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Would you buy a Seamaster 300 Heritage with a hesalite crystal?

Donn Chambers
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I’m curious. Omega moved “backwards” to an aluminum bezel on the latest version, which I am 100% okay with because I think it looks better in matte than glossy ceramic. I sold the previous version to get the new one partially for this feature.

And I love the hesalite on my Speedmaster over the sapphire. The Seamaster 300 crystal tends to be more reflective AND gets hazy when the light hits it at some angles because of the domed sapphire reflections - a common complaint.

For me, a hesalite crystal and a closed caseback with a 60s-style hippocampus engraving would make it the perfect modern heritage offering. Save the ceramic, sapphire, and display caseback for the modern Pro version.

Thoughts?
 
Porteroso
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For me, I've worn the SM300 Heritage for about 70 days. Some days I've been doing things I should take the watch off for, woodworking, renovating the house, lawn work, tree trimming, etc. I just forget. So it's picked up its fair share of scratches on the steel, but the crystal is still perfect.

So I'm ok with the sapphire crystal purely from a practicality standpoint. I have had no legibility issues at all. However, if there was demand, why not offer both? The ability to choose hesalite v sapphire would make all of us happy, right?
 
ErichPryde
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
...gets hazy when the light hits it at some angles because of the domed sapphire reflections...

Question- almost every single time I have seen this photographed, it has been in a vehicle. When I have seen this effect, it also has been in a vehicle. I have wondered if it is because the light has passed through the shade strip/polarizing filter along the top of the windshield and then been reflected from the dial.

Have you or anyone else observed the hazy multi-reflections in other circumstances?
 
Donn Chambers
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ErichPryde ErichPryde
Question- almost every single time I have seen this photographed, it has been in a vehicle. When I have seen this effect, it also has been in a vehicle. I have wondered if it is because the light has passed through the shade strip/polarizing filter along the top of the windshield and then been reflected from the dial.

Have you or anyone else observed the hazy multi-reflections in other circumstances?
No, that is the only time I have noticed it. So you may be correct that it is a polarization artifact. Still, I’ve never had this issue with a hesalite crystal.
 
Donn Chambers
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Porteroso Porteroso
For me, I've worn the SM300 Heritage for about 70 days. Some days I've been doing things I should take the watch off for, woodworking, renovating the house, lawn work, tree trimming, etc. I just forget. So it's picked up its fair share of scratches on the steel, but the crystal is still perfect.

So I'm ok with the sapphire crystal purely from a practicality standpoint. I have had no legibility issues at all. However, if there was demand, why not offer both? The ability to choose hesalite v sapphire would make all of us happy, right?
FWIW, I’ve owned my Speedmaster for about twice that long and wear it for many of the same activities. And I haven’t scratched the hesalite yet, but have plenty of scratches on the clasp and bracelet.

I don’t mow the grass with it, of course. That’s just silly.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/can-i-wear-my-speedmaster-while-cutting-the-grass.159893/ S
Thread 'Can I wear my speedmaster while cutting the grass?' ·
Another newbie question… since I got it, I try wearing my speedmaster as much as possible, I don’t want to baby it, but don’t want to abuse it of course. Is it okay to wear it regularly cutting...
Shepardt ·
 
Hzgm
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I’m fond of the ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal and how they can catch the light against the matte dial and brushed lugs with polished chamfered edges. Hard to capture in pictures.
I also find this version consistently legible.

IMG_3083.webp IMG_3084.webp
 
flw
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With the exception of hesalite for the crystal, the 60th anniversary Trilogy SM300 has pretty much all the features you're looking for. It's a regular on my wrist. Omega might be well advised to make a 60th anniversary version of the 165.024, although the Watchco builds scratched part of that itch in the market some years ago.

20250602_100900.webp
 
Donn Chambers
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I guess the consensus is no. I find it interesting that people don’t like it on a dive watch, but often prefer it on a Speedmaster.

Having owned many vintage divers with a hesalite crystal (including a 1966 Seamaster 300), I found it allowed me to see the dial with fewer reflections. And I rarely had to polish it to remove scratches. I guess I’ll have to look toward microbrands, where a few still offer this.
 
Porteroso
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Donn Chambers Donn Chambers
I guess the consensus is no. I find it interesting that people don’t like it on a dive watch, but often prefer it on a Speedmaster.

Having owned many vintage divers with a hesalite crystal (including a 1966 Seamaster 300), I found it allowed me to see the dial with fewer reflections. And I rarely had to polish it to remove scratches. I guess I’ll have to look toward microbrands, where a few still offer this.
It's not like Omega would be making the hesalite version if this thread had all said yes, so you're still in the same boat as pre-thread.

And I will one day own an old SM300 from the 60s.... might change my tune after that.
 
josiahg52
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Hesalite is awesome. For vintage inspired watches, it's a must for me. I had a Longines Legend Diver and loved it but I never loved the cold, crisp sapphire crystal. It sort of ruined it for me and I sold it after a couple of years. The SM300 was going to be my first new Omega and I looked at it a few times but couldn't get on with the sapphire and ceramic. The 60th is a great looking watch and with a Hesalite crystal, I think I would've tried to get one. As it is ended up with a green Seamaster which isn't vintage, and has sapphire crystal and a polished ceramic bezel insert and dial!
 
winndixie
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I just purchased a moon watch with steel band. I got the hesalite crystal as I wanted the embossed Seahorse medallion on the case back. I haven't had this long (purchased on the Odyssey of the Seas in May with a negligible discount). I would have preferred the sapphire crystal as I think it is more scratch resistant, but I must say, the hesalite looks sharp. Gives the watch a warm glow. You can't do wrong in choosing either crystal.

I have now have two Omegas. A Deville quartz. I also have a Rolex datejust with blue dial. The moon watch is my favorite watch though. Just something about it. I don't need another one, but I am strongly considering buying the white dial with leather strap.
 
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