eye.
Overall Score: 8.5 out of 10
Overall, I am very pleased with the SM300 Ti. As much I have enthusiastically described my watch wearing experience, this is in no way shape or form a knock on the classic SS model. The SS is a beautiful piece and works well with most budgets. However, the SS has been done before. Omega has essentially developed a market on matte black and patina/faux-tina indices. It is tried and true. But the SM300 Ti is revolutionary. It’s off the beaten path and for that, strikes a chord with me. If you are looking for something new on your wrist, this is the watch for you.
As a newer member to the forum, I wanted to create a post that would generate meaningful discussion. I also wanted to address a topic I’ve researched a bit and help educate those who may be in the same boat I was a couple months ago. I know there are contributors on the forum who know more than I do so your feedback/comments/questions are always welcome.
Today’s review/discussion is on the Omega Seamaster 300 Titanium (Ti).
One of my first luxury watches I purchased was the SM 300 SS and it was hands down my favorite watch. I loved the retro aesthetics, the bezel, the size, you name it. The watch felt like it was made with me in mind. A couple months ago, I had the opportunity to add a new watch to my collection: The Trilogy Railmaster. Although excited about my acquisition, I had difficulty justifying keeping both the Railmaster and SM300 since the dials were so similar. I loved the construction of the SM300 and figured I could sell my SS and upgrade to the Ti. I currently do not have a blue dial in my collection and felt it was a perfect fit.
Let’s dive in!
Titanium
Alright, let’s address with the elephant in the room: Titanium. As a watch material, titanium is extremely polarizing; you either love it or hate it. I’ll be honest, I had my doubts about purchasing the SM300 Ti. The purist in me felt SS was the only option, but the more I sit and look at this watch, the more I can honestly say I’m happy with my purchase. Omega upped the ante with its titanium alloy, and it is extremely fitting for this “tool” watch. The Grade 5 alloy Omega used makes for a much harder, scratch resistant alternative to steel and even grade 2 titanium. Omega uses a 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium combination. Although I have seen conflicting reports, the Grade 5 titanium is more scratch resistant. I obviously have those hairline nicks on the bracelet, but I have noticed a good cleaning cloth and a dab of water and I can usually “blend” the marks into the metal. It is a huge upgrade from the soft Grade 2 Ti.
The color of grade 5 was a pleasant surprise. I was preparing for a drab grey, however, the grade 5 presents itself as a warmer alternative. You still get that steel look (especially in the polished center links), but you have what appears to be this matte glaze that takes away some of the sharpness of SS when hitting light. The feel of the ti is warm to the touch and it feels great on your wrist.
Weight
No doubt the biggest draw to the SM300 Ti is the weight. There is about a 30-40% reduction in weight compared to its SS counterpart. I was shocked first putting this on. Although a noticeable weight reduction, there’s still a heft to this watch. The casing and movement still provide a solid feel; “top heavy” is a good way to define it. If wearing a NATO or leather band, there’s little difference in weight from the SS model.
Dial
Lastly, I wanted to take the time to gush over this dial. I am absolutely in love with this shade of blue. It’s warm, welcoming, and sparks joy each time I read the time. It’s not your standard blue. It doesn’t come off as annoying and in your face like a lot of blue dials. The matte sandblast finish helps soften it a bit. The beauty of this shade is the way it interacts with the light. The dial and light are in this constant dance, weaving in and out of sharp and dull qualities. It is what you would imagine a dive watch dial to look like. The indices work so well with the blue(s) as well. I know faux-tina is another controversial topic, but the cream/beige tones of the indices mesh well with the dial. It’s a beautifully crafted dial and it is very pleasing to the eye.
Overall Score: 8.5 out of 10
Overall, I am very pleased with the SM300 Ti. As much I have enthusiastically described my watch wearing experience, this is in no way shape or form a knock on the classic SS model. The SS is a beautiful piece and works well with most budgets. However, the SS has been done before. Omega has essentially developed a market on matte black and patina/faux-tina indices. It is tried and true. But the SM300 Ti is revolutionary. It’s off the beaten path and for that, strikes a chord with me. If you are looking for something new on your wrist, this is the watch for you.
