THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 165.014
YEAR: 1965
BOX/PAPERS: NO/YES (ARCHIVE)
CASE DIAMETER: 38mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Omega Seamaster 300 began its life in 1957 with reference CK2913, launched alongside the Railmaster CK2914 and Speedmaster CK2915 as part of the legendary “Master Trilogy.” While the Seamaster name dates back to the 1940s, the SM300 was Omega’s first true dive watch—built for serious underwater use and officially rated to 200m (though tested to 300m, hence the name).

Early SM300s feature a 38mm straight-lug case, a thin bi-directional Bakelite bezel, and a clean, highly legible black dial. This example represents the final reference of this configuration. The lume on the markers and hands has aged to a rich pumpkin patina, giving the watch a wonderfully warm character. The original Bakelite bezel remains intact—a very rare occurrence. The case has been polished in the past but still presents in strong condition. Another highlight is the bracelet: the 7912/6, which is becoming as rare as the watches themselves, especially in this state of preservation.

The movement was serviced within the last year and is running well at +9 s/d, 300 amplitude, and a 0.3 ms beat error. The Omega Archive confirms a production date of November 25, 1965, with delivery to an authorised dealer in Sweden.

In many ways, this watch is Omega’s counterpart to the early Rolex “Big Crown” and “Small Crown” Submariners—but at a comparatively attainable price point. A superb example of an early Seamaster 300.