Bearing the Olympic Spirit: The Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” Edition
With the Beijing Winter Olympics well on their way, Omega has received the task of being the event’s official timekeeper. In commemoration of this momentous occasion, the Swiss watch manufacturer has created the limited edition Omega Seamaster 300m “Beijing 2022” edition. The brand-new watch highlights a modern and robust look accompanied by exceptional specs. Additionally, it possesses a few striking design features that act as a homage to the highly-anticipated winter sports event. Overall, it looks to be a fantastic watch, but does it actually bring anything new to the table?
In this article, we will review the new special edition Beijing Seamaster and what it has to offer. After taking a detailed look into the watch, we’ve also listed a few alternative timepieces so you can see just how the Omega Seamaster 300m fares against its fellow competitors in the industry.
The History of the Seamaster Diver 300m
In 1993, Omega released their first Seamaster Diver 300m watch. Bearing state-of-the-art innovations and a timeless design, the Seamaster was able to garner success almost immediately. This new series promised a glorious future for Omega and gathered them an extensive following of athletes, divers, underwater researchers, and even 007 himself, as Omega and James Bond actor Daniel Craig collaborated on the development and creation of the Omega Seamaster 007 Edition. Gaining numerous accolades and appearing in various athletic events and blockbuster movies in the process, the Seamaster quickly became one of Omega’s most prolific timepieces. To this day, the Seamaster continues to dominate the market as one of the most recognizable diver watches out there. Always showcasing the latest innovations of ocean technology, the Seamaster comes out on top as everyone’s go-to timepiece for leisurely diving and underwater exploration.
Specifications of the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022”
42mm, 316L Stainless Steel Case
The Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” has a case diameter of 42mm and a lug width of 20mm. Its case is made from 316L stainless steel with a grade-5 titanium bezel inserted on top. All in all, the timepiece possesses an adequate size with a decent amount of heft. Although it can fit on many wrists with no problem, this stainless steel watch is certainly a substantial force around your wrist and may feel a little too heavy for those with small wrists.
The structure of the Seamaster’s stainless steel exterior is the product of precise bevelling and careful polishing. From top to bottom, the Seamaster showcases a mesmerising curvature with a sleek surface and slender lugs. The Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” has a total of two crowns: one guarded by case guards at the 3 o’clock position and an open knob at 10 o’clock. Each knob has ridged grooves on its sides to provide wearers with a better grip and an easier turning experience. The crowns are all screwed-in and self-locking, giving the watch a tight seal that prevents water from seeping in.
Sheltering the dial from the external environment is a domed synthetic sapphire crystal. Sapphire is well-known for being highly scratch-resistant, making it the go-to choice for watchmakers in protecting their coveted timepieces. While sapphire is virtually scratch-proof, it is also highly reflective. Additionally, giving the sapphire a dome shape makes it even more challenging to read from different angles. To ensure that the lens does not obscure the view of the watch, Omega treats its sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coatings on every side. Doing so allows owners of the Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” to cleanly view their timepieces and read the time easily without any obstacles.
On top of the steel case is a grade-5 titanium unidirectional rotating bezel. Polished and brushed, the textured bezel is not only robust but also compliments the rugged looks of the Seamaster’s case. For practical purposes, it is imperative that the insert only moves unidirectionally. Designing it this way allows divers to keep precise track of elapsed time underwater without the bezel accidentally turning in the wrong direction. Etched on the bezel’s titanium surface are thick numbers and indices so divers can measure the elapsed minutes with just a glance. Right at the 12 o’clock position of the bezel is an inverted triangle with a luminescent pearl to allow divers to read the watch in dark environments or deep underwater.
Before the official launch, every Seamaster watch goes through a rigorous process of testing, and the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” is no different. Among other things, this test involves facing shocks equivalent to a metre-tall drop to a wooden floor. For its size and weight, this Seamaster 300M Beijing Edition is capable of withstanding 5,000Gs of force — the equivalent of a golf club swing or a boxer’s hard punch, so you can be sure that this hardy timepiece is capable of withstanding some hard knocks and impacts.
Blue “Ocean Wave” Ceramic Dial
Textured on the ceramic surface of the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022’s” dial is Omega’s iconic ocean wave pattern in a sun-brushed blue hue. The rhodium-plated sword hands of the dial also bear that one-of-a-kind sharp sword-shaped look that we know and love. The hour indices come in the form of plated luminescent circles and rectangles that glow in the dark for better visibility underwater. The rectangle index at 6 o’clock appears on a slightly smaller scale to make room for the Seamaster’s sunken date window. Engraved on the dial is the iconic Omega signature, along with the movement certification and water resistance. What makes the Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” distinct from other Seamasters is the design of its hour indices. Outlining the 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 o’clock indices of the dial are different colours representing each ring of the Beijing Olympics. While the added aesthetic does not drastically change the overall appearance of the Seamaster, it gives the watch a pop of colour and intrigue that really makes it stand out amongst its Seamaster peers.
Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800
Hidden under the dial is Omega’s patented Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800. The Calibre 8800 is an in-house automatic self-winding movement that winds itself through the natural motion of the wearer’s arm. Having a neat feature like this means wearers do not have to worry about winding the watch daily, as the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” will do it for them. The Calibre 8800 makes use of the brand’s iconic co-axial escapement. Energised by an impressive 55-hour power reserve, the co-axial escapement proves time and time again to be durable, reliable, and precise. As a top-of-the-line movement certified by COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) and METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Meteorology), the Calibre 8800 promises constant accuracy, unhindered performance, and impeccable magnetic resistance.
As a means of preventing magnetic fields from permanently affecting the watch’s accuracy, Omega designed the Calibre 8800 to be capable of withstanding up to 15,000 gausses of magnetic force. Additionally, silicon was the material of choice when creating the Calibre 8800’s balance spring due to its strong anti-magnetic properties. Along with the silicon balance spring, the Calibre 8800 also has a helium escape valve. When divers fully immerse themselves in deep waters, pressure starts to build up within their dive watch. To ensure the pressure does not affect or damage the inner components of the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022”, the helium escape valve acts as a system that decompresses the timepiece from the inside.
Covering the movement from the rear is a brushed and polished caseback bearing the emblem of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Omega’s NAIAD LOCK system comes with a wave-like pattern on its rims. The lock system not only secures the rear but also gives it a clean look. While it would be awesome to have an exhibition caseback so you could see the modernised calibre at work, Omega chose this particular case design for the Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” to reduce any risk of moisture seeping into the watch.
Wide Selection of Watch Straps
Omega offers an extensive assembly of straps for the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022”. With 68 unique straps in total, there will certainly not be a lack of options. To start things off, Omega provides the “Beijing 2022” Seamaster with a conventional stainless steel bracelet. It is durable, affordable, and it matches the tone and rugged looks of the Seamaster’s case. The brand also has fifteen leather straps available. Simple and rustic in design, the smooth and comfortable leather bands complement the stark aesthetic of the Seamaster Beijing.
NATO straps account for the majority of the selection. The NATO straps come in all sorts of colours and patterns that help make the 42mm Seamaster “Beijing 2022” stand out even more. While some straps cater to a more minimalist appearance, Omega also provides many multi-coloured NATO straps that bear the patriotic hues of Olympic-participating countries. For wearers who want to add more flair to their already sophisticated timepiece, going for a strap that represents the nation they and lovingly stand by is a great choice.
300m Water Resistance
The Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” is more than capable of a dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool. Having up to a thousand feet of water resistance, the Seamaster can withstand the never-ending force of Atlantic waves and rapid underwater currents. Such capabilities are essential for divers and explorers who need to remain submerged for long periods. As a Seamaster, the watch can fully immerse itself in the conditions of saturation diving. Undoubtedly, this is a timepiece that is worthy of the Seamaster moniker.
Price of the Beijing Seamaster Diver 300m
While being exceptionally stylish and contemporary, Omega Seamasters don’t come at an affordable price. On average, each variant of the Seamaster 300m can fetch a price between $3,000 – $22,700 USD. Thankfully, the limited edition Beijing Seamaster does not reach the 5-digit mark. The Seamaster Diver 300m Beijing 2022 edition retails for $7,179 USD and is set to release in April 2022.
Alternatives to the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m
While the Omega Seamaster 300m boasts a modernised and sturdy design, it may not be the type of divers watch that appeal to everyone’s tastes. If, perchance, you are one of those people, we have listed some highly competent alternatives that can definitely meet your expectations and can get the job done.
Tudor Pelagos Ref. 25500TN
The Tudor Pelagos is undoubtedly one of the best alternatives for the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022”. The Pelagos comes in a 42mm titanium and steel case paired with a matching titanium bracelet. Its bracelet features Tudor’s patented extension system, allowing wearers to easily adjust the watch for a better fit around their wrist. On top of the titanium and steel case is a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel with a luminescent node perched inside an inverted triangle outline. Compared to the Seamaster “Beijing 2022’s” titanium ring, ceramic bezels are indeed more scratch-resistant. However, ceramic can crack or shatter after a strong impact, so you want to be careful not to go knocking the Pelagos around against hard surfaces.
Under a layer of sapphire glass is the Pelagos’ two-toned dial. The dial features a black surface with thick white geometrical hour indices on its outer rim. Its minute and hour hands bear the unusual snowflake design that Tudor enthusiasts have become very familiar with. Beneath the dial is a self-winding, automatic calibre known as the MT5612. The MT5612 is a COSC-certified movement that winds itself in a manner identical to the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022”. This mechanical movement comes with a whopping 70-hour power reserve, which is definitely more impressive than the 55-hour power reserve of the Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022”.
What really makes the Tudor Pelagos really outstanding, however, is its water resistance. While being relatively affordable, the Pelagos is capable of withstanding up to 500m of water pressure — 200m more than the Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022”. The Pelagos also possess a helium escape valve to prevent pressure from building up inside of the watch.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 Ref. A17366021B1S1
For a watch with a sportier look, take a look at the Breitling Superocean Automatic 42. The Superocean Automatic comes with an outdoorsy black rubber strap fitted with a stainless steel buckle. Like the Seamaster and the Pelagos, the Superocean Automatic has a case diameter of 42mm. Its case is made from stainless steel, polished, and neatly bevelled for a smooth curvature. Inserted on top of the Superocean’s case is a ratcheted unidirectional rotating bezel coloured in suave matte black. At the right side of the steel case is a guarded crown, screw-locked to create a waterproof barrier.
Protecting the black and white dial of the Superocean Automatic 42 is a lens made of sapphire. The dial itself relies on a mix of black-lined hour indices and Arabic numbers to represent the time. The watch has a date function at 3 o’clock and a pair of matte grey-plated hands on the centre. Beneath the two-toned watch face is a Breitling 17 automatic calibre. Holding twenty-five jewels, the calibre is capable of producing 28,800 vibrations per hour. The Breitling 17 is another in-house, self-winding movement that winds itself through the motion of one’s arm. While the watch only has a 38-hour power reserve, less than the Pelagos or the Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022”, the Superocean Automatic 42 can withstand greater water pressures of up to 500m.
All three watches bear similar specifications and are all highly capable in their own right. Choosing between one or the other will ultimately boil down to one’s preferences. No matter what the choice is, you can’t go wrong with any of these remarkable timepieces.
Final Thoughts
The Omega Seamaster 300M “Beijing 2022” proves to be a valuable and highly adept watch. It sports a clean and rugged look and showcases a diverse set of modern features that many would enjoy. Like many of Omega’s timepieces with the Seamaster title, the watch is perfectly capable of maintaining itself while traversing deep waters. What truly makes this timepiece distinguished are the design features on its dial and caseback. The coloured indices and engraved markings make this particular Seamaster a piece of history. If you are a watch enthusiast who carries the living fire of the Olympic spirit in them, then this iconic Seamaster is made for you.
Thinking of buying a Tudor watch? Have a look at the Tudor Black Bay Dark
Featured Image By Omega
