New member here looking for input. I've worn Rolex for years and years....but am ready to expand and buy an Omega. I went to an AD today and tried on both the black dial versions on the Seamaster 300m and the Planet Ocean 43.5..both on steel. I'm having such a hard time deciding between the two. There are things I like, and dislike about each, and don't think there is a wrong decision. I was offered a 10% discount on either model, which ok I guess. For reference, I currently own a Hulk Sub, platinum dial YM, silver dial DJ, 2 tone gold dial DJ, a very quirky "harley dial" OP, and a Tudor Black Bay 41 (black dial, blue bezel)
Any insight and comments are greatly appreciated.

 

Both are good watches, very similar from a technical perspective and it's more a matter of which you like most. When the new 300M came out a while ago many reviewers noted that it made a Planet Ocean a bit superflous as it got many of the features that were previously only available on the planet ocean range.

The Planet Ocean is a bit more traditional Omega with its thick markers and arrow hands while the 300M carries the nineties design. I would choose the Planet Ocean as it's more distinct from your current pieces (if you can handle the heft as it's a very thick watch). Should you want to get rid of it, I suspect there would be more interested buyers for the 300M though.

 

I don’t like the bracelet on the newer 300M, i much prefer it on the older wave dial models. The Planet Ocean bracelet is the most comfortable of the Omegas that I’ve owned to-date and the female end links make its lug to lug very comfortable.

Overall, I prefer the design of the Planet Ocean line to the 300M line, especially in the latest generation.

 

It won't matter. Whichever you choose, you will inevitably begin to pine for the other.

Cursed we are, cursed I say.

 

I assume you have worn them at the AD? These are both great models with top notch tech inside. If you physically can wear the PO (it is heavy and case is higher), I would go for this one. However this is just personal preference. The 300 is slimmer if it does matter. In terms of tech: I have Omegas running with both the 8500/8900 and the 8800 caliber and it does not matter which one you chose, they are both robust and accurate. However the 8800 has a quick set date while the 8900 has a date setting function via the hour hand, which is maybe somewhat clumsier to handle than the quick set date, mainly if you will continue to wear and rotate with your Rolexes.

My personal choice out of the present collection would be either the Titanium 007 SM 300M or the coral red-white PO. Couldn't decide either.

 

I have both, though the previous SMPc. Have worn the SMPc only one day since the PO was purchased 3 months ago. Will likely keep both.

 

I got the orange/white PO a couple of months ago and it has been on my wrist a lot more than anything else, including my Kermit.

 

If the thickness were the same on both, this post would not exist, you were wearing the PO now.

So, check the thickness issue, focus on that, then decide.

 

Both different watches in size and design look

I find Seamaster 300 more versatile for any occasion and its smaller watch

 

What an amazing collection! The Planet Ocean is the way to go!

 

I too just bought the orange and white planet ocean and absolutely love it. Very unique and very very comfortable. I love the fact that the watch color combination is so unique, almost one of a kind, compared to other watches.

 

Planet ocean 43.5! I just bought the orange and white one and constantly get compliments on it. The color combination is stunning and the fact that it’s a one-of-a-kind color combination makes it even more unique and appealing.

 

My favorite color combination. I just bought one myself as love it!

 

I have the PO GMT and love it. Never really felt the need for a SMP, my next inbound Omega is an Aqua Terra.

 

This post needs more pics. Love your Cookies and Cream.

 

More compaaritive PO eye candy.

 

I love them!

 

Up until a week ago, I faced a similar decision: the new Seamaster 300 in steel, or the PO…. Both now have the 8900 series movement which I prefer for its quick hour setting when traveling (do I look forward to international travel again…).
My OB had me try on the new SM 300, love it’s dial, hands, movement, size, but a bit less the bracelet and clasp (not a fan of polished bracelet links that I only end up scratching up).

And the winner is, for me at least: a lovely (albeit weighty) PO GMT, with the Orca bezel, graces my wrist now. I do have a flair for GMT complications

 

If you can get your hands on a PO LMLE all your questions will likely have found an answer! to me the best Omega diving watch ever made

I never much liked the 300m, I find it a bit bland (purely personal opinion). However having seen a Bond tribute 300m in the flesh (the one with the gun barrel design and the coat of arms on it, don’t know the model reference), in a gold case, I have to say that one was very very nice! So, more options!

 

I have had this dilemma for years, I think the bracelet and the dial on the planet ocean win it for me. They are just better. If Omega released a new Planet Ocean with an illuminated bezel and it was a bit thinner it really is a no contest. The dial on the planet ocean is vastly underrated it just pops the hands are better and the bracelet is probably one of the best on the market.