Five Affordable Alternatives to the Omega Seamaster

With No Time to Die just around the corner, Omega’s Seamaster is once again getting its cinematic hits, especially with the latest 007-tilted limited edition (you can find our thoughts on that particular number here). However, while it may be one of the world’s most successful dive watches, the Seamaster 300m isn’t the cheapest.

That’s not necessarily to its detriment. It’s a well-made diver with serious credentials. It’s perhaps a bit rich for a watch that’s meant to spend most of its time in saltwater, especially when there are so many cool, affordable alternatives.

Here, then, are five affordable alternatives to the Omega Seamaster 300m.

Longines Hydroconquest L3.782.4.96.6, £1,230

They may be just one step below Omega in the Swatch Group hierarchy, but that’s a small step in quality and a big step in price. Longines’ iconic dive watch collection looks very similar to the old Seamaster 300m – i.e. without the funky faceted bezel of the current model – and still maintains a solid 300m water resistance. Really the only difference is the movement, where you still get the excellent internal number. Who doesn’t love a blue watch?

Available on Longines’ website.

Stowa Prodiver Titan Blue, €1,450

Speaking of blue, dive watches really tend to lean towards nautical colors. I wonder why? Even though it’s ubiquitous, Stowa’s uses the blue and white color scheme very well on both the bezel and dial. As a dive watch, the Prodiver is a serious piece of kit, smaller than some 42mm ones but capable of diving to 1,000m depths. Think of it as a better-looking ProPlof, especially with its cool diamond-shaped case in lightweight titanium. If you like it, hurry up, as it’s limited to just 200 pieces.

Available on Stowa’s website.

Christopher Ward C60 Elite 1000, £1,250

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Christopher Ward is charming as hell. The C60 range is, by all accounts, really their answer to the Seamaster, and it’s a solid value for money. First there’s the cool orange and blue colourway; then there’s the lightweight Grade 2 titanium case, which is water-resistant to 1,000 metres; then there’s the hybrid strap, which includes both Cordura and rubber. It sticks to every Omega box, just with a less exclusive movement or secret agent pedigree. Or, for that matter, the price.

Available on Christopher Ward’s website.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression, $1,295

The name sounds like Aquaman redesigned by an overactive 10-year-old (still played by Jason Mamoa, apparently), but Zodiac’s iconic diver is actually on the small side at 40mm. Still, they’ve managed to cram a lot into the Sea Wolf 53, which boasts a sapphire bezel, a black sunray dial, and more herringbone than swiss on those oversized hour markers and hands. Opting for an STP rather than an ETA or Sellita movement, it’s a sleeker, more restrained diver without resorting to the classicism of the Fifty Fathoms imitation.

Available on the Zodiac Watches website.

Magrette Moana Pacific Professional Titanium, $758

“Value proposition” isn’t something you often look for in a potentially life-saving tool, but we trust Magrette. In terms of design, their Moana Pacific sits somewhere between a Panerai and a Seamaster, the badass offspring we never knew we’d love. In addition to its classy, ​​rugged looks, it also boasts an impressive 500 meters of water resistance, which is pretty impressive for a pocket change watch compared to some more established brands. Before you start thinking it’s too good to be true, we’ve tried it. It absolutely is.