Omega

Omega Men's 2599.80.00 Seamaster 300M Chrono Diver Watch

• Quality Swiss Automatic movement; Functions without a battery; Powers automatically with the movement of your arm
• Domed, anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
• Case diameter: 41.5 mm

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Set sail with confidence and style to points unknown with this classic Omega Seamaster stainless steel men's automatic chronometer watch, a highly accurate timepiece that also includes a powerful chronograph, which offers 12-hour, 30 minute and 1/10 second subdials. It's also a great diving watch, with water resistance to 300 meters (984 feet). Definitively masculine in design, it features a large, round silver stainless steel watch case that blends brushed and polished surfaces and measures 41mm (1.61 inches) wide.

It's topped by a durable aluminum unidirectional bezel in blue with silver markings, which frames a blue dial background with luminous hands and dotted dial markers, as well as a window at 3 o'clock for the automatic date display. Other features include screw-in caseback, screw-locked crown, and scratch-resistant and glare-proofed domed sapphire crystal. It's completed by a silver stainless steel link bracelet band that offers polished highlights, which is joined by a secure, push-button clasp.

Originally created in the 1750s, the first chronometers were clocks that were accurate enough to calculate the longitude of a ship's position. Today, the chronometer label is bestowed upon timepieces that have undergone precision tests and received a certificate from the official COSC (Control Officile Suisse de Chronometers) regulatory organization that rigorously tests and certifies (or fails) watch movements for chronometer status.

The Omega Story
The Omega watch story begins in 1848, when founder Louis Brandt began hand assembling key-wound precision pocket watches from parts supplied by local craftsmen in his principality La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the northwest corner of Switzerland. However, the Omega name didn't appear until 1894, after Louis Brandt had passed away and his watchmaking traditions were taken over by his sons, Louis-Paul and Cesar Brandt. Omega watches have long been associated with glamorous screen and sports stars--the Omega Seamaster is famous for being the watch of choice for James Bond--with current ambassadors including Pierce Brosnan, Nicole Kidman, tennis player Anna Kournikova, and swimmers Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe.

But Omega is more than just a fashionable watch. In 1965, the Omega Speedmaster chronograph was "flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions" as the only wristwatch to have withstood all of the U.S. space agency's severe tests, including passing grades for extreme shocks, vibrations, and temperatures ranging from -18 to +93 degrees Celsius. The greatest moment in the Speedmaster's history was undoubtedly 20 July 1969 at 02:56 GMT, when it recorded man's first steps on the Moon's surface as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Today, Omega is known for its rigorous testing of new movements, cases, and bands. Each new Omega movement is tested on the wrist in existing Omega models, while various laboratory tests are conducted to determine temperature-resistance, shock-resistance and vibration-resistance.

The Omega Story

The Omega watch story begins in 1848, when founder Louis Brandt began hand assembling key-wound precision pocket watches from parts supplied by local craftsmen in his principality La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the northwest corner of Switzerland. However, the Omega name didn't appear until 1894, after Louis Brandt had passed away and his watchmaking traditions were taken over by his sons, Louis-Paul and Cesar Brandt. Omega watches have long been associated with glamorous screen and sports stars--the Omega Seamaster is famous for being the watch of choice for James Bond--with current ambassadors including Pierce Brosnan, Nicole Kidman, tennis player Anna Kournikova, and swimmers Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe.

But Omega is more than just a fashionable watch. In 1965, the Omega Speedmaster chronograph was "flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions" as the only wristwatch to have withstood all of the U.S. space agency's severe tests, including passing grades for extreme shocks, vibrations, and temperatures ranging from -18 to +93 degrees Celsius. The greatest moment in the Speedmaster's history was undoubtedly 20 July 1969 at 02:56 GMT, when it recorded man's first steps on the Moon's surface as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Omega watches rocketed off to space on many subsequent missions, including visits to Skylab and the historic Apollo-Soyuz link-up of Soviet and American astronauts in 1975.

In more recent years, Omega created the world's first self-winding wristwatch with central tourbillon in 1994 and made history in 1999 with the first mass-produced watch incorporating the co-axial escapement, developed in conjunction with renowned English master watchmaker George Daniels. In simple terms, the escapement is the heart of a mechanical watch, generating the impulses that make the mechanism move. Omega's Co-Axial Escapement drastically reduces the friction among the parts that transmit energy to the other components, producing greater stability and precision and reducing service requirements.

Today, Omega is known for its rigorous testing of new movements, cases, and bands. Each new Omega movement is tested on the wrist in existing Omega models, while various laboratory tests are conducted to determine temperature-resistance, shock-resistance and vibration-resistance.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000BK4RD0
• Item model number: 2599.80.00
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,125 in Watches (See Top 100 in Watches)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classy watch, June 5, 2005

By 

S. Hussey "4D programmer (again)" (Orcas Island, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Unlike the previous reviewer I have had none of these problems. I have owned two of these watches since 1993. The watch is beautifully made, quite heavy and looks great. I have had many compliments from people who've seen me wearing it. I had the strap adjusted by Ben Bridge (the jeweler) and it hasn't given me any trouble. My original watch sustained a massive impact and starting gaining time. It was replaced by Ben Bridge even though the warranty had expired. The Tritium paint that illuminates the dots has faded over the years but is still bright enough to read the watch in the dark. Since the watch is self-winding I can't see why the previous reviewer was winding the watch - it lasts for nearly two days after you take it off.

The only 'downside' to this watch is that it is heavy - unless you buy the Titanium version.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfection., October 17, 2006

By 

Adam Stayer "WKU2004" (El Paso Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

People often ask why anybody would buy an expensive watch. When I owned my Rolex I would often hear people say what a waste of money it was to own one and that the reason I had purchased it was to "show off." I buy nice watches because I believe that they are the smallest piece of perfection that a man can own. Perfection is a strong word and it is often misunderstood when related to watches. I mean to say that they are a small piece of work that you wear and that serves a function, but they have an inner working like nothing else a man can own. Cars are beautiful but bulky, homes are elegant yet sit where they are, watches on the other hand are always with you and make a statement; Time. I purchased this omega while in the Middle East and I have been nothing but amazed by it. Accurate, beautiful and very eye catching. This watch sits comfortably on the wrist and within a week you will be used to the seemingly noticeable weight adjustment. I sold my Rolex to purchase this watch and I can honestly tell you that it has done more and taken more abuse than the Rolex would have ever seen and all without so much as a scratch. In closing I will say that this is an excellent investment for you and whomever you pass it to later and I beleive that you will be very pleased with the watch overall.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Seamaster Chrono Review, June 26, 2005

By 

F. Thomas (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I've owned the this watch for 2 years now. I've desired it for many - ever since I first saw some European guy come into a bar wearing it. I saw it and was stunned at the large size, beautiful, rugged look, and masulinity. I struck up a conversation and learned all about it.

I earn substantially. Though not frugal, the thought of spending thousands on a watch has always given me chills. I'd rather spend it on electronics, cars, my house, etc. - tangable items. I'm not big on jewelry at all. I think it's a laughable waste of cash. Regardless, I really wanted this watch and convinced myself to purchase this one expensive jewelry item.

I could not be more satisfied. I don't understand how anyone could complain about the size/weight. I bought this especially because it's size, thickness, and weight. It's huge and heavy just like I like it. You have to be in the market for such a watch (or should I say timepiece as not to offend - haha. I'm not so shi-shi). If you're looking for a light watch, this is not for you. You'll be massively dissapointed. It's like someone ordering a Rolls Royce, expecting 911 handling, and complaining. I don't get it. You're in the wrong market.

Anyway, the watch is stunning, big and again, heavy. It wreaks masculinity. No, I'm not trying to make up for any shortcummings. I just love the rugged yet showpiece look. I also don't understand the winding issue. This owner must have bought the mechanical model. If that's true, he has no business with that comment about winding. I have the automatic model. It keeps time perfectly as long as I wear it every other day. I wear mine every day. The only concern about timekeeping: I've accidentally hit the stopwatch function without noticing. After a few hours, it saps all the spring energy and you'll wonder why your time is off. Other than that, it's a perfect timekeeper.

Another complaint is about the strap/band. There is a clasp which allows you to quickly expand for use with a wetsuit - I'm guessing. Although, I can't imagine that anyone would intentionally take a timepiece of this value into saltwater. I don't. The problem is that it quickly becomes loose and needs to be closed everytime you put the watch back on. At least it did for me. Don't fear. It doesn't come loose when it's strapped on your wrist.

The other issue, and perhaps this is inappropriate as I wear it every single day, is that the stainless steel model of mine, the metal seems a tad soft. It's too easily scratched. Especially the band. However, this is a minor complaint overall. I do a lot of manual labor with this watch on which I perhaps shouldn't.

Overall, this is the finest, most beautiful, satisfying watch I've ever owned. I'm wasn't looking for a diamond encrusted P.Diddy style Rolex. That's not my style. If that's what you're looking for, don't look at the Seamaster Chrono. It's apples and oranges. I'll have it forever (hopefully) and pass it down to my son with any luck.