Seamaster 300M watch straps

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Hi

I'm about to purchase either
https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/...axial-master-chronometer-42-mm-21032422001001

or

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/...axial-master-chronometer-42-mm-21032422001003

What I would like to know is it worth paying the extra for the watch with the strap that comes with the foldover clasp as I do prefer that type of strap or do I just purchase a aftermarket rubber strap with a fold over clasp?

Also is the aluminium bezel a better option over the ceramic bezel or vice versa?
 
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Not sure if this was one of your considerations, but I would buy it on the bracelet and see if they will throw in or heavily discount the rubber on the deployant clasp. Then you'll have both and you can buy aftermarket straps to use with the deployant. Used ones come up for sale frequently as well.
 
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For the most part, I would base your decision on which watch you prefer the look of. They are both similar enough in function and quality that the main deciding point should be which you would rather look down and see on your wrist.

With respect to strap, both styles have their proponents. Some prefer the simplicity of the pin and buckle. Some prefer the "specialness" of the fold over clasp.

Pros of the pin and buckle: cheaper, easier to change holes, less material that doubles over under your wrist. Cons of pin and buckle: it's easier to drop the watch when taking it off or putting it on.

Pros of the fold over clasp: it looks cooler, it's less prone to slip out of your hands while taking off or putting on, the clasp tends to anchor the watch in place such that it can be a little less snug than the pin and buckle and still not slide around. Cons: more expensive, harder to change holes, more material doubles up under your wrist.

To me the two are a push. Both are good, both have drawbacks.

With respect to bezel, it's really personal preference. The ceramic bezel is shiny, kind of more blingy. It is more durable in that it's really difficult to scratch and color does not fade. However, it can shatter if it takes a blow and it's much more expensive to replace than aluminum. The aluminum bezel is more old school. It has a muted, dull appearance so it's not as blingy. However, it can scratch. That said, the aluminum bezels Omega and Tudor are using today are much more durable than those of the 90s/00s and before. I've looked at tons of them preowned and very, very few of them have bad scratches. I also think the color is more UV stable, but that might just be because we don't see watches with this type of bezel older than 10-15 years old.

In the end, my suggestion is to pick the one you like from an appearance standpoint. Or choose the ceramic if you really need a date.

Personally, I prefer the aluminum bezel version. I think it looks more like a proper dive watch than a dress diver due to its less blingy appearance. I prefer the small wave pattern (like the SMPs of the 90s and 00s). And while the aluminum bezel can be scratched, it can also be replaced if the scratch was really bad. And like I said before, I don't see a lot of scratches on these. And if it did get some small nicks and scratches given its old school appearance the "damage" will look natural and right at home, like a Submariner from the 70s.
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For the most part, I would base your decision on which watch you prefer the look of. They are both similar enough in function and quality that the main deciding point should be which you would rather look down and see on your wrist.

With respect to strap, both styles have their proponents. Some prefer the simplicity of the pin and buckle. Some prefer the "specialness" of the fold over clasp.

Pros of the pin and buckle: cheaper, easier to change holes, less material that doubles over under your wrist. Cons of pin and buckle: it's easier to drop the watch when taking it off or putting it on.

Pros of the fold over clasp: it looks cooler, it's less prone to slip out of your hands while taking off or putting on, the clasp tends to anchor the watch in place such that it can be a little less snug than the pin and buckle and still not slide around. Cons: more expensive, harder to change holes, more material doubles up under your wrist.

To me the two are a push. Both are good, both have drawbacks.

With respect to bezel, it's really personal preference. The ceramic bezel is shiny, kind of more blingy. It is more durable in that it's really difficult to scratch and color does not fade. However, it can shatter if it takes a blow and it's much more expensive to replace than aluminum. The aluminum bezel is more old school. It has a muted, dull appearance so it's not as blingy. However, it can scratch. That said, the aluminum bezels Omega and Tudor are using today are much more durable than those of the 90s/00s and before. I've looked at tons of them preowned and very, very few of them have bad scratches. I also think the color is more UV stable, but that might just be because we don't see watches with this type of bezel older than 10-15 years old.

In the end, my suggestion is to pick the one you like from an appearance standpoint. Or choose the ceramic if you really need a date.

Personally, I prefer the aluminum bezel version. I think it looks more like a proper dive watch than a dress diver due to its less blingy appearance. I prefer the small wave pattern (like the SMPs of the 90s and 00s). And while the aluminum bezel can be scratched, it can also be replaced if the scratch was really bad. And like I said before, I don't see a lot of scratches on these. And if it did get some small nicks and scratches given its old school appearance the "damage" will look natural and right at home, like a Submariner from the 70s.

Thank you for your in depth reply, lots to think about and it seems like the most important thing is to just pick the watch face I like and get the straps I want afterwards. When I tried them on I did think the ceramic bezel watch was more bling and that must by why as I couldn't work out why it looked more bling at the time.

As dsstephens mentioned maybe I should purchase a steel bracelet as they are more expensive to purchase afterwards. I do prefer the Mesh bracelet as the other steel bracelet just looks odd to me.
 
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Thank you for your in depth reply, lots to think about and it seems like the most important thing is to just pick the watch face I like and get the straps I want afterwards. When I tried them on I did think the ceramic bezel watch was more bling and that must by why as I couldn't work out why it looked more bling at the time.

As dsstephens mentioned maybe I should purchase a steel bracelet as they are more expensive to purchase afterwards. I do prefer the Mesh bracelet as the other steel bracelet just looks odd to me.
If you don't like the bracelet, I wouldn't get it, which would require you to buy the rubber strap separately. The bracelet is polarizing. Personally, I don't like it. I don't like its chunkiness and I don't like it being non-tapering. I'm also not a big fan of the overall pattern. I own 90s era SMPs that have this bracelet but I wear them with something else probably 95% of the time. The only reason I ever wear them with the original bracelet is to totally emulate the Brosnan Bond look. Love the SMP--don't love the 9 link non-tapering bracelet.
 
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If you don't like the bracelet, I wouldn't get it, which would require you to buy the rubber strap separately. The bracelet is polarizing. Personally, I don't like it. I don't like its chunkiness and I don't like it being non-tapering. I'm also not a big fan of the overall pattern. I own 90s era SMPs that have this bracelet but I wear them with something else probably 95% of the time. The only reason I ever wear them with the original bracelet is to totally emulate the Brosnan Bond look. Love the SMP--don't love the 9 link non-tapering bracelet.
I don’t line that bracelet either. Something about just doesn’t suit the watch. The steel bracelet I was considering would be the the Mesh one though.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/...axial-master-chronometer-42-mm-21030422001010
 
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I don’t line that bracelet either. Something about just doesn’t suit the watch. The steel bracelet I was considering would be the the Mesh one though.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/...axial-master-chronometer-42-mm-21030422001010
The mesh bracelet is also polarizing. I think most people think it looks good, but the fit and comfort is hit or miss based on the size and shape of your wrist. My wrist is just under 7 inches I felt like I got a good, comfortable fit. But some people report an uncomfortable fit with weird gapping.

If you go that route I would definitely try one on before you buy one. Definitely don't buy one online and hope for the best.

Also, I have found generic versions of the mesh that look and feel identical to the OEM version for about 1/10 of the price. I own one and sold my OEM mesh.
 
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The mesh bracelet is also polarizing. I think most people think it looks good, but the fit and comfort is hit or miss based on the size and shape of your wrist. My wrist is just under 7 inches I felt like I got a good, comfortable fit. But some people report an uncomfortable fit with weird gapping.

If you go that route I would definitely try one on before you buy one. Definitely don't buy one online and hope for the best.

Also, I have found generic versions of the mesh that look and feel identical to the OEM version for about 1/10 of the price. I own one and sold my OEM mesh.
About the same size wrist as me then. I will go back into the store this week and try them on but I’m thinking I’m more favouring the rubber strap with the fold over clasp with the black aluminium face and just buy a aftermarket mesh bracelet. Can you recommend where you purchased your bracelet from?
Thanks once again for your help with this
 
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About the same size wrist as me then. I will go back into the store this week and try them on but I’m thinking I’m more favouring the rubber strap with the fold over clasp with the black aluminium face and just buy a aftermarket mesh bracelet. Can you recommend where you purchased your bracelet from?
Thanks once again for your help with this
The seller I bought from doesn't have any in stock anymore. What country are you in? I'm sure I can find something that works for you.

If you're getting an aftermarket mesh I wouldn't worry about trying before you buy. $100 or less is not much risk compared to $900+ for the OEM mesh. If if your wrist is around 7 inches you should be fine.
 
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The seller I bought from doesn't have any in stock anymore. What country are you in? I'm sure I can find something that works for you.

If you're getting an aftermarket mesh I wouldn't worry about trying before you buy. $100 or less is not much risk compared to $900+ for the OEM mesh. If if your wrist is around 7 inches you should be fine.
I’m based in the UK. I’ve had a look today online and found some around £80 on eBay and seem to have good reviews. It seems easier to find a mesh bracelet compared to finding a good rubber strap with a fold over clasp so I’m going to order one with a fold over clasp with the watch
 
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I’m based in the UK. I’ve had a look today online and found some around £80 on eBay and seem to have good reviews. It seems easier to find a mesh bracelet compared to finding a good rubber strap with a fold over clasp so I’m going to order one with a fold over clasp with the watch
Ok. It's pretty easy to tell if it's a quality one. The mesh will have a flattened appearance and the hole rivets will look identical to the OEM model. And of course the similar looking fold over clasp. They're probably all made in the same Chinese factory anyway. 😉
 
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Ok. It's pretty easy to tell if it's a quality one. The mesh will have a flattened appearance and the hole rivets will look identical to the OEM model. And of course the similar looking fold over clasp. They're probably all made in the same Chinese factory anyway. 😉
Ok cool, I’ll do some research into those then.
My main issue now is deciding between the 2 watches I’m looking at and which one I should purchase. Trying to see where the extra £500 is in cost between the 2 watches now. One has a better strap and then one has ceramic bezel compared to the aluminium bezel which I can now see advantages of each. I just need to spend more time in the shop and try them on again
 
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Ok cool, I’ll do some research into those then.
My main issue now is deciding between the 2 watches I’m looking at and which one I should purchase. Trying to see where the extra £500 is in cost between the 2 watches now. One has a better strap and then one has ceramic bezel compared to the aluminium bezel which I can now see advantages of each. I just need to spend more time in the shop and try them on again

They don't use the same movement. It could be as simple as Omega making far more 8800 movements than 8806 and therefore being able to make them less expensively given the greater economies of scale. I wouldn't work too hard trying to find the difference. The price is the price.

Keep this in mind, if you buy the less expensive version when you preferred the other, that thought is going to be with you far longer than the memory of saving £500.

You can also try to use the seemly illogical price difference to get a discount on the more expensive one.
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They don't use the same movement. It could be as simple as Omega making far more 8800 movements than 8806 and therefore being able to make them less expensively given the greater economies of scale. I wouldn't work too hard trying to find the difference. The price is the price.

Keep this in mind, if you buy the less expensive version when you preferred the other, that thought is going to be with you far longer than the memory of saving £500.

You can also try to use the seemly illogical price difference to get a discount on the more expensive one.

They don't use the same movement. It could be as simple as Omega making far more 8800 movements than 8806 and therefore being able to make them less expensively given the greater economies of scale. I wouldn't work too hard trying to find the difference. The price is the price.

Keep this in mind, if you buy the less expensive version when you preferred the other, that thought is going to be with you far longer than the memory of saving £500.

You can also try to use the seemly illogical price difference to get a discount on the more expensive one.
I had another look at the watches today and tried them all on again. I really liked the mesh bracelet on the watch and also felt really comfortable on me. The no date just looks a better watch when looking up close but whilst I was there they showed me the new 42mm planet ocean and now that seems to have made my choice even harder as that looked really good. Also fitted on the wrist really well
 
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Personally, like the new PO, would've picked on up if I didn't have a bunch of divers in my collection already. Wrist time would be limited but will probably grab one in the future.. Th look is totally different than any other diver out there.

With the two Seamasters your looking at can't go wrong with either. Was never a fan of the laser cut waves, but kept comparing them to my original Bond Seamaster with the small waves which were more subtle. The other part is the thickness of it. The transparent case backs are the culprit and instead of the great case back designs they used to make, they went simple to show off the movement. Can't remember the last time I stared at the movement with my naked eye. Feels gimmicky to me because they only used to do those for limited edition releases.
 
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But above all, don't think about price. Easiest way to make a decision since you're narrowed them down is to have them placed on a tray next to each other, then make your decision based on the one you like more. If you're taking to long have the swap one out for another. Swap out different models and do the same thing. When you concentrate only on the watch, it becomes clearer on what you really want.

Best of luck with your decision.
 
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But above all, don't think about price. Easiest way to make a decision since you're narrowed them down is to have them placed on a tray next to each other, then make your decision based on the one you like more. If you're taking to long have the swap one out for another. Swap out different models and do the same thing. When you concentrate only on the watch, it becomes clearer on what you really want.

Best of luck with your decision.
Hi, I feel like the more and more I’m thinking between the 2 seamasters the more I prefer the no date one. Think as you said about the waves on each watch the subtle ones just look smarter and more sharp.
But the PO is really tempting me now to go this route. I like the fact it’s the latest design and seems a lot different to all the original seamasters out there at the moment.
I also think you are right to not think of the price of them because I think I need to go with my heart now and not with my head as this will be my first nice watch