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··Ash @ ΩFOmega Seamaster Professional 300M Co-Axial With Ceramic Bezel
Reference 212.30.41.20.03.001
Powered By Omega's Co-Axial Calibre 2500D Chronometer Movement
It's hard to imagine its been over 20 years since the original Seamaster Pro 300M Diver, reference 2531.80 was released back in 1993. Since then, its gone on to become one of the iconic Seamasters with a production run that between three iterations has now exceeded the lifespan of the original Omega Seamaster 300 diver of the 50s and 60s.
Powered by the accurate and durable Calibre 2500D three level Co-Axial Chronometer movement, with an upgraded version of the intricate yet substantial solid link “Bond" bracelet, an excellent clasp mechanism and helium escape valve. The new ceramic Seamaster Pro is a watch different in nearly every way and yet still so similar to its predecessors from the 90s and 2000s.
The new bezel is made from highly scratch resistant solid ceramic, with inlayed indices made from extremely tough chromium nitride, marking a significant upgrade over the relatively fragile painted aluminium of previous versions. This alone is one of the nicest upgrades on the Seamaster Pro, it has this look and feel of glass that makes you want to touch it, yet repels those marks and scratches that damaged the old aluminium bezel (which was not cheap to replace either).
While the classic bond bracelet remains aesthetically the same, the older pin and bushing method of securing links has been replaced by a new screw system, which is a fantastic improvement that was well overdue. Rather than a single screw, Omega uses two screws one on either end which hold in place a central bushing which carries the stress but is not friction fit.
The movement new ceramic Seamasters use the D revision of the Calibre 2500 Co-Axial movement, incorporating the improved three level Co-Axial escapement operating at 25,200 vhp, a similar configuration to that used in the Calibre 8500 rather than the two level version seen in A, B and C models. While some prefer the 8500 movement and display back the 2500 does keep the Seamaster Pro significantly thinner than the Planet Ocean and in a very reasonable price segment.
Luminous material on the dial and hands glows a bright blue, with the exception of the minute hand and bezel pip, which are both a strong green for contrast, making at a glance reading of elapsed time easier for divers.
The new dial is a major departure for the Seamaster Pro line, with the traditional wave pattern painted dial being replaced by a gorgeously finished glossy blue ceramic that catches light to change colour from a vivid blue to a deep navy depending on the angle. The applied Omega logo and hour indices are made from solid white gold, and almost appear as if they're floating the glassy smooth dial. As an owner of previous Seamaster Pro models I’ll definitely miss the wave dial and some will probably prefer it but in person the gloss finish dials are remarkably clean to look at and certainly do fit with the style of the bezel nicely.
Omega has also changed the clasp, with the Seamaster Professional wording replaced by a simple and elegant Omega logo placed in the centre.
The level and detail of Omega's finishing on the Seamaster Pro has really been taken to a higher level level with this new ceramic version and they should be commended for that. The Seamaster Pro 300M always was a popular watch but it really seems like they’ve been listening to customer feedback on small gripes such as the bezel, clasp design, sizing mechanism and movement and endeavoured to step up all areas to meet owner’s demands.
These really are a watch designed to be worn every single day of its owners life, in all conditions, decade after decade, and so many of the 1990s 2531.80s have performed just that service. For that reason, if I had to choose just one timepiece to wear long term, the Seamaster Pro Ceramic would be among the top contenders, especially given its very reasonable pricing within Omega’s lineup.
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