Another Friday, another list! This week, we look at the brilliant and rich history of Omega Seamaster dive watches. The lineage started in 1957 with the introduction of the first Seamaster 300, which was part of Omega’s famous trilogy along with the first Speedmaster and Railmaster models. After that, the brand released many iconic dive replica watches UK that have become fan favorites. For this list, we picked our top that show the great history of Omega’s dedicated series of Seamaster dive watches. Let’s find out what they are!
Before we get into our list, though, let’s define what we mean by “vintage Seamaster dive watches.” As I explained in the intro, it all started in 1957, so we’ll kindly disregard the Seamaster models that came before and the “dressier” Seamaster models that came after. Maybe it’s better to say that we picked Omega Seamaster dive watches with rotating bezels. Additionally, we decided to stop at the introduction of the Seamaster Professional 300M in the early 1990s. While we would still consider ’90s watches vintage or neo-vintage nowadays, we had to put the end marker somewhere for this list, and that seemed like a good place. So, let’s find out what our picks are.
Omega Seamaster 300 ref. CK2913
Let’s kick things off with the Omega Seamaster 300 ref. CK2913. As most of you know, it was part of Omega’s legendary trilogy that included the first Speedmaster, Railmaster, and Seamaster 300 models. While the Seamaster name had been part of the brand’s collection since 1948, the Seamaster 300 was Omega’s first proper dive watch as we know it today. The watch featured a 39mm stainless steel case that was 13.8mm thick and measured 48mm from lug to lug. The case size is still relevant today, but it was significantly larger than most dive cheap Omega copy watches at the time.
The watch stayed in production until 1960, and in those three short years, Omega produced eight iterations of the Seamaster 300. All eight versions are simply referred to as CK2913-1 to CK2913-8. They featured the same matte black dial with triangular hour markers, recessed radium plots, and white Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. Over time, the white markings developed patina, which also gave the watches a certain warmth. It’s that patina that also inspired the dial design of the current Seamaster 300 series. Inside the case, Omega used its caliber 501 for all eight versions. This automatic movement beat at 19,800vph and offered a 46-hour power reserve.
Finding an Omega Seamaster 300 CK2913 is hard
Where the eight iterations differ from each other is the bezel insert and the hands. To start with the former, Omega used countdown bezels for the first two versions. All six that followed featured a count-up bezel insert. All of these inserts were made of Bakelite, a material that cracks very easily. This is the main reason why it can be tough to find a first-generation Seamaster 300 in good condition. If you find one that’s not in great condition, consider having it restored. That’s what Fratello editor Tomas did with his Seamaster CK2913.
Regarding the different styles of hands, the brand started with a Broad Arrow handset with a large arrow on the hour hand, a pointed minute hand, and a straight seconds hand. The iterations that followed featured a pointed hour hand, a minute hand with a small arrow, and a straight seconds hand. A great variation is the 1:1 Omega fake watches that were equipped with a lollipop seconds hand. It’s another detail that Omega uses for its current Seamaster 300, and I love it because it adds character. As mentioned, finding a CK2913 in decent condition can be hard. When you do, expect to see prices roughly between €10K and €20K. But one in good condition with the original bracelet will easily add another €10K to the price. Considering this watch’s legendary status, that’s not too crazy if you ask us.
Different production years for the movement and the watch
Omega used different calibers inside the case for different markets. The standard movement was the automatic caliber 1012 that also powered the Seamaster 200 SHOM. The 23-jewel movement operated at 28,800vph and offered 42 hours of power reserve. For the US market, however, Omega used its caliber 1010, which had a lower jewel count. The movements are also often a source of confusion about when a Baby PloProf was produced. Caliber 1012 debuted in 1972, so it was in production before Omega introduced this watch. If an owner had to get the movement replaced during a service, it could have been replaced with a similar caliber with an earlier production date. This is something to keep in mind if you have your eyes set on one of these beauties.
Price-wise, the Baby PloProf starts at roughly €4K and moves up to around €7K depending on the condition. What stands out the most to me is that the watch looks as crisp as it did decades ago. Sure, it is unmistakably a vintage piece, but the case design shows that the Omega designers were on a roll in the ’70s, and I love that about the majority of the top replica Omega watches on this list.
Final thoughts on this list of Omega Seamaster classics
There you have it — our list of the top vintage Omega Seamaster dive classics. These watches show that Omega pushed the boundaries for dive watches in functionality and design. On top of that, it is wonderful to see there is a definite design signature that visually connects all these watches. There is a natural evolution going from the CK2913 to the Baby PloProf that shows the Omega design team was analyzing its previous efforts to move forward, which is great to conclude. As always with these lists, these watches are only the tip of the iceberg. Omega created many more great dive perfect fake Omega watches that could have been on this list. That’s why we want to know what your favorite classic Omega diver is. Let us know in the comments section, and we will be back with another list next week!
