Watch Wars! | Comparing the 2018 and 2016 Omega Seamasters
Hey gents, I’ve spent some time with the 2018 Omega Seamaster Professional 300M and thought it would be interesting to compare some more recent models. If you’re looking for an entry-level luxury diver, I’ve got two options that you’re going to love.
Full disclosure: this isn’t a perfect comparison because I have the most recent special edition from this line, but I don’t have model 21230412001003 which was the 2015 model that the 2018 one replaced. However, my Commander’s model is a nice bridge between those two generations because it has the same dial layout, hands, ceramic insert, and bracelet as the 2015 model. This newer model also has a sapphire case back and decorated movement.
Comparing the 2018 Omega Seamaster to other Models
Credit: Watches News
Now, let’s start with the major changes between the two. First, bringing back the wave dial that first debuted on the Bond Seamaster in 1995, the 2018 model is executed beautifully because the waves on the watch face are now concave, as opposed to raised. Additionally, the waves end before reaching the edges of the dial so it doesn’t look too messy. They’ve moved the date window to the 6 o’clock position instead of the 3 o'clock spot and the skeleton hands are slightly redesigned so as to be more pronounced, especially on the lollipop second hand. This makes the lume more visible in the dark, which is probably my biggest issue with my current Seamaster.
They also made the dial flatter and wider, which I think is a nice aesthetic touch. The ceramic bezel now has better-looking white numbers versus the silver ones my old Seamaster has. On top of this, the new model no longer has dash marks on the fifteen-minutes on the right side, which helps with the symmetry of the bezel. The new model is decorated with rubber at each hash mark on the dial, while the older models did not have anything special about their marks.
The movement has changed now to the Chronometer 8800, so you’re getting a more robust movement in terms of magnetism and shock resistance. As before, it’s based on the co-axial movement, but it now has a standard display case back which used to appear only on special editions.
The other major change that is immediately noticeable--and most welcome--is the bracelet. The bracelet has the same hallmarks as the famous Bond Seamaster, but this is a little bit more refined. The newest model is sharper and more dialed-in while keeping the iconic look, so it elevating the watch to something more elegant. You have to be careful, though. The lug design on the 2018 model will not fit on previous-generation models. This means you won’t be able to swap out bracelets for your own customized look. This also means that the new model’s fit is slightly smaller than the previous models. Likewise, the rubber straps released with the 2018 models will not fit older Seamasters. Another change on the 2018 model’s bracelet that I’m quite are its micro-adjustments, which allow the clasps to fit your wrist better.
Credit: Gear Patrol
A Couple of Final Notes
Omega changed its warranty policy in 2018 to include a 5-year manufacturer warranty, a generous extension to their previous 3-year warranty.
In closing, I want to offer my thanks to Troverie for helping me get my hands on some of the latest watch releases. If you’re looking for a new watch, give them a look.