Omega Seamaster Watch Buying Guide

Omega SA

The James Bond 007 Omega Seamaster

The forerunner of Omega SA was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt, at La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. He sold his watches from Italy to Scandinavia by way of England, his chief market. After Louis Brandt's death in 1879, his two sons Louis-Paul and César, troubled by irregular deliveries of questionable quality, abandoned the unsatisfactory assembly workshop system in favor of in-house manufacturing and total production control. In 1999, Omega made history by introducing the first mass-produced watch incorporating the co-axial escapement – invented by English watchmaker George Daniels. Considered by many to be one of the more significant horological advances since the invention of the lever escapement, the co-axial escapement functions with virtually no lubrication, thereby eliminating one of the shortcomings of the traditional lever escapement. Through using radial friction instead of sliding friction at the impulse surfaces the co-axial escapement significantly reduces friction, theoretically resulting in longer service intervals and greater accuracy over time.

The Omega Seamaster Range

There are 16 different models in the Omega Seamaster range currently and we will deal with them in order of popularity. Most Seamaster watches are available in a variety of finishes.

Omega Men's Seamaster 300M

The most popular in the range is the Silver/Blue "James Bond," Seamaster Automatic Chronometer, model no 2220.80.00, available in black or blue.Specifications are:

Steel on steel
Reference: 2221.80.00
Movement Caliber: Omega 1538
Quartz precision movement with rhodium-plated finish. End of battery life indicator
Power Reserve: 27 / 36 months
Domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
Stainless steel case Blue dial
Water resistance down to 300 meters 1000 feet
Gents – Case Diameter: 41 mm

I have owned one of these for almost 20 years now and after two rather expensive services it is still in one piece, which says something about the strength and durability of Omega Seamaster chronos. I heartily recommend these, but be careful when buying – they are often copied and it is difficult to tell the fakes unless you handle one. Buy from a reputable dealer or source. Although they are rarely discounted heavily, one of the best places to buy is Amazon.com. They often have used watches and almost always have the best prices through a range of dealers for new ones. Avoid any dealers offering large discounts – they are invariably fakes.

Omega Seamaster 300M

Omega Seamaster 300M, James Bond's favorite watch….

Omega Men's Seamaster 300M Quartz James Bond Blue Dial Watch #2221.80.00

$1,804.00

The Omega Men's Seamaster Blue Dial Watch makes its statement with a sporty deep blue dial with luminous hands and hour markers, and a calendar window that sits at the 3 o'clock. This timepiece also features quartz precision movement with rhodium-plated finish for greater precision, stability, and durability of the movement, a stainless steel case and bezel, and a stainless steel band. The blue be…

Omega Midsize Seamaster Quartz James Bond Watch #2223.80.00

$1,804.00

Presenting a classic design fused with innovative details, this Omega Midsize Seamaster Quartz Watch #2223.80.00 features a rich blue dial face, which is encased and protected by a scratch-resistant-sapphire dial window. Bringing easy readability, an alternating series of indexes and index beads adorn the dial, and a handy date calendar rests at the three o'clock position. Indexes and Arabic numer…

Omega Men's Seamaster 300M James Bond Automatic Chronometer Watch #2220.80.00

$2,948.00

Set a course for adventure with this classic Omega Seamaster 300M stainless steel men's automatic chronometer watch, part of Omega's James Bond collection. You'll be able to negotiate all manner of adventures and still look stylish in the boardroom or at the baccarat table. This highly accurate, self-winding timepiece is also a great diving watch, with water resistance to 300 meters (984 feet) and…