It seems as though everyone making watches these days, especially the ones on the cutting edge of technology, are looking to the past for design inspiration, and I like it! Vintage-inspired pieces were all the rage at this year’s Baselworld, and from one of my favorite watchmakers came the remake of an absolutely iconic divers watch. Omega introduced the new Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial, based on the original Seamaster 300 from 1957. It has a 41mm case, sapphire crystal and exhibition back, and the distinctive broad-arrow hour hand. It is also water-resistant to 300m, hence the name.

The original Seamaster 300 was introduced in 1957, with a fantastic mix of a broad-arrow hour hand and a lollipop seconds hand. Similar to many dive watches of this era, the black dial was bakelite, which aged with a quite nice patina. Even today, clean vintage pieces are highly prized by collectors. The new model takes these design ideas, and updates them for modern preferences. While its design may be based on a 57-year-old watch, the new Seamaster is stuffed with many of Omega’s latest innovations.

Inside the new Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial is Omega’s Co-Axial calibre 8400. This is the same used in the Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss from last years show. This means that the new Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial is also capable of resisting magnetism. Of course the calibre 8400 has the now famous co-axail escapement, and is also COSC-certified chronometer with a power reserve of 60 hours. some pretty good accolades for the movement in this watch.

Outside the watch the new Seamaster 300 also features some of the newest materials from Omega; a sand-blasted ceramic dial, and ceramic bezel with a Liquidmetal diving scale. The  bracelet features polished center links and Omega’s patented rack-and-pusher clasp making it adjustable to easily fit over a diving suit. It will be available in 6 versions in a variety of materials including steel, titanium, 18k Sedna gold and 950 platinum.

The black model in all stainless steel is the most faithful to the vintage Seamaster 300, I expected to see it with the traditional solid case back with the vintage hippocampus engraving. however with the 8400 it is nice to see this machine in action The Omega Seamaster 300 starts at $6,200 in stainless steel. Relative to other dive watches available this is a bargain, especially considering all of the technology this movement boasts. This is going to be a tough watch, a great daily wearer as well as a wonderful tool watch, and all the while it will look totally swell.

Images courtesy of Omega, and Watchtime