Review: Omega Seamaster Professional 300M 2599.80.00 Chrono Diver
I’m a bad watch reviewer. Not only am I not updating this site often enough, I’ve been hiding my gems under a bushel, offering up junk like crapola GMTs and monkey-brained divers. Why? Because the watches I love I can’t really review and the watches I review I can’t really love. So I’m torn, WWR fans. Torn.
I present for your inspection the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M 2225.80.00 2599.80.00 Chrono Diver. Every collector chases a dream early on in his career – and often that dream doesn’t jibe with what he or she really wants. You could dig Seikos and then see an Ebel that knocks your socks off. You could love Rolex and then see an Omega that you must have. This watch is my early collector’s grail watch and I am happy to report that it is getting so much wrist time that I think I need to brush it down with rubbing alcohol because it is getting wrist stink.
But first things first. What’s it like? The 2599.80.00 runs an Omega 1164 self-winding date chrono caliber. I’ve opened the case once, like a fool, and it is quite striking. It’s is rhodium plated and sparkles in the light. I quickly closed her up, but it was the stuff dreams are made on. It has a 44 hour power reserve, which is about right in real terms, and offers a 30 minute register at 12, a 12 hour register at 6, and small sweep seconds at 9. There is a date window at 3 and a sweep seconds hand. There is also a chronograph bezel with a glowing pip at noon. Finally, there is a helium release valve at 10 and the well protected pushers are at 2 and 4 while the screw down crown is at 3.
The watch is quite heavy with a metal bracelet – about 5 ounces. Most of that is in the case, so even with a rubber strap it’s a heavy watch. It wears beautifully. The spinning counterweight winds up an down when you move your hand, reminding you you’re wearing an automatic, but otherwise it fits like a glove.
The color scheme is quite understated with red minor hands (seconds hand, face registers) and “ball triangle” major hands in the style of the James Bond models. Each hour is indicated by a glowing pip and there is a demarcated scale of seconds all around the inner bezel. There are seconds markers around the outer bezel and a “triangle” at the chronograph bezel’s set point. The bezel itself turns quite nicely but is a bit hard to grab hold of with wet hands.
Setting the watch is fairly standard – unscrew the crown, pull out once to set the date and pull out twice to set the time. Unfortunately, you have to take the watch off to do this with any accuracy as the crown guard keeps things pretty close and you really need all the room you can get.
The bracelet I have is made of interlocking pieces of steel and the buckle, with an expansion catch that opens to reveal another 3/4 inch for wrapping around a wet-suit, is quite understated. It is easily scratched, but that just adds character.
The bracelet has all sorts of nooks and crannies and, as a result, will often get filled up with sweat and gunk. Frequent light cleanings are necessary to make sure the watch doesn’t stink. A looser bracelet will do the same thing, but this watch begs to be snug to the wrist.
I have no complaints about this watch. From it’s wavy face to it’s seahorsey back, I’m enthralled. I wore this for two months straight and rarely put on any of my other pieces until they wrote a petition for my untoward attention. The Seamaster Chrono Diver is one of my favorites and, without a doubt, can be anyone’s favorite. It is timeless and beautiful and wears well with almost anything except true formal wear. It is an all-day watch and an real keeper.
Quality: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Overall: 4.5/5 – Not perfect, but almost there.
-John Biggs
PRICE CHECK @ 
for
Omega SeaMaster 300m
for
Omega SeaMaster 300mMEN'S CHRONOGRAPH WATCHES - MEN'S DRESS WATCHES
I’m glad I ran into this discussion. The Bond chrono was my long time grail watch as well. Seven years ago I came into possession of a copy of the ti-tan-rau version. For many years I couldn’t bring myself to make it the daily wearer because it was “too precious.”
I finally told myself to get over that, and put my favorite watch on my wrist and enjoy it.
I’m so glad I made that decision.
Best,
Jeff Huber
I am lucky enough to have bought this watch in 18k yellow gold. It is the pride of my collection. It beats my Pateks and Rolex hands down. I have not seen a similar one in Gold and just wondered if this was a special order or what the value was when new. Anyone know ?
This is by far one of my favorite Omega watches.
Guys! What about scratches? I am about to buy a new watch and I must say Seamaster 300 Chrono Diver is on the top of my wish list. I heard few times that is easy to scratch the glass despite it is apparently “Domed anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal”. I want to buy steel watch, which is much more scratch resistant than titanium. I owe titanium Citizen Skyhawk and I must say I am very disappointed because it is so easy to scratch it.
What about depreciation of Seamaster 300 Chronograph Diver. Doe’s the watch loose allot?
LOVE this watch! I have the titanium version and it’s just awesome!
I just purchased a new 2599.80 at an authorized retailer here in Dayton, OH yesterday for around $2,500 US. Based upon the prior responses, I feel really lucky to have found this model new, at such a great price. (Omega’s website lists this watch as discontinued) I have no previous experience with Omega watches, but this watch had everything that I was looking for. (stainless steel, automatic, size, weight) I was instantly attracted to it’s look and feel. I love its rugged, yet refined look. I also prefer a heavier watch. It simply feels like it has more substance than other watches I have tried on. The only other watch I seriously considered was the Breitling Chrono Avenger, but I have no local retailers and was too nervous to buy online. Reading this article and the ensuing comments make me feel like I have made a wise decision. I look forward to many years of enjoyable wearing. My last watch was a Tag Heuer Quartz Link that I wore daily for over eight years. The only reason I departed from this watch is that I grew tired of replacing the battery. My little brother in college is now wearing it. I only hope my new Omega serves me as well for as many years.
Thanks for the great review!
Got my 2599 for graduating from UCSB. The best gift I ever have. This will probably be the last watch I will ever own. I just can’t picture myself with a rolex. They just look too much like an old man’s watch.
hi
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good luck
hi
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good luck
Hello John,
My name is Saud Hashmi and I am an officer in the United States Merchant Marines residing in NYC,
recently I went on vacation to St. Martin and while there, purchased an Omega Planet Ocean. Upon my return a few
days later, 5 to be precise, I was performing my duties aboard a coastwise oil tanker when I noticed the watch had lost a few minutes,
( it’s an automatic ). I applied the correction and went back to work, a second later I heard a distinct metallic clink
and looked down, (fortunately at the time I was doing chart corrections over a chart table) there on the table was the
crown to the date/time adjustment! You can imagine my consternation at witnessing the failure of a new $3,106.00
time piece! I immediately contacted Omega’s service center which asked me to send the watch in for repairs. I
explained that I had no interests in a repaired Omega, rather in my opinion I felt the only satisfactory recourse would
be the replacement of the timepiece. That call led me to Omega N.A. headquarters in N.J. to which I payed a
personal visit upon my return home. The V.P. of C.S. greeted me and took the time to listen to my concerns,
her name is Janine and is truly a testament to professionalism and courtesy. Upon the conclusion of our meeting
I surrendered my watch and left feeling somewhat relieved that Omega being a luxury goods purveyor would
do everything it could to assure its customers satisfaction. Unfortunately that was not to be the case, Janine got
back to me today and informed me that in fact Omega was not replacing my watch but rather, repairing it.
I can’t begin to convey my dismay at this decision. You see the watch to me is an instrument, not a cosmetic piece of jewelry. I can’t understand how Omega
can claim a proud tradition of seaworthy chronographs and then deny the replacement of a failed piece. Especially to a consumer who earns his living in that
precise environment! How can I trust my life during a mixed gas dive to an instrument that failed in a single atmosphere while doing nautical chart
corrections?! My question to you is this, have you ever heard of anyone getting their watch replaced? and if so what avenues did
they pursue to accomplish this? I am currently attempting to secure a meeting with the president of Omega N.A. and
hope to speak with him before departing for sea next Wed. I will update you as to how that turns out. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
sincerely,
Saud
Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…
I dream of owning a Seamaster. What’s the difference between a straight Seamaster and a Planet Ocean?
guys, i’ve got a rolex sea dweller ………. class! however i’m going to add a seamaster 300m to my collection soon, another quality time piece!
Gotta love the effort you put into this blog
This really helps a lot!!!! Thank you!!!
however i’m going to add a seamaster 300m to my collection soon, another quality time piece!
A big surprise to you —–SurpriseWatch.com
Got 2225.80.00 model as a present almost new. Immediately had some issues with it. The watch was losing time and the bracelet pin came out. Lucky me, my hand was in my pocket, so I did not lose any parts. After sending it back to Omega, had no issues so far. Still I am a bit concerned, especially when I had worn my quartz Tag Heuer professional for 19 years, taking it through jumps as high as 18,500′ and dives 120′ with 0 issues. Still, have high hopes for this Omega, as it is a beautiful watch.
I have the 2598.80.00 version of this watch. It has the shiny chrome bezel> the dial is darker compared to the newer model. I’ve seen the newer ones and the dial looked a bit “bluer”. I like mine better. But theyre both hands down one of the best built, best looking watch. I have a rolex and you just can’t compare it especially the braceltet and weight. I suggest that you try one before you buy. And I’m sure you’ll walk out the store owning one.
Just about to purchase a 2225.80 next week (pre-owned, never worn, unwanted company gift). Reading all the posts from people that own this, I’m really looking forward to it now. Previous watch was a Tag Heuer Formula 1 Quartz Chrono, which broke (seals went, movement rusted) and after looking at the Tag Carrera / Rolex Submariner and talking to people, the people that seam most happy with their daily used purchase are the ones with Omega Seamasters. The look is really growing on me as well the more pictures I see, the whole utilitarian but elegant nature of it fits my requirement of looking equally good in board shorts and a suit. Definitely counting down the hours until it gets here.
Bought it today in Black. i love it
Hi,
I am sure your Rolex is a nice time piece, however I have purchased 2 fine watches from a company called (Debaufre). I have Ocean Classic 1 & GMT. Both are almost in looks identical to the same watches produced by Rolex. You should check out the website. These are real accurate and nice time pieces, and to say the least the customer service is un beatable by far. Something you folks might want to consider before you make another watch investment. regards macgyver
I have the black version of this one.
My wife bought me this in black just over ayear ago. the bracelet & case have picked up some small scratches but the saphire crystall remains as clear as it was the day I received it. I have noticed that it gains slightly but it remains within Omegas tolerances as stated in the instruction manual so no complaints there. I also have an old Omega constellation f300 Hz & a new Tag monaco but this is my favorite & the one that I wear most often. Very happy with it & very happy with my wife as it was she who bought me the Tag.
This too was my holy grail watch.
When I finally got one it lasted a week, I dropped it in the wash basin and from that moment it stopped storing energy.
Took it back to the shop and got a refund.
Im still gutted that something I held in such esteem was in fact junk.
I like your style, the fact that your site is a little bit different makes it so interesting, I get fed up of seeing same-old-same-old all of the time. I’ve just stumbled this page for you
I’ve had my 2599.8 Seamaster since about 2000, and love it as much now as then. Iboight mine new in Jamaica for about $1500. I’ve had it serviced once, but other than that it’s been a daily wear watch with zero problems. Lately, the band has started to concern me, so I’m not wearing it as much until I can bring it in and they can tune it up…but until then my Marathon GSAR gets dUly use, and can just take an unbelievable beating.
Owning for a couple months and really love it. Some said it is heavy, no way! It’s rock solid, well-built men’s watch. When I wear my other watches Tissot, Tag Heuer, Citizen etc they would definetely feel cheap. Would suggest it everyone.
I recently purchase the 300 M Chrono Diver as a present for my father in Vietnam. I have given it to him with all the instruction manuals. He doesn’t speak English and isn’t sure what the button at 10 o’clock do? So it would be great if someone can explain to me what this button is actually for? I down loaded the manuals but it doesn’t mention this button.
@Dat That actually isn’t a button but a release valve. If he ever dives to 300m he should open it when coming back up (while on dry land)
@John Biggs
Thank you for the information, I will let him know. As you can guest I know bugger all about watches and when my father asked me I was stuck. Once again thank you for your help, much appreciated.
Regards,
Dat
Hi Everyone,
I bought this watch Brand New from new york last month after a month long research i was contemplating between this one and the planet ocean chrono,. but im very happy that i bought this watch 2225.80.. Blue dial.. steel on steel with RHODIUM plated finish, its beautiful, elegant,perfect size(not too big or small) and rock solid.. i have used Tag formula 1 and Carrera day-date chrono,citizen skyhawk, seiko’s.. but i should say this is one my Best and i love it, and this is heavier than all these watches.. the new ones look slightly different in the back the with a big seamaster symbol without the waves around it, looks beautiful.. but the front face looks the same and i read one of the previous message someone saying that this model is discontinued by omega. well, its very much available in all the omega stores as this is one of the best selling seamaster chrono omega evermade. i hope this watch will serve me for a longtime..
http://www.omegawatches.com/gents/seamaster/300-m-chrono-diver
and also the omega symbol and OMEGA letters in the face of my watch has a metalic finish , and seamaster is written in RED color .. as opposed to the white COLOUR shown in the above pics. i enjoyed reading all the comments posted by other users. the more i read about this watch , the more i fall in love with it.. THANKS John..
click on the link below to watch the video/photos of this watch in my youtube channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzE2eb13tU4&feature=player_embedded
I too have this watch but in black, i thought the blue didn’t highlight the small faces enough and found it shined up better too, I am very happy with the watch and it keeps very good time. I paid £1970 for it new in Goldsmiths the jeweller in manchester in October 2009 and it still looks brand new, I regularly clean it with a jewellers rouge cloth
I just bought this watch 2225.80.. Blue dial, in Canada.
I am happy with the watch, real nice to …..
Great watch.. I bought the Omega Seamaster 2599.80.00 Chrono Diver replica 2 years ago, since then I got poisoned by omega SMP
I had the mid size 2222.80 co-axial from ebay.
Last week I almost buy a used seamaster GMT co-axial, I’m using the chronograph (rep) when I met the seller so I can compare between GMT and chronograph.
Result: Chronograph WIN! even it’s a replica still look much more beautiful than the GMT on my wrist.
Lucky me the watch number not match with number on the card, I could canceled it easily.
So now I’m hunting An Omega Seamaster Professional 300M 2599.80.00 Chrono Diver
The GENUINE one for sure.
*Don’t waste your money on replica.. it’s not worthed.
here’s the picture of the beauty
http://i41.tinypic.com/5d4eue.jpg
The difference between an Omega Seamaster Professional and a Planet Ocean is, the Planet Ocean is larger and has more water resistance. The Seamaster Professional is water resistant to 300 meters. The Planet Ocean is water resistant to 600 meters.
I doubt many of us will ever take a watch 2,000 feet deep in the ocean but, at least for me, the extra water resistance shows a more robust design. I have never had a dive watch flood while diving, but I do get a kick out of the newer deeper rated watches.
best wishes,
Jeff
@Antique Watch Lover