Building on their existing design, Omega has released the Seamaster 300 in precious metal cases of platinum or gold, with Malachite and Lapis lazuli dials. The basic specifications and dimensions of the Seamaster 300 remain the same here, with a 41mm diameter case, case height of 14.65mm, and of course, 300m of water resistance. Where the main changes come in on this new model, are the materials. The watch case is available with your choice of either platinum or 18k yellow gold, along with a Malachite dial (green) or a Lapis lazuli dial (blue). Both Malachite and Lapis lazuli seem to be materials brands are openly experimenting with, as is evidenced by releases like the Piaget Altiplano Flying Tourbillon Marquetry Dial watches we went hands-on with at SIHH 2018. Not only are these gemstones typically difficult to work with, but to see major brands experiment with exotic materials like this (even meteorite in the case of this Rolex Day-Date 40) could be a sign of a recent spike in consumer interest, especially among high-end buyers.

The exceptional finishing continues onto the Master Co-Axial Calibre 8913 movement beating inside, which sports an 18k Sedna gold rotor and balance bridge, blackened screws, barrels, and balance wheel, as well as Geneva stripes. The Calibre 8913 is a double barreled automatic movement, sporting a 60 hour power reserve, frequency of 25,200 bph, co-axial escapement, silicon balance spring, magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, and a quick-set hour function. To top off the whole precious package, the hands are either 18k white gold, or 18k yellow gold depending on the case metal you have selected.

I think the Seamaster 300 on its own is already Omega’s dressiest dive watch with all of its polished surfaces and smaller case size, so it makes sense that a lot of people might use the Seamaster 300 as more of a dress diver. As a matter of fact, I wore my Seamaster 300 on a leather strap at the last wedding I attended. While I do think that the application of these precious metals and dial materials is a bit over the top, I actually really dig them.

Both the Lapis lazuli and the Malachite dials look fantastic on this watch design (at least in press photos), and while it’s not something I’d ever purchase for myself, I do like the added color and personality that the Malachite and Lapis lazuli provide. This watch is certainly for a small audience of buyers given its high-end combination of materials, but I have no doubt that Omega will still find customers for it. I’m partial to the Lapis lazuli dial myself, as I’m a huge sucker for blue, but green is a rare color to find on watches (even rarer to find it done well) and the Malachite is a unique look.

Omega has once again played with materials in a very interesting way with this release, and created a truly eye-catching (albeit pricey) pair, in my opinion. If you’re into this combination of materials on a diver, the Seamaster 300 Malachite and Lapis lazuli will be available starting October of this year, with pricing starting at $35,000 for the Malachite dial in 18k gold, ranging up to $69,100 for the Lapis lazuli dial in platinum. omega.com