Omega Launch Seamaster Diver 300M in Orange (Kind Of)

When I read Omega’s headline “Seamaster Diver 300M in Orange” I got very excited. Anyone who has read my articles for any period of time will no doubt have picked up on the fact that orange is my favourite colour. Imagine my confusion then to look at this supposed orange Omega to find… a black Seamaster Diver 300M. Omega’s description of the watch being orange is obviously a tad hyperbolic but it is true that it features new orange accents across its hands and hour markers.

Specifically, the central seconds hand and the cardinal point hour markers, along with the Seamaster inscription below 12 o’clock, are in orange. While I would love a full orange dial model as I initially assumed we were getting, the watch in front of us is actually very smart. It’s based on the recent Diver 300M revamp with a 42mm x 13.8mm steel case with the titular 300m water resistance rating.

The orange contrasts nicely to the black, adding an extra point of readability in light conditions to pair with the lumed components that ensure legibility in the dark. I also like the understated finishing of the dial, which is matte with a grainy texture as opposed to the common wave pattern on other models that personally I struggle to love. This design is much, much cleaner, giving the watch a sense of clarity. The same is true of the clean, black bezel with dive timer scale – though I feel there could have been a hint of orange here too, maybe with the triangular marker.

Beneath the black dial with its orange accents is housed the 8806 master chronometer movement. It makes use of a free sprung balance with silicon hairspring to help ensure a 15,000 gauss magnetic field resistance. It also has a 55-hour power reserve and operates at a 3.5 Hz frequency. It’s visible through the exhibition caseback where you can admire its radial Cöte de Genève finishing.

I’m truly torn with this release. At face value it’s a very, very handsome watch and I would love to own one but at the same time, I feel there is so much more Omega could deliver on with the concept of an orange Diver 300M. Just look at how the colour has been used across the Planet Ocean and Ultra-Deep lines. But at a certain point you have to stop worrying about what could have been and focus on what is in front of you and at £6,100 on steel bracelet or £5,800 on rubber strap, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M orange is a solid watch. I would definitely opt for the rubber strap to add an extra dash of orange to the mix too.

More details at Omega.