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View Full Version : 300 M Chrono Diver - the toughest watch?

Hatone
July 22nd, 2008, 13:47
Hello, I'm new here so bear with me. I've been looking around for a self-winding watch that can withstand daily commuting, be up for general use and mustn't be too big in size or attention grabbing (subtle). I need a tough watch.

Having looked at Breitling's Chronomat, Tag's Carrera and Omega's Speedmaster/seamaster, Rolex submarine, I am warming torwards the Seamaster 300 M Chrono Diver.

Breitlings are too fragile for my needs and have high servicing bills - Breilting's are more of a luxury weekend watch than to be worn daily. Rolex are highly pricey and migh dissuade me from wearing it daily. Omega's speedmaster is nice, but I'm concerned about the reliability of its movements. The watch must HAVE a DATE.

This leaves me with the Seamaster M Chrono diver. What is the watch like in terms of reliability and daily use? Is the model still in production for 2008? I have yet to see the 08 brochure.

Does anyone have any recommendations or tips regarding this watch or others?
watch-man7777
July 22nd, 2008, 14:43
Omega's speedmaster is nice, but I'm concerned about the reliability of its movements


:-s

Don't be. It is said to be one of the best and most reliable mechanical chronograph movements ever produced.

You want a "tough" watch? Don't buy a mechanical chronograph. Sub or SMP would fit your bill for the "toughest watch" in that price range. For the most part, Omega and Breitling use the same movements in their watches. Both companies servicing bills aren't cheap, I wouldn't use that as a reason not to buy a Breitling.
Hatone
July 22nd, 2008, 14:56
It's a difficult choice I must say - got to be the same for everyone.

I am hearing rumours Omega are going to discontinue the 300m chrono diver watch - that's kind of putting me off in way.

I mean the 300m diver watch looks rugged and almost bulletproof with a proven movement.

Decisions, decisions, decisions
moose859
July 22nd, 2008, 15:12
Hi there Hatone. Welcome to the forum. Tough watch eh? Just how brutal is your commute? Here's three bulletproof watches, pick one. Me, I'm leaning toward the SMP 300. It's a no-nonsense dive watch, rated to 1000ft. and as tough as they come. Good luck......................David


http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/Moose859/Omega/CIMG8408.jpg
Neil(UK)
July 22nd, 2008, 15:53
Hello, I'm new here so bear with me. I've been looking around for a self-winding watch that can withstand daily commuting, be up for general use and mustn't be too big in size or attention grabbing (subtle). I need a tough watch.



Daily commuting eh?

That needs a "tough watch" LOL ;-)
eptaz
July 22nd, 2008, 16:33
Which SMPCh are you referring to? The Bond?
http://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/templates/omega-watches/img-watchesbig/22258000.gif
The blue model, above, may or may not be discontinued, but there is a new black version.

Or, the black non-Bond.
http://www.omegawatches.com/fileadmin/templates/omega-watches/img-watchesbig/25945200.gif
I've heard different rumors about this version being discontinued. It wouldn't surprise me, as the non-chrono Black SMP is discontinued.

If you're referring to the Bond, yes, I'd describe the movement as proven, as it's based on the Valjoux 7750, which has been in production for over 30 years. But, if you're referring to the black non-Bond, I would not call the movement "proven" at all, since it's only been around for a few years. Moreover, I think you'd have a hard time finding many people willing to describe it as "bulletproof."

Of course, unless your commute involves underwater attacks by gorillas with sledgehammers, any of the watches you mentioned (Breitling, Tag, Rolex, Speedmaster, Seamaster) are plenty rugged.

Good luck with your decision!

eric
J.Bond
July 22nd, 2008, 17:09
Hi there Hatone. Welcome to the forum. Tough watch eh? Just how brutal is your commute? Here's three bulletproof watches, pick one. Me, I'm leaning toward the SMP 300. It's a no-nonsense dive watch, rated to 1000ft. and as tough as they come. Good luck......................David


http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q290/Moose859/Omega/CIMG8408.jpg

David your Sea-Dweller looks like it has seen better days. Especially after all the testing it has gone through. When it the next one BTW? Maybe an SMP goes under the spot light this time?

~JB
Hatone
July 22nd, 2008, 17:53
Some interesting replies.

Not only do I plan to use it for commuting, but also for MTB'ing and swimming as well as other sports - so yes, a robust watch is essential for me. I am looking to get my money's worth here.

I looked at Planet Ocean - a great watch but the price is a little difficult to swallow. The Planet Ocean model seems to incorperate both designs of the Bond watch and Speedmaster.
M4tt
July 22nd, 2008, 19:10
I'd look at the problem in another way - frankly you slap any watch against a rock while mountain biking and it is broken. You need two watches. Buy whichever you fancy and a beater.

So, for the commute and work you have the seamaster or whatever while for high risk activities you have something you can afford to break and replace. An O&W Cougar is nice or perhaps the classic lines of a Precista 53. It's amazing what you can get for around $300.

One other point, Breitling may look more decorative but their autos use really very common ETA movements. There is really no reason why they should be more expensive to service than Omega . Rolex on the other hand... I'm also unclear why they should be considered any more fragile than Omega - the cases are the same steel, they use the same sapphire and essentially the same movements.
FrankinCA
July 22nd, 2008, 20:34
Of course, unless your commute involves underwater attacks by gorillas with sledgehammers, any of the watches you mentioned (Breitling, Tag, Rolex, Speedmaster, Seamaster) are plenty rugged.

Good luck with your decision!

eric

Eric, that has to be one of the funniest responses I've seen yet. That was good. Keep it up.

Frank
FrankinCA
July 22nd, 2008, 20:38
no issues. I do have a Breitling, but it's a Super Ocean Chrono. All similair movements. All accurate and no issues. http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h53/FBarron/Collectiontheme/ChrDvrwtchs.jpg
eptaz
July 22nd, 2008, 20:59
Eric, that has to be one of the funniest responses I've seen yet. That was good. Keep it up.

Frank
Hey, you don't go monkeying around with...oh, never mind. I have my moments, Frank, when someone else is almost as amused as I am. Yes, brief, fleeting moments.

eric
moose859
July 22nd, 2008, 21:38
"Buy whichever you fancy and a beater."

Pretty good advice, unless he wants a fancy beater.;-).............David
spogehead
July 22nd, 2008, 22:09
"Buy whichever you fancy and a beater."

Pretty good advice, unless he wants a fancy beater.;-).............David

You have the fanciest, boiled, dishwasher-ed, soon to be frozen beater I know...:-d

I have a £30 g-shock for beating, does the job great......ain't nothing fancy about it........... other than it can tell the time in 27 cities :roll:

As for the watches try them all on at the AD and pick the one that does it for you.
Neil(UK)
July 23rd, 2008, 14:02
I'd look at the problem in another way - frankly you slap any watch against a rock while mountain biking and it is broken. You need two watches. Buy whichever you fancy and a beater.



Exactly.

Many people don't realise that with a mechanical watch no matter how tough it looks a good whack can stop it or send the timekeeping crazy.

Ask Matt about quartz for MTB. :-)