Hello all,

What I really like is the 165.024 sm300 no date. I have come close to a Watchco a couple of times but it didn't happen and now is very unlikely.

I have also nearly pulled the trigger on a Planet Ocean 42mm 2500. Asking prices on these are also rising steadily.

I have to confess to now looking at the current 210.30.42.20.01 (date at 6) and appreciating its features in a way I hadn't before. (scalloped bezel, skeleton hands, wavy dial, raised indices) Used prices and other deals new are pretty good still.

So, what should I do? . .

I want a black diver, not too large (42mm is absolute max) and nice and slim. Primarily will wear on rubber strap but also dress up on a bracelet (happy to use Forstner etc I have for my speedy pro)

Which way would you go?

Thanks in advance. . .

 

Biased reply…..


Standard OF reply…..

which one ‘speaks’ to you?

 

You pretty much answered yourself!

Go with the SMP Diver 300M.

++ buy it on the SS bracelet initially, and get an aftermarket strap.

 

Love the photo with your reply.

Which one speaks to me? hmm. Historically the PO, since 2009! . . but the prices for a good one are close to a deal on the newer one.

PS. Is there a nickname for that newer model? I don't know what to call it.

 

Ah, good observation . . and yes, getting it on the bracelet is usually best.

 

Try getting a 10-15% discount. I got a 25% discount on mine + goodies last year due to history with my AD.

Also physically inspect the watch prior to buying. Check for the following common QC issues:

- Bezel alignment / action
- Hour hand alignment (Omega really takes the cake with this one. All my Omegas are misaligned)
- Date wheel alignment (although parallax could be a factor, given the date is set deep in the dial)
- Jumping seconds when changing the time

The above are issues I have personally encountered with two recent examples, otherwise, it’s one heck of a watch that gets so much wrist time!!

 

a scalloped bezel is sometimes a bit temperamental to rotate.

have fun
kfw

 

You seem to be into the watches that have more of a tool watch vibe. I don't think that the 300M is it, it's as dressy as a diver can get.

I would stick to your first instincts and get either a PO or a 2254.50. They are both closer to the 165.024.

 

Yes, the scallop isn't my favourite feature . .

 

Its like you guys are in my head with my thoughts!

 

Post luncheon ouzo under olive tree!

Don’t be driven by deal, you will regret it.

300 Diver is how I think of it, others may etc.

 

this one rotates just fine
have fun
kfw

 

What do we think about this one?

 

I'm biased to the Planet Ocean as I have that model.
The reason I'd choose it over the Seamaster is I think they are too shiny. I don't like glossy dials on tool watches and I'm not a fan of ceramic bezels.

 

The 2254!

And just not to be the broken record I always am:


Certina PH200M Reissue | Omega Forums

Not an Omega of course, but a good sturdy watch with the ETA 2824, and you will save a lot of money. I dont got it, but my plummer neighbor has a banged up one and its just too cool.

 

My personal favorite (but I might be biased)

 

oooh. @Jrcigar please share; photos, wrist presence, comparison to other models?

Thanks!

 

Switched the Speedy Pro to a strap to try and get a sense of how the PO 42 2500 would feel. I am imagining similar 'real estate' but heavier and more prominent bezel. Is that right?

 

Was going to make this exact suggestion. For someone who really likes the No-Date 60s era Seamaster 300, this is really the only modern Omega that is close — or the newer one. Not necessarily thin, though, but it’s not that bad, because the mid-case width is not a slab (unlike Tudor) so it appears thinner than it is.

another option (non-Omega) is to go with the watch that eventually replaced the old Seamaster 300 in the British Navy, the Cabot Watch Company diver:

https://www.cwcwatch.com/collections/m-o-d-spec/products/cwc-royal-navy-issue-divers-watch

Military-issued are quartz, though. They do make them in auto for the public.

 

The SMP300 or the WatchCo SM300 are both very good options.
you can still find a WatchCo unit but you have to be very patient & yes, the prices have escalated lately.
the bezel action of the WatchCo is better than the scaloped bezel -- my fingers slip sometimes trying to rotate it. But I have to say that it has been diving with me to Bonaire & I had zero issues rotating the bezel...

another good option is the 1st gen PO -- not sure of the model #.