The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M is one of those watches even those barely familiar with the watch world will have likely heard of. This is thanks, in no small part, to its role as James Bond’s go-to timepiece in multiple films, as well as being one of the few diving and sports watches most collectors will unanimously agree is a great blend of style and functionality. However, with prices often around £5,000, it can feel out of reach for some of us. So, what affordable alternatives to the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M are there?
Affordable Alternatives to Omega Seamaster
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300
Christopher Ward has become widely popular for good reason and is regularly regarded for their incredible value. One of the models that cemented this opinion is their C60 Trident Pro 300, the British watchmaker’s flagship diver’s watch. Like the Seamaster, it’s a design that transitions between daily wear and the deepest dives opting for a compact 38mm steel case, unidirectional ceramic bezel and a 300 metre water resistance. We’re also promised a Swiss made Sellita SW200-1 movement put on display through an exhibition case back – not a familiar sight in a 300 metre water resistant dive watch!
Price: Starts from £760
Seiko Prospex “SPB1”
I couldn’t do an article comparing affordable dive watches without mentioning Seiko. I’ll be honest, there are a number of Seiko watches in their dive-related Prospex collection that are worthy affordable alternatives to the Omega Seamaster 300M. But, if it was me, I’d choose one of the references beginning with SPB1. These are some of the Japanese watchmaker’s latest re-interpretations of their first ever diver’s watch released in 1965, boasting the same durable architecture but with modern improvements including sapphire crystal, Lumibrite hardware and 300 metre water resistant rating.
Price: Starts from £1,200
Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer
I’m not sure I really need to explain much about this one since all its best-selling points are there in the name. Yes, this really is a 600 metre water resistant dive watch with a chronometer certified movement for less than £2,000. I’m still not exactly sure what part of the design they’ve skimped on to make this such an affordable piece; there’s still a ceramic insert for the bezel, sapphire crystal glass with double-sided anti-reflective treatment and glow in the dark lume used for the dial’s hardware. The Mido Ocean Star 600 Chronometer is a solid competitor to the Omega Seamaster without doubt.
Price: Starts from £1,670
Certina DS Action Diver
Whenever I think of “affordable diver’s watch”, I think of the Certina DS Action Diver. I can’t say exactly why, but clearly this Swiss watchmaker has done something right to keep this design at the forefront of my mind. It feels like one of those watches that has been influenced, whether intentional or not, by the Omega Seamaster, offering a very similar stainless steel case shape, unidirectional rotating bezel and brightly lumed dial. Sure, some of the more refined detailing of the Seamaster is lacking, but this is still a solid 300 metre water resistant watch with a Swiss made movement for almost a seventh of the price.
Price: Starts from £895
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Pro Diver
Ok, so I know the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf isn’t your typical affordable alternative to the Omega Seamaster 300M but hear me out. If you’re not necessarily set on a modern design with a tool watch aesthetic, then something with a little bit of retro flair might be a nice change. The Super Sea Wolf Pro Diver is exactly that, electing all the necessary specs you need in a durable dive watch (including a rotating bezel, Super-LumiNova markings and a 300 metre water resistant case), but it also has a sense of style that takes you back to the 1960’s.
Price: Starts from £2,199
