Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton Edition

The Seamaster Diver 300M needs no introduction anymore. The latest generation of the so-called “Bond Watch“, launched in 2018, proved to be an excellent option for those in the market for a luxury dive watch, even when compared to another diving heavyweight.  Solidly built, mechanically sophisticated, well-priced and capable of performing underwater, it is objectively a no-brainer.  But what if you’re looking for something a bit different than the classic models? Omega recently launched a surprising edition with visual updates and environmental credentials, the Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton Edition. And we wanted to have a look at it in the metal.

Nekton x Omega

This new edition of the Seamaster Diver 300M is not just a new colour scheme, but a watch with genuine environmental conservation credentials that reflects Omega’s support of the Nekton foundation. A leading UK not-for-profit association, Nekton is committed to protecting our oceans by accelerating scientific exploration. Working in collaboration with Oxford University, Nekton works with ocean nations to accelerate scientific exploration and protect the health of our oceans. ‘First Descent’ is a series of missions currently underway in the Indian Ocean – it started in 2019 and will resume next year.

To perform this mission, Nekton relies on a deep-diving submersible, which the team has nicknamed Seamaster 2 in tribute to the boat skippered by the late Sir Peter Blake (1948-2001). A famous yachtsman who was also a passionate advocate of ocean conversation and a close friend of Omega, Sir Peter Blake was tragically shot and killed by pirates while he was monitoring environmental change in the Amazon. See below:

The Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton Edition

A first glance this SM300 Nekton will seem familiar. It is, after all, closely related to the classic James Bond watch and shares multiple elements with it. Yet, the Omega Nekton Edition is not just a new dial colour and a different bezel insert. The evolution goes a bit deeper than that; most habillage elements have been updated, and even the movement shows slight differences.

The case is maybe the most common shared feature between this Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton and the classic version. Sized at 42mm in diameter, with a height of 13.5mm, it is identical in shape and finishings. Made of polished and brushed stainless steel, with the typical “lyre” twisted lugs, it is a solid diver’s case with a well-protected screw-down crown, helium escape valve at 10 o’clock (the latter having a conical shape, new to this generation of SM300) and water-resistance rated at 300m or 1,000ft. Robust and very well assembled, it makes the Seamaster a true action diver.

The main evolution found on this Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton is the bezel. The characteristic black or blue glossy ceramic insert has been eliminated. Omega has gone for something totally different, resulting in a unique edition of the SM300 with its own personality. The insert is made of grade 5 titanium. The markers and diving scale are the result of a laser ablation process. Instead of “engraved’ markings in negative relief, the diving scale is in positive relief, adding texture and a 3D effect. The base of the bezel has a deeply grained textured, and the markers are polished, bringing the desired contrast – a similar process is used on the iconic tri-metal (titanium, gold, tantalum) chronograph version. Naturally, the bezel is still unidirectional.

The caseback, usually made of sapphire crystal on classic editions of the Seamaster Diver 300M, is closed on this Nekton version. It is decorated with a special engraving to celebrate the partnership. It depicts the “Seamaster 2” submarine used by Nekton. Being a Naiad Lock caseback, the decoration will always be upright. Two versions of this Seamaster Nekton are available, either on a black rubber strap with a pin buckle, or a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp (equipped with extendable foldover rack-and-pusher clasp and diver extension). The bracelet underscores the “full metal” technical look of the watch.

Although the dial retains the iconic wave pattern, once again some of the details have changed. First of all, the classic Seamaster 300M has an engraved pattern in negative relief. The Nekton edition, just like the Ceramic edition, has a brushed ceramic dial with a “positive relief” wave pattern, meaning that the waves are raised from the surface (and not recessed). Another important update: this Nekton edition gets rid of the date window at 6 o’clock, something that many will certainly appreciate. The rest of the elements are familiar, with applied markers and openworked hands. Some red accents are used to highlight the Seamaster logo and the seconds hand.

Even though they are hidden under a solid steel caseback, the mechanics are (almost) identical. The Seamaster Nekton is powered by the Omega Calibre 8806, an in-house movement with Master Chronometer certification, impressive anti-magnetic resistance and co-axial escapement – all of Omega’s latest technologies are here. This automatic movement beats at 25,200 vib/hour and stores up to 55 hours of power reserve.

Availability & price

The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Nekton Edition is a special edition but not limited. It will be available from Omega boutiques and retailers in November 2020. The model on a rubber strap (Ref. 210.32.42.20.01.002) is priced at EUR 5,800, and the version on a steel bracelet (Ref. 210.30.42.20.01.002) retails for EUR 6,100.

More details at omegawatches.com.