Omega is a Swiss luxury brand that has built its reputation on creating a wide range of watches, yet it categorizes them under just four primary lines: Speedmaster, Seamaster, De Ville, and Constellation. Under these collections, there are more sub-collections of various models, some of which are highly sought-after, even in the secondhand market.
Take the Omega Seamaster as an example. This collection has at least eight collections under its belt and many of these watches hold their value well, selling more than their retail price or just a few hundred dollars less in the pre-owned market, at the least. In this article, we are ranking the best Omega Seamaster collections to help you decide which to add to your luxury watch collection.
5 Modern Omega Seamaster Sub-Collections
The Omega Seamaster is the brand’s oldest watch collection that is still in production today. It explains why at least three of its sub-collections are known distinctively for their vintage-inspired models and among them is the Seamaster 1948 collection.
Seamaster 1948
The first Seamaster models were introduced in 1948 as robust but elegant timepieces that were resistant to water, dust, shock, and magnet. These are inspired by the utilitarian watches the Swiss brand supplied to the British Ministry of Defense in WWII. It means despite its aquatic name, the Seamaster was not a dive watch first.
On the 70th anniversary of its debut, Omega gave this model a 2018 update with the release of two limited-edition models. These integrate the retro vibe of the originals with 21st-century technology in the form of Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements. These feature monochromatic silver dials in elegant 38mm cases. While they’re relatively small by modern standards, they are quite larger than the 34mm original.
Seamaster 300
In 1957, Omega debuted the Seamaster 300, which competed directly against watches like the Rolex Submariner and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. It has a vintage soul featuring a combination of Arabic numerals and painted markers, and the signature rotating elapsed-time bezel.
The Seamaster 300 served as the blueprint for all succeeding Seamaster watches and also paved the way for the 300m line, which was featured prominently on the wrist of James Bond. The latest in the Seamaster 300 line was released sometime in March and the three versions are a real homage to the 1957 original model.
Aqua Terra 150M
The Aqua Terra is another Seamaster staple and is arguably the brand’s answer to the Rolex Datejust—but with more advanced technological features. Introduced in 2003, its watches are known for their casual aesthetics, versatile features, and professional-level technology.
In 2020, the Aqua Terra received a major upgrade and leveled up to Master Chronometer status. It retains the same classic shape, twisted lugs, sporty look, and polished surfaces. One obvious cosmetic change is in the dial: The striped finish remains intact, but instead of vertical, it’s now horizontal. Other than that, the biggest change is that the line is now Master Chronometer certified, indicating that it’s up to METAS standards in terms of precision and accuracy.
Diver 300M
You’re probably not alone in thinking that the Seamaster 300 and the Diver 300M are the same given their almost identical names. But, they are indeed two different Omega watch models. Whereas the Seamaster 300 is a vintage-inspired diving watch, the Diver 300M is the brand’s take on a modern diving watch. It is made famous by becoming Bond’s watch of choice in several 007 films starting in 1995.
Some signature features of the Diver 300M include the scalloped bezel, a helium escape valve at 10 o’clock, and skeletonized sword-shaped hands. The latest versions of the line sport ceramic dials engraved with a wave pattern, coordinating ceramic bezel inserts, and a date window at 6 o’clock. Similar to its predecessor, the Diver 300M is manufactured using various materials like steel, titanium, and gold, and is presented in different bracelets such as metal, rubber, or NATO straps.
Planet Ocean 600M
The Planet Ocean is a relatively new Omega model, being released in 2005. In less than two decades, it has not only risen to become of the biggest hits from the brand but one of the market’s most in-demand diving watches as well, largely owing to its impressive water resistance.
Throughout these years, the collection has continued to evolve and the results are three generations of watches that boast advanced technological features and modern aesthetics. While the first-gen of Planet Ocean watches are distinct for their use of aluminum bezels and ETA-based movements, the next generation of watches was updated with ceramic bezels and in-house movements. The latest from the collection is the 2016 update, which maintains the ceramic bezels, but now features the latest in-house Master Chronometer movements.
What Makes the Omega Seamaster a Great Investment
By looking at the data, you would figure out that the Omega Seamaster has slightly increased in price in the past few years. While there are other watches that offer a greater increase in value, the Omega Seamaster is the kind whose price consistently increases, albeit in small increments. It’s largely due to the all-year demand for the line’s watches and the occasional new releases that result in a spike in sales.
