[BSME46]

Alright. I'm in the market for a new watch and can't make up my mind. I've narrowed it down to two Omegas, the Seamaster 300M Chronometer, and the Seamaster Chronograph Diver- both in black. I'll be honest and say I'll use the watch for just the time and nothing else, unless I'm scuba diving on vacation. I like the dial-less watch because it gets the job done, and doesn't weigh a ton but still has some wow factor to it. The Chrono Diver is the same watch but with the three dials that I've always wanted for the look regardless of purpose, and has a wow-factor the other doesn't. It looks pretty badass if I say so myself and has a good weight to it, which I like. The only downside is the size of the watch. I'm a smaller guy (5'9) and don't want my watch to dwarf my wrist and stick out pretty far. I want something that isn't going to get in the way, but I'm sure I could deal with the bigger watch. I'm torn between the two, the classic looks of one that I know I'll be happy with or the other that just has a wow-factor the other lacks. Let me know your opinions... THANKS!

[Feyd]

In before everyone telling you to buy something that cost 4x more.


I'd get whichever one you like and be done with it. Watches are a subjective/personal choice and people like different ones for different reasons.

Personally I tend to like simple/non-flashy type dials, so I'd go for the regular one if it was me. Chronographs can look cool, but to me this one looks pretty plain. Yes it says Omega on it, but it's nothing special IMO and definitely not worth the extra coin. Nothing against Chronos... I own several, but I tend to always go back to the regular dials for daily wear. *shrug*

Don't worry about the size, either will be just fine as neither of them are at the point where it can be difficult to get a shirt cuff over them...

[NYC6]

If I were choosing it would also be the non chrono. I like the 'cleaner' look better. I even bought a new Submariner no date model (14060m)because I dont care for the date feature and cyclops. Not to often I use a stop watch feature and if I do I'll pull out my I Phone. Either one is a great watch to own.

[radix]

Personally, I third the vote for the non chrono. I like watches that are purpose built. A diving watch should:


1. Function as advertised up to the specified depth, including withstanding changes in pressure.
2. Withstand corrosive substances (seawater for instance) well.
3. Keep the correct time, -4/+6 seconds for COSC watches.
4. Have a clean, simple, bezel and face that are easy to read and use underwater.


Anything more than that is really going too far for a divers watch IMO. I can understand the point of adding chronograph functionality to a divers watch I suppose, but I never really liked them. The face just looks too busy. If you really want a chrono, get a speedy pro.

[BMW F22]

I went through this exact same thing. I even made a thread about it a few months back. The Chonograph one does look very good and I really, really like it. However, it's also 1.5-2x as thick as the other one. I tried it on and it stuck out like a sore thumb.

Personally I would go with the 300M Chronometer because it's more classy/elegant, has the co-axial escapement (longer service interval) and it comes with a longer warranty. The Chronograph one has the "holy cow that looks bad ass" factor to it but it's simply too damn thick. I've been told that unless you need the chronograph function, don't buy it because it's more likely to break down.

[BSME46]

Well, it looks like my gut instinct was right.There's just something about the 300M Chronometer.... I'm glad it was pointed out that the movements were different, and the warranty and service intervals were longer...those are some things I didn't think about that should definitely be considered. I had naively assumed the co-ax movement was standard accross the Omega range Whoops! And YES the Chronograph is a monster on my wrist... I tried to convince myself otherwise but there's no ignoring the fact that it's nearly twice the thickness of the other one. Thanks for the replies so far!

[chango335]

+1 on the Chronometer. Chronographs definitely don't last as long. I have an Omega Speedmaster Chronograph. I've serviced it twice recently because the chronograph functions weren't working properly. Also found that the time was speeding up and the power reserve was very poor. Then again, i've had that watch for 8 years.

Another good diving watch would be the Breitling Superocean Chronometer. It's got a similar look to the Omega Chronometer, it's COSC certified and can go 5000ft. I was also looking for a good diving watch this summer and I did try out the Omega Chronometer, but I ended up with the Breitling because I've never actually owned one before.

[fwmcb]

I'd go for the chrono, I've been drooling over it with the blue face for years.

[san~man]

I got this about 10 years ago, and had to service it once. I always loved the design and "timelessness" of the watch, but I was told this particular model is no longer available.

[snowboarder21]

1st pic for sure. its like james bonds watch ha

[bolinp78]

Originally Posted by san~man

I got this about 10 years ago, and had to service it once. I always loved the design and "timelessness" of the watch, but I was told this particular model is no longer available.

Is yours quartz? I have the same watch but black dial and bezel. Same hands and markers.

[jeffmas1587]

I have the Seamaster 300M Chronometer in blue and wear it everyday. It's a great watch couldn't be happier with it.

[bolinp78]

This be mine.

[san~man]

Originally Posted by bolinp78

Is yours quartz? I have the same watch but black dial and bezel. Same hands and markers.

No, it's a mechanical movement

[sg///M3]

I like the chrono. Been thinking about picking one up myself, with a blue face.

[Trijicon]

Originally Posted by bolinp78

This be mine.

I have the same one. I like prefer the larger numbers on the bezel and sword hands over the skeleton hands of the James Bond watch.

[bolinp78]

Originally Posted by Trijicon

I have the same one. I like prefer the larger numbers on the bezel and sword hands over the skeleton hands of the James Bond watch.

Mine is quartz. I got an auto Tag Carrera first and didn't want another auto. I wear this one more casually. I like how it can take more of a beating. Battery has been going strong for at least 3 years now.

[BSME46]

Does anybody know about the reliability of Omegas? I've been told they're better than Tags but I'm no jeweler so it's just he said she said for me right now.

[bolinp78]

Originally Posted by BSME46

Does anybody know about the reliability of Omegas? I've been told they're better than Tags but I'm no jeweler so it's just he said she said for me right now.

This has always been my opinion, of which I believe many people share.

[Trijicon]

Originally Posted by BSME46

Does anybody know about the reliability of Omegas? I've been told they're better than Tags but I'm no jeweler so it's just he said she said for me right now.

If you go to any watch forum, everyone will tell you Omega's quality and reliability is top notch. However, in the last couple years, they've introduced their own movement so long term reliability is still unknown. But these are true Swiss movements, so reliability and quality is at the top the list.

The watches you are looking at have the older ETA modified movement which is known for its reliability so I wouldn't worry.

[uofmtiger]

I have a Speedmaster Date/Chrono watch and I have wanted a Seamaster like the one on the left. It is hard to be impartial, since I own a chrono, but I like the classic look to the non-chrono Seamaster watches.

My favorite one, similar to the blue one above, was also discontinued, so I may never buy one unless it is used.

[Zirenz2006]

Originally Posted by bolinp78

This be mine.

I have the same one. I love that watch. I've had it for about 9 years.