THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 14755-61
YEAR: 1961
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 38mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Omega Seamaster 300 began its life in 1957 with the 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, officially rated to 200m (though tested to 300m—hence the name).

Early SM300s feature a 38 mm straight-lug case, a thin bi-directional Bakelite bezel, and a clean, highly legible black dial. The original reference, CK2913, was produced for only a short four-year period before being succeeded by the CK14755, as seen in this example.

Despite the reference change, the design remained largely consistent, and we’re fortunate to have such a beautiful example before us. The original black dial has developed a subtle tropical brown hue over the years, while the lume on the markers and hands has aged to a rich pumpkin tone, giving the watch a wonderfully warm character. The dial shows slightly more fading between 3 and 6 o’clock. The original Bakelite insert has perished—a common occurrence—and the current insert is a restored replacement.

The straight-lug case has been polished in the past but still retains strong lines. The movement was serviced within the last year and is running well at +3 s/d, 320 amplitude, and a 0.3 ms beat error.

This is, in many ways, Omega’s equivalent to the early Rolex “Big Crown” and “Small Crown” Submariners—yet available at a comparatively attainable price point. A superb example of an early Omega Seamaster 300.