Omega’s Seamaster collection is given an all black variant, with a new model which is called Black Black. Omega has taken advantage of ceramic’s versatility, to create a watch in contrasting shades from a single colour.
Review: Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black
The Ref. 210.92.44.20.01.003 is set at a retail price is SGD 12,400 inclusive of GST / USD 8,650 before taxes.
As always, Omega has stayed true to the 300M’s original design and ensures the watch meets all required dive watch functions. As well as being easy on the eye, the Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black is easy to read – even in the dark.
The case and dial
The 43.5 mm polished-brushed case in black ceramic [ZrO2] is fixed to the wrist by an integrated black rubber strap with a buckle in the same material as the case. To ensure every part of the watch blends in beautifully, OMEGA’s watchmakers also created black ceramic versions of the crown and helium escape valve.
Although the new Black Black is the colour of night, its dial is easy-to-read at all hours. To ensure visibility without spoiling the Diver’s overall aesthetic, OMEGA has introduced anthracite Super-LumiNova to the diving scale, the black PVD indexes and skeleton hands, and dot at 12H. Although these essential markers all glow in different colours in the dark, the anthracite turns them dark-grey in daylight.
For the first time, OMEGA has laser-ablated almost every detail on the black ceramic [ZrO2] dial. From the iconic waves to the minute track, wording and even the OMEGA symbol, the details have been crafted in positive relief from just one single piece. The unique construction method delivers a superb contrasting effect, while giving the watch a very distinctive, uniform and sculptural look. The same positive relief style can be found on the diving scale of the unidirectional bezel.
The Movement
Through the sapphire caseback glass, the watch reveals the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806, certified at the highest standards of precision, performance and magnetic resistance by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
The automatic movement is equipped with a co-Axial escapement and displays hours, minutes, and seconds. The caliber 8806 is also resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss.
The caliber beats at 25,200 VPH and has 35 jewels. Internally, it is built with a titanium balance wheel, silicon hairspring. It also uses a free sprung-balance with silicon balance spring and is rhodium plated finish with Geneva waves in arabesque.
Concluding thoughts
The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Black Black is possibly the best looking modern Seamaster in today’s lineup. It is in the larger size variant at 43.5 mm, but benefits from an all black case, dial and hands combination. By virtue of this matte black color, the watch is stealthy and unpretentious.
The reliability of the co-axial movement with tested accuracy and anti-magnetism makes it ideal for a daily beater. Water proof to 300m, and fitted with a rubber strap, the watch is definitely versatile and sporty. It is priced at US$8650.
3 Comments
Great article Peter. The 2018 generation of SMP has been my favourite design, and it looks like this is the year of incremental change, with Tudor’s new monotone black bays. It’s a pity they don’t make a midsize version…
I think this article would have benefited from a photo of the watch in the dark so we could see the lume written about.
I agree Harry. But unfortunately, this was photographed during a kind of rush session in the Omega Boutique, and I forgot to photograph the lume. Apologies.