Great review. I own both of these pieces. My thoughts: Comparing them head-to-head is like comparing a Gibson Les Paul to a Fender Telecaster. Any serious player will eventually want both! Personally, for whatever reason my Seamaster gets more wrist time. As you duly note, the Omega looks (much!) better on a leather strap, is fantastic on an Omega NATO, and I like the fact that it has less text on the dial. It’s a bit “under the radar” as well. At a glance, people know it’s nice, but they don’t always know exactly what it is.
So, to paraphrase, if you want the “better” watch, buy Omega. If you want “prestige” and make money, buy Rolex. Just about sums it up really. Surely you buy the watch you like and can afford? Personally, I prefer Omega which is fortunate because buying a Rolex is not straight forward and under no circumstances is a Rolex, any Rolex worth grey market prices. But that’s just my opinion. Lots of others would disagree but bearing in mind, for the grey price of some Rolex Professional watches, you could afford some serious high horology pieces which would blow Rolex away on whichever measure you care to choose.
@@gervers touch a nerve?? Not at all. I wouldn’t let an ignorant little f’’k on TH-cam upset me in the least. And I own and enjoy both brands myself. But you are an absolute idiot if you think this Seamaster is superior to the new 2020 sub.
the omega in my opinion looks amazing and this is coming from someone who usually doesn't like vintage looking watches but I would pick the Omega anyday unless I felt like a pretentious showoff snob still a good watch but omega wins overall 😆😆😆😎👍
Agreed. Tim doesn't like the idea that the design was brought back from obsolescence, but it was brought back for a reason: its aesthetics. This is a homage to its original just like modern Panerai Radiomirs are, and nobody's complaining about those as teetering on the brink of obsolescence.
Good review Tim. I think I'd go against the grain of the Rolex cache and choose this Omega. 234.30.41.21.01.001 I own a seamaster pro 300 chronograph and an Aquaterra latest Gen and still I crave the 300 vintage....
In this comparison I'm inclined to disagree on everything except price (where Rolex always loses), as the Submariner has the objectively better movement, and wears noticeably better, especially on slimmer wrists. However, if this was the latest 2021 Omega SM300, I might be inclined to agree with you, as the new SM300 fixes almost all the ways the Rolex beat the Omega here, taking more than 1mm off the thickness, adding a METAS certified movement, with a new tapered bracelet, all while still winning the value comparison.
Rolex by a mile. Omega's bezels suck - even the Planet Ocean, a 6,000 dollar watch, has bezel play, like a cheap Seiko. Also, Omega watches are too thick, Omega doesnt have the finesse or the know-how to do a simple diver below 12,5mm. I hate Rolex as a brand, but Submariner is still unbeatable.
There isn't play on the Omega bezel. Yes it is thicker. New Omega is finished better than new sub. Rolex sub though will always be more demandable, Omega is better value
@@bdegrds Yes, there is. I had the two latest Seamaster versions, Planet Ocean 45mm (aluminium bezel) and the latest Planet Ocean (liquid metal) and all of them have play - some more than the others. I like the Omega design more, but, damn, why can't they do a simple thing like this?
@@maximoplf something is wrong with yours, I'm wearing the new 300m right now, no play on the bezel. I have an old "banana" 200m, that has no play either
My submariner has play too. Rolex is not the brand of ultimate perfection that fanboys pretend it to be. I agree on the thickness but that is due to the glass casebacks. The latest bond watch which has a normal caseback is the same thickness as the sub (if you don’t count the domed glass).
My boi Tim delivers again with another masterpiece. Would love to see a comparison of heritage models from Longines (e.g. Longines Marine Nationale) vs perhaps Oris Big Date models! Cheers, Larry
As you said the Rolex is more the status symbol with many people buying just because of the name, assuming you can even get one. From my point of view these are two distinctly different watches.
Absolutely no winner and no loser in this battle. Take note - I just dropped nearly 12K on a 16610 random serial. Aesthetically and brand wise though - this Seamaster is my choice here.
I have a 14060m and the stamped clasp bracelet fits like skin. I never thought I’d say this but I also have a great white 2538.20.00 with a brushed 3 link and the bracelet is better! The clasp, Rolex takes it all day long with adjustability. I just wish I could get my hands on another sub to get that solid link bracelet!!! Mmmmmm…. Tim always finds a way to get me in trouble!👍
Both Rolex & Omega are similar and different at the same time, in my humble opinion. In terms of similarities, both Rolex & Rolex has their own lines of sport models (Submariner vs Seamaster, Daytona vs Speedmaster etc). In terms of difference, Rolex has more of a conservative approach on their designs, which is why there isn't much distinctive differences between older and newer models over the years. However, I believe Tudor is not just a more affordable alternative to Rolex ,but it has also become, from what I see, an alternative product where new designs are constantly being experimented while maintaining Rolex quality standards. Omega, on the other hand, is always releasing new designs. In addition, Omega ,many times, takes a step back into the past by releasing homages to older models (humble beginnings) while incorporating with their most current (and one of the best) technologies to increase durability.
Good review Tim! While you detailed the accuracy of the Sub quite well, I would have liked a bit more commentary on the Omega’s. Their Master Chronometer, METAS standard is, I believe equal to Rolex’s internal standards. I admit to some bias as I am an Omega fan. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Very true, however this Omega is not a METAS certified Master Chronometer; rather the earlier "Master Co-axial Chronometer" which features the current 15000 Gauss anti-magnetism, but is only a standard COSC chronometer. The new 2021 update of the SM300 does feature a 8900 series movement, with METAS certification, so I do believe the current model has a movement equal to this Rolex.
Agreed, between those two watches I'd have the Rolex (at MSRP of both). Now, if you had put the Rolex up against one of those new all-blue Seamasters in steel, it would be a whole other story (Seamaster wins, handily, in that case).
I don’t like the 007 branding on anything that can been seen when the watch is worn. Put something on the caseback if they need to. In this comparison, IMO, the Rolex is a better watch but not a better value. I, however, don’t like the update to 21mm lug width. I wish Omega would just make the heritage Seamaster 300 without the faux patina. And make the lug width 20mm. Other than that, it’s a beautiful watch. Omega, I’ll be waiting for this.
Between these two I'd pick the Omega for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I think it's the single best 007 collaboration, as instead of covering the dial with Bond references they instead created a legitimately different version of the SM300. Secondly, Omega's always win the value comparison for me and this is no different (high resale is nice if buy new, but sucks if it's the only way to get one). If I'm being objective however, I agree that the Submariner is the better watch, and the winner here. It's noticably slimmer, wears better, and has a better bracelet and movement. That said, if this was the new 2021 SM300, instead of the older version, this comparison would be a perfect draw, with a slight advantage to the Omega. The new SM300 is noticeably slimmer (although still a little thicker than a Sub) and now includes a tapered bracelet, closing the wearability gap (and it still better looking on a strap). It's upgraded to Master Chronometer, so movements are a draw. Finally, while more expensive than the better value SM Diver 300M, it's still the easy value/availability winner compared to a Rolex Submariner.
The Seamaster 300 Heritage models are my ATF timepieces. They just do it for me. The Spectre watch is stunning. That being said, there is no denying how great and classic the Submariner is. Tough choice; both get ample wrist time, but between them the Omega is my preference.
I have both - got the sub for college graduation and the spectre for promotion at my job. put the spectre on a leather strap and it's a perfect daily beater. the sub is more for weekends and special occasions. to each its own purpose.
The newest version of the Omega looks the same as the Spectre version to all but the most ardent enthusiast. It has an updated movement (8912), it's slimmer, has a proper unidirectional dive bezel, an interesting cut-out dial for the luminescent indices which not only gives it a 3d look but increases the lume time and most importantly, can be bought on the used market for around $4500 against he Sub's $14,000! Compared in that real--world scenario, it makes the Omega not only the much better choice, it's the much smarter choice, unless you can buy the Rolex new of course...
Technically until No Time To Die is released this is still the current Bond watch, but you're absolutely correct that anyone that wants the latest Bond watch would instead pick the newer Diver 300M 007 (which is probably the second best Omega/007 collaboration since this Spectre).
Hat e the confidence ring on Rolex and I hate the 007 in the omega. Not trying to be a stubborn ass, but if either got rid of them I’d have both. Nitpickie I know.
Comparing the sub with the Seamaster 300 standard version (non spectre) is more evenly match. The spectre is not an apple to apple comparison. Besides u missed out the liquid metal bezel on the Omega which is more refined
I would wear the Rolex in my pool but never to go on vacation to dive. To much attention. It’s a status symbol like you said. My heart says omega but honestly, there’s hardly anything beating that no date rolex
I like the Submariner better. They lost me for a while with the first six digit but with the 2020 redesign it has regained its beauty and has so many technical improvements over my five digit that I’m considering one in the future when I bring mine in for its next service.
Ahh, see, if it were a comparison between a Submariner and a modern 300M Seamaster, *then* we'd be talking! Otherwise, I just appreciate the appearance of the Rolex here. But overall, I do tend to greatly prefer the newer, 300M Seamasters from Omega. *Edit* - I misworded the watch name. What I meant was the "Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Professional". So a big thank you goes out to @JerehmiaBoaz for messaging me the correct name.
@@Newtypenewtype Yeah! The one in that review video (just not necessarily that *exact* color scheme). But thanks for posting that! Did I get the watch name incorrect again...? =(
Your review is so underrated, amazing knowledge, love it, if you were my salesman i would struggle to decide as much as i would at the beginning lol, not due to lack of knowledge but due to abundance of it! Im more of an Omega person overall but you introduced Rolex to me in a way it should be.
Me too,I own this Omega and for me it has to be on the Nato! I brought the Omega for £8200.00,if and that's a big if I could buy the Rolex at retail then I'd snap it up/no brainer,to me that's the real comparison.
The Omega is an absolute bargain compared to the Rolex.
Great review. I own both of these pieces. My thoughts: Comparing them head-to-head is like comparing a Gibson Les Paul to a Fender Telecaster. Any serious player will eventually want both!
Personally, for whatever reason my Seamaster gets more wrist time. As you duly note, the Omega looks (much!) better on a leather strap, is fantastic on an Omega NATO, and I like the fact that it has less text on the dial.
It’s a bit “under the radar” as well. At a glance, people know it’s nice, but they don’t always know exactly what it is.
Well said Harry I have both plus the les Paul and a strat best of both worlds
So, to paraphrase, if you want the “better” watch, buy Omega. If you want “prestige” and make money, buy Rolex. Just about sums it up really. Surely you buy the watch you like and can afford? Personally, I prefer Omega which is fortunate because buying a Rolex is not straight forward and under no circumstances is a Rolex, any Rolex worth grey market prices. But that’s just my opinion. Lots of others would disagree but bearing in mind, for the grey price of some Rolex Professional watches, you could afford some serious high horology pieces which would blow Rolex away on whichever measure you care to choose.
Paraphrase? WHERE? hahahaha maybe in your mind. Tim never said that or said something to think that.
You clearly are just an omega fanboy and didn’t even actually listen to Tim’s opinion and final determination at the end.
@@whereRbearsTeeth think I heard just fine. Clearly I touched a nerve though?
@@gervers touch a nerve?? Not at all. I wouldn’t let an ignorant little f’’k on TH-cam upset me in the least. And I own and enjoy both brands myself. But you are an absolute idiot if you think this Seamaster is superior to the new 2020 sub.
@@whereRbearsTeeth Yep! You’re clearly not unduly upset at all! Do I keep yanking your chain? How personal will your responses get? Let’s see?…..
the omega in my opinion looks amazing and this is coming from someone who usually doesn't like vintage looking watches but I would pick the Omega anyday unless I felt like a pretentious showoff snob still a good watch but omega wins overall 😆😆😆😎👍
Agreed. Tim doesn't like the idea that the design was brought back from obsolescence, but it was brought back for a reason: its aesthetics. This is a homage to its original just like modern Panerai Radiomirs are, and nobody's complaining about those as teetering on the brink of obsolescence.
Thankfully it's your opinion hahahahahaha.
Good review Tim. I think I'd go against the grain of the Rolex cache and choose this Omega. 234.30.41.21.01.001 I own a seamaster pro 300 chronograph and an Aquaterra latest Gen and still I crave the 300 vintage....
Omega all day.... no silly hyped up 'wait list'.... respect the build quality of Rolex hv total disgusted by AD 'bundle purchases' & 'wait list'....
Omega is my choice for sure, better watch in almost all specs
You are delusional
In this comparison I'm inclined to disagree on everything except price (where Rolex always loses), as the Submariner has the objectively better movement, and wears noticeably better, especially on slimmer wrists.
However, if this was the latest 2021 Omega SM300, I might be inclined to agree with you, as the new SM300 fixes almost all the ways the Rolex beat the Omega here, taking more than 1mm off the thickness, adding a METAS certified movement, with a new tapered bracelet, all while still winning the value comparison.
why would anyone have a spectre on anything else but the OEM black and grey NATO strap?
It comes with both bracelets in the box
Prestige , market ... blah blah. I simply prefer the design of the iconic sub. It’s the better watch in my opinion.
The Omega looks like it came straight out of 1962. It makes the submariner look modern, which is a miracle in itself.
Wow
The perfect Submariner. Simply gorgeous. Easy!
Rolex by a mile. Omega's bezels suck - even the Planet Ocean, a 6,000 dollar watch, has bezel play, like a cheap Seiko. Also, Omega watches are too thick, Omega doesnt have the finesse or the know-how to do a simple diver below 12,5mm.
I hate Rolex as a brand, but Submariner is still unbeatable.
There isn't play on the Omega bezel. Yes it is thicker. New Omega is finished better than new sub. Rolex sub though will always be more demandable, Omega is better value
@@bdegrds Yes, there is. I had the two latest Seamaster versions, Planet Ocean 45mm (aluminium bezel) and the latest Planet Ocean (liquid metal) and all of them have play - some more than the others. I like the Omega design more, but, damn, why can't they do a simple thing like this?
@@maximoplf something is wrong with yours, I'm wearing the new 300m right now, no play on the bezel. I have an old "banana" 200m, that has no play either
My submariner has play too. Rolex is not the brand of ultimate perfection that fanboys pretend it to be. I agree on the thickness but that is due to the glass casebacks. The latest bond watch which has a normal caseback is the same thickness as the sub (if you don’t count the domed glass).
@@dstfno I'm not a fanboy, but I have never seen a ceramic Sub with play on the bezel.
My boi Tim delivers again with another masterpiece. Would love to see a comparison of heritage models from Longines (e.g. Longines Marine Nationale) vs perhaps Oris Big Date models!
Cheers,
Larry
WASSUP TIM MOSSO!!! 😎✌️
Less is More. Crown doesn't need attention here! I do love Submariner and i will love it forever...
Can't wait for the "Omega is way better than Rolex" and "Rolex is so overhyped" comments... oh wait they're already here 🙃
As you said the Rolex is more the status symbol with many people buying just because of the name, assuming you can even get one. From my point of view these are two distinctly different watches.
Wear a sub you gotta carry a gun. Wear the better omega you carry your sunnies
Not in a reasonable country where carrying guns is against the law
Absolutely no winner and no loser in this battle.
Take note - I just dropped nearly 12K on a 16610 random serial.
Aesthetically and brand wise though - this Seamaster is my choice here.
I have a 14060m and the stamped clasp bracelet fits like skin. I never thought I’d say this but I also have a great white 2538.20.00 with a brushed 3 link and the bracelet is better! The clasp, Rolex takes it all day long with adjustability. I just wish I could get my hands on another sub to get that solid link bracelet!!! Mmmmmm…. Tim always finds a way to get me in trouble!👍
The omega model you're showing is the old model. The newer one has female centre link where it meets the case
It's a spectre, there is no new model.
The new smp 300 is similar but this came out in 2015.
Gotcha
The iconic Rolex Submariner all day. Perhaps the omega as a daily wear
Both Rolex & Omega are similar and different at the same time, in my humble opinion.
In terms of similarities, both Rolex & Rolex has their own lines of sport models (Submariner vs Seamaster, Daytona vs Speedmaster etc).
In terms of difference, Rolex has more of a conservative approach on their designs, which is why there isn't much distinctive differences between older and newer models over the years.
However, I believe Tudor is not just a more affordable alternative to Rolex ,but it has also become, from what I see, an alternative product where new designs are constantly being experimented while maintaining Rolex quality standards.
Omega, on the other hand, is always releasing new designs. In addition, Omega ,many times, takes a step back into the past by releasing homages to older models (humble beginnings) while incorporating with their most current (and one of the best) technologies to increase durability.
I miss my sub, big mistake selling it without checking the market to realise how hard it would be to replace with newer model
I own Both, I prefer the Omega, Its more understated - But the rolex is stunning
I absolutely love my Submariner 124060 and I recently added the new Explorer 124270 next to it. I like my Omega Seamaster 300M, but it ain't no Rolex.
I really like see through casebacks. But in all other respects, its Rolex
Good review Tim! While you detailed the accuracy of the Sub quite well, I would have liked a bit more commentary on the Omega’s. Their Master Chronometer, METAS standard is, I believe equal to Rolex’s internal standards. I admit to some bias as I am an Omega fan. Thanks for keeping us informed.
Very true, however this Omega is not a METAS certified Master Chronometer; rather the earlier "Master Co-axial Chronometer" which features the current 15000 Gauss anti-magnetism, but is only a standard COSC chronometer.
The new 2021 update of the SM300 does feature a 8900 series movement, with METAS certification, so I do believe the current model has a movement equal to this Rolex.
Thanks Geoffrey, I appreciate the clarification!
I like the omega for the money. Rolex is beautiful but that omega is even more
The Spectre looks good but is a whopping 14.8mm thick which is unwearable for most people. At 13mm thick it would be a good option
Agreed, between those two watches I'd have the Rolex (at MSRP of both). Now, if you had put the Rolex up against one of those new all-blue Seamasters in steel, it would be a whole other story (Seamaster wins, handily, in that case).
No contest..the 904L just pops in comparison, as does the ceramic bezel. Rolex all the way
Empire vs Republic. I surrendered and joined the dark side. Now I am not angry any more.
I don’t like the 007 branding on anything that can been seen when the watch is worn. Put something on the caseback if they need to.
In this comparison, IMO, the Rolex is a better watch but not a better value. I, however, don’t like the update to 21mm lug width.
I wish Omega would just make the heritage Seamaster 300 without the faux patina. And make the lug width 20mm. Other than that, it’s a beautiful watch. Omega, I’ll be waiting for this.
Heart says Omega, head says Rolex
Rolex is the better watch, Omega is my choice.
A comparison with the 2021 seamaster 300 is more even (especially on the dimensions). Would love to see that go side by side with the submariner
Between these two I'd pick the Omega for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I think it's the single best 007 collaboration, as instead of covering the dial with Bond references they instead created a legitimately different version of the SM300. Secondly, Omega's always win the value comparison for me and this is no different (high resale is nice if buy new, but sucks if it's the only way to get one).
If I'm being objective however, I agree that the Submariner is the better watch, and the winner here. It's noticably slimmer, wears better, and has a better bracelet and movement.
That said, if this was the new 2021 SM300, instead of the older version, this comparison would be a perfect draw, with a slight advantage to the Omega. The new SM300 is noticeably slimmer (although still a little thicker than a Sub) and now includes a tapered bracelet, closing the wearability gap (and it still better looking on a strap). It's upgraded to Master Chronometer, so movements are a draw. Finally, while more expensive than the better value SM Diver 300M, it's still the easy value/availability winner compared to a Rolex Submariner.
The Seamaster 300 Heritage models are my ATF timepieces. They just do it for me. The Spectre watch is stunning. That being said, there is no denying how great and classic the Submariner is. Tough choice; both get ample wrist time, but between them the Omega is my preference.
I have both - got the sub for college graduation and the spectre for promotion at my job. put the spectre on a leather strap and it's a perfect daily beater. the sub is more for weekends and special occasions. to each its own purpose.
Dust and lint are the mortal enemies of all beautiful things. That being said....I'll take both.
I DONT CARE, I LOVE OMEGAS, EVEN THOUGH, THEY ARE MORE AFFORDABLE.
Rolex Daytona VS
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase
This is not a match
Rolex all day every day and twice on Subday
The newest version of the Omega looks the same as the Spectre version to all but the most ardent enthusiast. It has an updated movement (8912), it's slimmer, has a proper unidirectional dive bezel, an interesting cut-out dial for the luminescent indices which not only gives it a 3d look but increases the lume time and most importantly, can be bought on the used market for around $4500 against he Sub's $14,000! Compared in that real--world scenario, it makes the Omega not only the much better choice, it's the much smarter choice, unless you can buy the Rolex new of course...
yep also the omega got me thinking about the longines diver.
Longines got me thinking omega 😏
This is not the current Seamaster 300 nor the current James Bond watch!
Tim, do this again when you have the 2021 Ref. 234.30.41.21.01.001
Technically until No Time To Die is released this is still the current Bond watch, but you're absolutely correct that anyone that wants the latest Bond watch would instead pick the newer Diver 300M 007 (which is probably the second best Omega/007 collaboration since this Spectre).
Hat e the confidence ring on Rolex and I hate the 007 in the omega. Not trying to be a stubborn ass, but if either got rid of them I’d have both. Nitpickie I know.
i own both. but robbed by rolex and fear robbed of my rolex i wear a underrated omega leatherstrap all the time.
sorry rolex...
No date sub for the win….absolute legend…and I’m a Vacheron guy
I’ve already chosen 😅 124060 for all the life long!!!
You can't put the movie logo on the watch! How am I supposed to pretend I am James Bond with that on my watch!
Comparing the sub with the Seamaster 300 standard version (non spectre) is more evenly match. The spectre is not an apple to apple comparison. Besides u missed out the liquid metal bezel on the Omega which is more refined
the camera jiggling is throwing me off haha is it the optical stabilization?. but thanks for the review
.
I would wear the Rolex in my pool but never to go on vacation to dive. To much attention. It’s a status symbol like you said. My heart says omega but honestly, there’s hardly anything beating that no date rolex
Plebs buy Omega who can’t afford a Rolex.
This is the greatest watch review I've ever seen.
Rolex for me here. The Omega is an incoherent mish-mash of modern, vintage and James Bond.
The Spectre Seamaster is as boring as it's ugly; and I'm an Omega fanboy. Boring watches are traditinally a Rolex speciality
I like the Submariner better. They lost me for a while with the first six digit but with the 2020 redesign it has regained its beauty and has so many technical improvements over my five digit that I’m considering one in the future when I bring mine in for its next service.
Whatever you are thinking, add more zeros lolol
HUBLOW IS KING!!! 👑👑👑👑👑
Just curious, how long must one wait to buy a Sub new?
It depends...
@@apathyboy5306 But like a range of time?
Assuming you aren't John Mayer or whatever?
With purchase history/good relationship ~1 year
You can get one second had few years old without the waiting game
Design, bracelet, materials, caliber, history, Rolex wins it all :)
Ahh, see, if it were a comparison between a Submariner and a modern 300M Seamaster, *then* we'd be talking! Otherwise, I just appreciate the appearance of the Rolex here. But overall, I do tend to greatly prefer the newer, 300M Seamasters from Omega.
*Edit* - I misworded the watch name. What I meant was the "Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Professional".
So a big thank you goes out to @JerehmiaBoaz for messaging me the correct name.
This looks a lot like the current Seamaster 300M, what you mean is the Seamaster *Diver* 300M (Professional).
@@JerehmiaBoaz Ahh, yep. You're correct there. Thanks!
Pretty much the same specs, but the new 300M (2018) is uglier. Omega still needs to improve their game.
You mean this review here? th-cam.com/video/Ci1GqvJFicM/w-d-xo.html
@@Newtypenewtype Yeah! The one in that review video (just not necessarily that *exact* color scheme). But thanks for posting that! Did I get the watch name incorrect again...? =(
Your review is so underrated, amazing knowledge, love it, if you were my salesman i would struggle to decide as much as i would at the beginning lol, not due to lack of knowledge but due to abundance of it! Im more of an Omega person overall but you introduced Rolex to me in a way it should be.
The Omega looks lame in comparison. No contest.
That Omega is way too large imo.
Purpose of rolex is for economic investors
Pure bias!
I'm an Omega fan boy but Rolex kills it here
Me too,I own this Omega and for me it has to be on the Nato! I brought the Omega for £8200.00,if and that's a big if I could buy the Rolex at retail then I'd snap it up/no brainer,to me that's the real comparison.
Not sure, I voted with my wallet. This Seamaster is much more unique than the Rolex