Seamaster 300 (Vintage)

The original Seamaster 300 was Omega's purpose-built diving watch of 1957. A rotating ring measured elapsed minutes, luminous hands and markers made the time legible underwater, and an automatic movement wound itself with wrist motion. It was a different proposal from an ordinary water-resistant dress watch bearing the Seamaster name.

The 1960s generation represented here has a broader steel case and substantial curved strap attachments. The case extends around the winding crown, protecting it without adding a separate guard. Large luminous areas dominate the black face. The broad hands and minute scale have a direct job: make elapsed time easy to read.

Two references divide the principal layouts. The 165.024 has no date; the 166.024 adds a window at three. Omega's archive records them with the 552 and 565 automatic movements respectively. The date version leaves the overall case and diving equipment recognisable while interrupting the face with one practical addition.

These designs also had a later life in replacement components. The assemblies commonly called “WatchCo” watches use genuine Omega service parts around older movements. That later assembly history is distinct from the original 1960s production.