Serica 5303-2 Diver review

Received my new (to me) Serica 5303-2 and I am not disappointed. Overall the watch feels incredibly well-built and balanced.

The fit and finish of the watch exceeded my expectations at this price point. The case, at 39mm, looks and feels just right (below is a pic against my 1680 for size). I particularly like the brushed sides and brushed/polished lug faces. The lume glows bright and green; in natural light, it looks slightly cream/green colored (think late 60s zinc sulfide lume shade).

The white dial is clean and well-proportioned. The absence of logo/font in the upper half of the dial is….well, I’m not sure yet how I feel about it. It looks very clean, but it also looks “unfinished(?)”. On the other hand, the hour markers’ positions help to fill the negative space. The black chapter ring plays nicely off the brushed metal of the bezel.

The domed sapphire crystal brings to mind the acrylic tropics found on earlier Rolex divers, but without the need to have polywatch on hand!

The mesh bracelet is deceivingly comfortable (it takes a moment to get acquainted with it, but it’s well worth it). The endlinks are an excellent design idea and executed very well (the tolerances are amazing). The clasp function looks intimidating, but its design aids in its ease of use.

The ceramic bezel turns tightly with a discernible click, while it has the slightest bit of float, it lands correctly/aligned. It can also double as a gmt function (Serica has just released a very attractive GMT, model 8315).

Much has been made of the hand slippage while engaging the crown. Granted, my particular piece has a very slight amount of play (I’m not sure if others are experiencing varying degrees of play), but mine is minimal and not an issue for me. Oddly, this little flaw reminds me of my old 390 movement in my Tudor 7928, so it’s endearing to me. I hope the company can find a way to satisfy that market segment that disagrees with me on the movement.

The watch looks great on leather or its mesh bracelet. I’m also ordering uncle Seiko metal bracelets to try them out.

Now for some pics:

You, sir, must lead a charmed life or have pristine karma from rescuing kittens or crackheads and definitely should buy Mega Millions tickets...

because my 5303, besides the looks, is an utter piece of shit on the inside.

Nice photos though! I like the white dial (folks have told me it's actually silver - can you confirm?) and debated that dial vs what I purchased ~ the black dial.

Bummer, sorry to hear that. I suppose you got one with the movement/hacking issue?

I’m not sure why this is called silver. It’s definitely not stark white, but it is indeed white. Definitely not silver.

I love the watch, and plan to add the GMT also. As an aside, if you decide to sell, let me know please.

This is why I read Omega forums

Yes, hacking and hand float out the bunghole.

Agreed, looks white as snow to me too.

The GMT was tempting (I had put in a deposit - before my 5303 arrived - but pulled it back after the 5303 was less than thrilling and I found out the lollipop GMT hand isn't lumed which struck me as very odd)... make sure to update here after you take delivery -- curious to get your thoughts. If memory serves, it's a different movement than the 5303 so that bodes well.

My movement hacks fine, but does have a tiny amount of minute hand float. It’s so minor that it’s not an issue to me.

The GMT uses a different movement, so that should be ok…I’m also waiting on some reviews since the first batch has shipped. I noticed the gmt hand isn’t lumed, I assume it was too similar in shape and position that it would be confused with hour markers. I don’t think I’ll be in a position to need to use it in the dark, so I’m overlooking it.