Is Newer Always Better? Omega Seamaster Professional Comparison
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Are newer versions of watches always better? In this video, we take a look at the Omega Seamaster SMP 300 2018 model vs. the outgoing 2012 model.
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This new seamaster is a beautiful 🤩 watch, and a technical marvel, and maybe for me the perfect diver. Great 👍🏻 video by the way
Totally agree! Thanks for watching and for the support! 🙏
Tag heuer have a new aqua racer , the bracelet looks interesting 🧐
The new movement is undoubtably much better but the old design is way better
Wow - I expected to like the newer one better ... but I liked the older one better (less busy, more classy). Thanks for the side by side comparison.
Definitely in this case, the wave dial is amazing and I prefer the date on the 6 oclock
I bought the predecessor of the blue model in this video, the 2220.80 back in 2008 and it worked perfectly fine until this year. So after 15 years it got its first service. I got it back in May and now it works and looks as good as new. For me the 2220.80 is very close to the perfect Seamaster. It has a really good co-axial movement, the old and subtile wave pattern, hands with right length, applied indexes while being smaller and lighter than the current models, more comfortable to wear and more versatile due to its height. The only things it doesn't have are a ceramic bezel (which I am not keen on), the antimagnetic movement and a clasp with fine adjustment.
I have the previous generation and love it, it's so comfortable. And as you said understated and versatile. I do like the new one but not so much that I'd want to change to the newest version.
I was thinking the same before got a new one ! It’s really better
I owned both of these pieces, I'll offer a couple hacks.
-there are two direct replacement clasps from Omega which are shorter and do not include the diver's extension.
117STZ001154: six position
117STZ004666: three position
These toolless microadjust clasps are direct fit on either model Seamaster in this fine video.
The older bracelet is inherently more comfortable due to link design, IMO. One fix to increase comfort on the latest gen bracelet is to install two half links either side of the clasp. Makes the bracelet articulate better.
Love the new SMP300 wave dial
7:38 such an amazing feature. I have a 2022 seamaster white dial and i use the micro adjustment all the time. Sometimes you want it tight then usually later on in the day you want to loosen it off a little. I hope Omega always keep that feature
Great comparison. I just bought the 41mm blue version you have. I liked its more refined look and feel.
Totally agree! Congrats on an amazing watch
Great comparison! Pretty much spot on. I have both and like both and I agree, the new watch is amazing but a bit overly bulky. I enjoy both for slightly different reasons.
Love the older model ❤
I don’t own either but I much prefer the non-wave dial
I prefer the newer one. Bezel is clearer and more legible, date at 6. METAS movement. I wasn't too crazy about the wave dial until I saw the watch in person. It actually looks much better than any photos that I have seen.
Absolutely I agree to your opinion!
I actually own the previous version (ceramic blue).
I saw the newer version in the shop, but it looked little bit CHEAPER than mine..
I like the older version. The valve is smaller and the wave subtle. I have a small wrist I saw on the Grey Market, 36mm. (?) I also like the idea of a Bond watch.
I definitely think the bracelet needs some work, but the new model is definitely my favorite. It made a lot of technical improvements, brought back the gorgeous wave dial, improved on build quality, and a lot of the design choices are much more gorgeous (larger indices, hands, white enamel bezel markers, etc). They should have kept the 41mm diameter for sure! and the clasp needs to be downsized ASAP. I think we can switch it out for the medium adjustable clasp on the Seamaster 300 Vintage, right?
Lastly, my issue with the previous model, is that its a little plain. The gloss dial and small indices really leave a bit to be desired, as to the liquid metal inserts on the bezel. The color doesnt vary as much as the new one, and the case seems a bit more circular than the new one.
Regardless, both are seamaster professionals and are fantastic watches. Hope you end up enjoying the new one a little more. Maybe 42mm is just a little big for you.
Thank you so much for your feedback. I totally agree that there are huge benefits and room for improvement on both models. Here’s to hoping Omega releases a more refined model in the future that can please both camps! Thanks again for tuning in.
I think your pretty much correct here, I see what omega have done throughout years, I prefer the 2012 model it's not in your face so much. I think they need to bring back 2012 model and keep them both going if I'm totally honest
Perfect video, exactly what I was looking for! Found so many other silent stupid videos just showing d watch without any narration !
Thank you so much! Glad to offer a helpful video for you :)
Blue dial awsome . And no wave gives a clean look. Love it. I gues it is discontinued. Lucky u . U have this one on hand cheers
I dig the newer sea master - the larger applied hour markers and the shiny ceramic dial is *chefs kiss*. The older one is no slouch but it does look dated
Back in October of 2018 I went into an Omega boutique and made my decision. The new one was just out and the older model still available. I took the older pretty much for the reasons you just went over. I have a 6.4 inch wrist and the older model just felt so much more comfortable. To be honest the biggest other reason was the waves on the new one I just felt they were so over done. My watvh is currently running at about +3 seconds a day more than adequate. It has one flaw and that's a date glitch on the 5th and 9th of the.month. the date doesn't quite clear all the way on its own and requires a gentle tap to pop it in place. I have had it back twice to Omega but they haven't corrected it. Now after the last time it's come back running so accurately I'll live with the date glitch it's really no big deal if I do nothing it clears itself the next night and it's not my only watch so some month it's not even on my wrist when it happens. Now after watching this vid I think I'll wear it today.😊
That date issue would be a big deal to me. I would insist that Omega fix this.
@@whereRbearsTeeth I have sent it back twice and they havent fixed it yet and it's running a +2 a day so I'll love with a screwed up day twice a month 😂
I would go with the newest one. That said, it will never happen. I have and love the original Pierce Brosnan Auto version 2531.80. I am still in love with the subtle wave dial. The movement has also been amazing for me. I have it serviced about every seven years and it has always stayed within COSC guidelines. The only time it ever had problems was when I purchased it. It was losing thirty seconds a day. The AD sent it in for a complete service at no charge. It has been perfect since that time. It is one of two watches I can’t ever see giving up.
I love the classic OG bond watch. That one will never get old!
I think the 2012 model is the best of both worlds. I can't decide between the Brosnan one and 2012. I'm afraid I'll miss out on the subtle wave dial.
I love the 2018 but it feels more bulky
Not always but in this case, yes! The master chrono is very reliable and accurate.
Older model for me as well!
Size & weight of any dive watch is easily tamed by switching from steel bracelet to rubber strap. I used to wear Seiko Black Monster 43mm on bracelet and found the watch was very comfortable all day, all activities. Clearly, the Black Monster is not in the same league as Omega Seamaster. I make this post only regarding size & weight vs. wearability. Anyway, the Black Monster stopped working so I switched to another Japanese dive watch that is 48mm x 18.3mm ! I thought it would be crazy too big. My wrist size is 7.5" = 190.5mm. Citizen Ecozilla 300m Pro Stainless wears easily with the rubber strap which has held up to continual use in hard work / construction / swimming / hot-tub. Stainless bracelets add a lot of weight and by its very nature steel is going to have less give, less flex than rubber. IMO experimenting with different straps vs. bracelets may make an otherwise large watch wear much better. Thanks for the comparison review. I am presently looking for a Planet Ocean 43.5mm !
I have that exact older model. Love it. Lifetime watch
I have two Seamasters, the oldest is 36 mm & the newest is 41mm. If you get a watch that is too big, such as 47mm or larger, I found you'll have trouble with long shirt sleeves & coats to slide over & stay put on the sleeve. One manufacturer, who advertised on the shopping channels makes the watches fit for a pimp. I like the Omega since they have 'heft' on wrist & if you need to extend your arm, it gives a nice presence.
If you want a dive watch you do not need to use an Omega or a Rolex as there are plenty watches out there that can do the job for a lot less. It is the fashion of the dive watch that most people purchase an Omega for and the older Seamaster is a better watch in my opinion as you can wear it with a suit or a T shirt. This New watch is a diver and too big to wear with a suit. I have the original Automatic 2531.80 Brosnan watch and it is fantastic. I sold my 1980s Rolex Submariner as it wasn't getting any wrist time.
Thanks for the honest review. It made it easy for me to decide. Going for the old one in black.
Good choice - I picked one up a couple of weeks ago. You’ll love it!
I have both. Older in the blue but I upgraded the clasp to the micro adjust (no dive extension) clasp. And the new 42mm white, I bought it on the bracelet but it lives on the Omega rubber strap.
Really appreciate your thorough and thoughtful review. And your calm tone. I’ve subscribed to your channel. I was going back and forth on the new one until I saw the white one in person and fell in love with it. When I tried it on it seemed to fit nicely on my 7.25 inch wrist, but it did seem big (even though I have an SKX whose size and weight never bothered me). So I went back with my wife and she agreed it suited me well, so I bought it on the bracelet and ordered the rubber strap. I know I’m still in the honeymoon phase, but I find it’s dial and overall design an ongoing source of delight - the dial is always changing in different lighting conditions. I prefer it on the very simple but elegant rubber strap, which tapers nicely, complements the case, has an awesome little buckle, and I don’t have to worry about scratching that gorgeous, but oversized clasp. It’s my grail, and I can hardly believe it’s on my wrist!
Very nice Martin! The white one is a super cool piece. It’s a bit dressier and understated which is great. Sounds like it’s a lifer for you! That feeling of getting your grail is 💯 thanks so much for your support and for subscribing!
the old and more beautiful
I own a 2017 black dial and chose to buy that instead of a Submariner....love it
Did you get the "Nice watch. A lot of people who can't afford a Submariner go Omega"? Maybe we just prefer the Omega, Rolex fanboys.
This is exactly the comparison I wanted and needed
I appreciate that!
Agreed regarding the bracelet on the new model. I love the rubber strap!
100% agreed with you the older one is the best
After watching many Seamaster videos, I am afraid that Omega will release a trimmed down version next. Everybody is complaining about the size. 🤷🏻♂️
I picked up a white dial seamaster yesterday and was really surprised of how small it is in the real world. I only knew it from CZcams videos and literally everybody is moaning about the size of the clasp and the watch in general.
I have a 7.5 inch wrist and for me the seamaster is a perfect size.
Not everyone out there has a 6inch wrist...
@@watch_drives_you amen to that! And congrats! Wear that beauty in good health!
@@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306 thanks man... it's a really beautiful timepiece
Great side by side. Very needed. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! 😁
The 2254.50 and 2255.80 still hold the top spot in the looks department of SMP 300 history.
Totally agree! I love the 2254
@@watchyourstyle So, since this comment I went and purchased the new SMP 300, in blue. I sold my 2255.80, as I don't need two blue dive watches, and I have to say I don't regret it at all. The ceramic dial makes it mesmerizing to look at. It rivals my AT Ryder Cup Captain's watch in the looks department.
I have the the same blue smpc and upgraded the to the the slide adjust (medium clasp) I gave up the dive extension for the sake of having a reasonably sized clasp that looks more proportional.
Can you please elaborate? I want to change out my massive clasp on the new 300m. were you able to switch it with a smaller one with the micro adjustment, like the one the Seamaster 300 vintage has? I really want to do this. Let me know. IF you have an instagram or social media, I would love to see photos of how it looks! Thanks Julio!
I also have the 2018 black dial on bracelet and I love it. While it's not perfect, it's the best watch for me, even with my small (6.5") wrist. I could do without the helium escape valve, but I actually don't even notice it. I love the lume, AR coating, and the overall design. I may consider a new no-date sub at some point in the future, but I'm not into AD games and definitely won't pay above retail for anything, so that may never happen.
While I disagree with your choice, I appreciate the video :-)
Thank you so much! It is a great “sub” for the sub 😉 no doubt about that. Plus no wait! If it was a little thinner and lighter it would be this over the sub no question
I have both of them and prefer the design of the older one by far. The new one is nice but somehow bulky and too sporty with this wave dial that in some light even comes across as grey. Not a fan of that. Also agree that the old bracelet is less sharp than the new one. I will probably sell my new one. I hope soonethere will be a much more classy one again.
The clasp is longer on the new one to accommodate the on-the-fly adjustments I would've thought.
2012. I would love to see 2024 bringing us a renewed version of that one. Have some wave dial in it, keep the date window as it was at 3 with that painted frame, add the new bracelet with but tapered, and maybe lume that bezel. Keep the scape valve as it was, the size as it was, the crown guards as they were, and they should already manage to have a reliable movement that can be as slim as it was back in 2012.
Hope Omega gives the fans what they want! There are already new leaks of a potential new SMP.
Congratulations on your presentation! I would like to always see Omega Seimaster daver 300m but in ceramic and with date window on 6 as the new model!
Thanks for watching!
Personally I think the 2007 Electric Blue version (2255.80) is by far the prettiest as it has the very fine wave pattern done by "rose milling", rather than the thicker laser ones of more recent times.
Yes, much more refined.
Perfect review, that's exactly what i think, first gen is a little dated, second is perfectly styled and goes against a subby in elegance in all departements, third is a chunky diver ! Nice thanks bro !
I’m considering picking up this specific watch, older variant.
I also prefer the old seamaster. I tried it on rubber and surprisingly it sits well on my 6'5 wrist, and the rubber strap is so comfortable. But this watch is shiny even on rubber, everything shines. I'm not a geek watch guy and i don't really care about movement technology, but i'm a designer and love watch design.To my eyes this is an 'have you look at my watch?' this is the trend but personnaly i don't like it and i just bought the older gen (casino royale) with aluminum bezel, applied indices, subtle wave dial. Classy, sporty, discrete. The new one is very sporty but shiny to the dial, the bezel, ... A bit less classy much more 'showy'. It's not a bling watch, i just feel this watch catch the eyes more than the previous gen. Everyone has is own taste and what i like with all the iteration of seamasters, is there is a seamaster for every taste (if you're not affraid to buy second hands). I love the new seamaster but i don't see me wearing it because i like more discrete watch.
I purchased a Seamaster in 2015 and wore this watch continually up until Feb of this year, it literally never stopped for 7 years, until the Helium valve malfunctioned whilst in the shower causing water ingress, was taken in for repair NZD1800 and six weeks later I got it back, the guy told me that wearing a watch in the shower not recommended
Thanks for selling me on the older model!
Any time! It’s hard to beat 🤩
The bigger size (especially thickness) of this new 300M, as well as the bulk of the current Plant Ocean models, gives these watches a kind of unnecessary crudeness that is kind of a step backwards IMO. I think the growing size and insistence of having the display case back on all of these really compromises the experience of ownership.
I agree on the lack of refinement. Come on omega, make a thinner watch and a tapering bracelet already! We know you can do better
@@watchyourstyle don't agree at all, I have a 19 cm wrist and this watch wears just perfect, you gotta have a mans wrist in order to pull this one off though. Why is tapering so important, I have never cared about a bracelet tapering.
I really wanted a display back so I added a Zenith Elite dress watch to my collection. Simple, elegant, thin. Omega make outstanding watches, but their display backs come at the expense of heft. I have the exact blue dial 41 watch from the last year model run and it is every bit as elegant as portrayed here.
@@watchyourstyle its simple, the coaxial movement is much bigger so needs more space in the case.
@@mjkmob the 34mm and 38mm Aqua Terras have Cal.8800 as well but have smaller cases..
I like both omega make great watches and not silly price for what you get a lot of watch 👍👍
New one all day long and twice on Sundays 💯💯💯
I actually own the outgoing model, and in blue as well. Because it was the last model year I got a good deal, but honestly I just prefered it to the 42 wave dial. Like the Aqua Terra, it felt a little gimmicky. Along with my Speedmaster it's my "everyday" so the lower power reserve is not an issue. However, I did prefer one thing from the new model... the adjustable clasp. So I swapped it out. On the wrist it wears fantastic and the flexibility it provides in warm/changeable weather is awesome.
Can’t go wrong with the original! The new one definitely feels like they’re trying too hard. Love that you have a speedy in your collection too! What’s next on the horizon for you?
@@watchyourstyle My Speedmaster is the previous version in Hesalite with a leather strap and deployment clasp. Right now I'm on the hunt for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 with either the yellow or green dial. I'm not a Rolex guy at all but it's a classic 3-hander and if I can get it close to SRP it would be a nice addition to the collection.
Tried them all on and got newer tt blue sedna on rubber strap. Not a fan of the bracelet and wish the PO 2 tone fit the 2018 300. On that day and even in your review my eyes kept going to the 2018 which is the ultimate decider. Didn't hurt that spec wise it's not even close and the movement is so much better than the one on my 2503.34.
Still like the older model for being elegant on wrist!
Slim, understated, and classic :)
I have the older model but in black , a mate of mine has the new blue dial and it looks amazing it’s definitely on my list , one thing I’m not to keen on though is the laser face I think Omega should of bought back the original wave dial after all it is called a seamaster ? Just a thought . Brilliant review thanks 👍🙏🇬🇧
I want to see a 2254.50 remake using the current movement and tech. Sword hands, large triangle at 12, maybe matte ceramic dial, don’t care about location of the date, and make the HEV a little smaller.
I like both. Better tech with newer, but classics are nice too, even the 1990's ver.
The 90s version was so charming 😍
Hi, in the past I have owned a few Seamasters and agree with the title of your video. I initially had the 1994 auto version and it is so classic looking and versatile including its perfect dimensions but parted with it when I purchased the 2006 2255.80 with the electric blue dial and sword hands. That version in my opinion ion is the best Seamaster I have owned by far. Since the release of the latest SMP every time I purchase a watch I think of the newest one but I just can't. With the exception of the movement I dislike everything about it. It's as if Omega tried to hard on it. To large, waves are overpowering and much way to sports designed where I would never wear it with a coat and tie. I want to like it but zi can't.
I prefer the newer model. However, I agree with your assessment of the clasp and the Helium escape Valve. The new clasp is bigger than it needs to be which does make the watch a bit less comfortable. The old one felt too small & insubstantial for me but the new one is about 10-15% too big when I measure it. It's like Omega wanted to copy Rolex's sturdy Sea Dweller clasps but didn't do as good a job, particularly with a bracelet that doesn't taper. The new HEV is silly big, considering its a feature that's unlikely to be used on this watch. I would love Omega to turn this carbuncle into a more flush automatic HEV. Apart from that I prefer the heft, finish & movement of the new model. Its very good value for such a well finished watch with an innovative in-house movement.
I agree! There’s always a trade off 😩 let’s hope for an even more refined Seamaster from omega in their next go around!
Nice comparison although I have a 7-7.1 inch wrist so the newer Seamaster feels fine. My King Turtle on it's bracelet isn't light at all😅
I’m a big rolex sports model fan but tried giving the new 300m a chance. Bought it and sold it after 2 months. The watch was just not comfortable at all and the helium escape valve just looked goofy. Great lume and movement though. Would definitely do new aqua terra
Yeah, the design is definitely a bit polarizing. The AT is a solid watch, glad that you were able to pick it up! 👍
Older one for me. 👍👍👍
New seamaster is nice but I still prefer the older one
i had the blue one but it was black, i loved it but it was so elegant and shiny i was always afraid id scratch it, i also felt a bit silly with it on my wrist because it always felt just a little too grand for me, my favourite seamaster is the 2254, i wish they would bring it back and sell it with an ETA movement in it at a cheaper price id be all over it, i ended up selling my black seamaster and got a tudor bb36, which is very nice, but to be honest i miss the seamaster
I LOVE the 2254! They have to bring that one back with modern materials
@@watchyourstyle modern internals will only make it thicker and uglier the original was less than 12mm thick, just bring it back with a ceramic bezel and at a cheaper price, imagine what a success it would be
the blue older model for me, until I can save for the new version. good show.
Blue is a beast! Thanks for tuning in.
I have both of these watches and the 41mm is such a better design and sits better in the wrist. I do have the latest black one on the rubber strap with the deployment clasp and it is so much lighter and more comfortable to wear than the newer bracelet. The new bracelet also has sharper links which, in my opinion, makes for a far worse experience in terms of comfort to the point where I sold the bracelet as it’s just nowhere as pleasant to wear
The new wave dial is just to flashy and new which lacks any character.dont own either so have no bias.thinking about pulling the trigger on the transitional due to its overflowing character In black because it's less common
I don’t believe the wave dial will age as well as smooth dial. Black transitional is an excellent choice!
The older model could Truly go from the beach to the boardroom. The new model can’t exactly say that.
Why not ? What rules say it cannot?
I love that only "watch guys" notice mine. I'm not trying to attract attention, or a thief. :-)
great comparison, thx for this video!
older looks much better than newer one
Crazy. Coming from breitlings it feels almost to small. Still love it. Excited to use the shit out of it. But it’s small for me.
Do you have the black dial variation of the new one? :)
@@watchyourstyle white dial black bezel.
This comparison reminds me of the Tudor BB 41 vs BB 58.
In this Case, YES
In this case absolutely yesss 😍
2255.80 auto is still best (and probably rarest) SMP out there now barring vintage.
Absolutely! I have the 2255, 2254, and the Aqua Terra Captain's watch. The 2255 is my favorite of the three.
I have the old version in black with a 36mm midsize case. Pretty much perfect versatile watch for the less bulky amongst us.
I’m enjoying mine!!
Which one do you have? :)
@@watchyourstyle The new style. Sold the 2531.0 and had to get another!
Old model wears so much nicer size wise.
Great comparison.
Thank you Matt. I really appreciate it!
Agreed!
Great wrap up.
@6:45 the balancing wheel has a small weight will all omega wave dial have that extra weight. Asking bc someone tried to sell me a used omega looked amazingly authentic but I did see in one vid the missing weight is a red flag. The calendar rotation clockwise too n it stopped working once I placed a magnet on the back of the watch. Omega r all anti magnetic right.
Great comparison video but you don’t have a six and a half inch DIAMETER wrist.
🤣 I’m the Incredible Hulk
Can you compare the old seamaster to a Tudor bb58
they made the smp300 more like a planet ocean, and i dont get it, it seems like their watches now compete internally, the 2018 smp300 has to have affect their PO sales. maybe improving their entrylevel model nets them more revenue over all, but we wont ever know, the strategy is so wierd
i ended up geeting the 2018 seamster with rubber band in it. can some.one help by telling me the reference number on that steel bracelet for that watch since i d like to have that on the side.
im advance , thank you.
I have the older model never take it off & have to the push clasp as
That tittle video reminds me of Goldeneye when Trevelyan said you know james? I was always better!!! and James is like hah no way, we'll see about that. the same applies here to the good old Brosnan Seamaster it just refuses to die, there's nothing else like it, just gets better with time like whine haha.
I remembered when Trevelyan compared watches and said "new model, is this here?", I saw that his had a leather strap that can be seen on Bond's at the beginning of the film.
New is better, coz I bought one now :)
New one would be perfect for me if not for the sword hands and such large numbers on the bezel.
Do you mean skeleton sword hands?
@@watchyourstyle yes the skeleton, sorry.
How do you think the current wave dial will age? Like 10-20 years from now, will it look timeless or tacky and outdated? bc imo the old wave dial looks really outdated. I like it but it definitely doesn’t look timeless like a planet ocean or submariner.
I don’t think it’ll age as well, but in the future I could see it having some collectibility if omega chooses to omit the wave dial in future seamasters. What do you think? :)
new one looks too sporty and cheap IMO
The cost of what the the old version cost compared to what the new one costs is ridiculous. No wonder the luxury watch market is in decline... Not just Omega .. I will just stick with the old version.
I've been thinking about buying one of these for months, it's so hard to decide. I think I'm fairly confident I don't want an original bond from the 90s, those are starting to look pretty dated.
Thanks for the comparison.
Go with the pre-2018! Original bond proportions with some newer tech
The original quartz watches have funky/clunky bezels and a pretty basic movement. The bracelets also suffer from wobble like an old Rolex.
The new one have 240 click or i am crazy?
I’m an Omega guy, but try as I might, I just can’t love the hands on these.