Rolex doesn't wanna sell, I can't afford to buy. All is good.

I had the Phylida No Time To Die Seamaster homage and had the same issue with the clasp... Their commitment to authenticity is commendable.

I bought the white dial version several months ago & immediately swapped out the bracelet for an Omega rubber strap. To me a way better fit & considerably less weight. I have 4 Omega’s & 1 VINTAGE Rolex. I’ll never fork out that kind of insane money for a name, when to me Omega is so good!

Bought the black dial version over a year ago. Quality Control on mine (maybe I was lucky) was and still is flawless. The bezel pip/pearl/12'o clock lines up perfectly on mine with absolutely no backplay. Looking through a lupe confirmed that. It is extremely precise aswell. More precise than my Rolexes and Audemars Piguet royal oak and offshore. I prefer the look/aesthetics of the Sub but if you're looking at value for money and the technical specs it's impossible to not recommend the SMP over the Sub. Everything is better except the bezel action; with sweaty or wet hands it's almost impossible to get a grip and turn it and that's annoying. The Subs bezel action feels alot more satisfying. And the power reserve on the 2020 41mm 126610 Sub increased to aproximately 70 from 48 hours on the previous model. Another thing worth mentioning is how durable/"tanky" the SMP is. It's literally impossible to scratch the crystal or bezel. I do wear my watches with care including the SMP but the SMP, due to it's price, is not a watch im constantly afraid of dinging or scratching. I'll sleep and shower with it, no problem. Altough i do not recommend showering with it because of the steam that can ruin the gaskets. Oh and even if it gets a ding ... nothing happens. I've had a few accidents where I could really feel it in my stomach that this would leave a mark, but when i looked, nothing - not a scratch. it can take a beating. In fact there is not a single scratch on the watchhead, case, bezel etc. The only hairlines that are at all visible on my SMP 300m - after over a year of using it alot - is on the bracelet and mainly the clasp. Scratching up the clasp is unavoidable if you wear it to wear it. So just be prepared for that to happen. Happens to all watches unless you treat it with extreme care and always take it off when you are deskdiving and things like that where the clasp will come into contact with another hard surface. However, you can polish that out easily if you want to by going to your AD and have them do it. Or just do it yourself. I have not bothered with doing anything with the hairlines on the clasp or bracelet. I don't care about that. This watch is a day to day beater for me. But I see alot of ppl doing it themselves and getting great results. The SMP will last "forever" if you take good care of it. I recommend buying this on the OEM bracelet, but also to get a rubberstrap (up to you if you get a Zelande, OEM or whatever. They look and feel pretty much identical) and a natostrap. The rubber and nato looks extremely good on the post 2018 SMP and gives it a whole new dimension. It goes from classic and timeless into a much more sporty and casual watch. So yeah... for those hot vacations or summer days you definitely want a rubber and/or nato that fits whatever color config you end up getting and your more casual clothes. On the OEM bracelet it does look dressy. Especially the black/monochrome one. I was expecting a little more praise for what Omega has achieved here but it is what it is. I respect your opinion. Just wanted to add this so that people who watch your video wont get spooked away from buying one because of rumours of bad quality control. That happens to every brand. Omega is a rock solid company and they/the AD will give you a new watch if something is not right with the one you get initially. There is really only 2 things i have a small issue with on the post 2018 SMP 300m and that's the Helium Valve. I agree on that being absolutely unnecesarry. It's a dealbreaker for alot of people too, so yeah im surprised they don't give you the option to choose if you want the valve or not, but it wasn't a dealbreaker for me. Even with the valve the watch still looks great. But I would definitely prefer not having it for a cleaner look. Nobody will ever use that. Not even saturation divers (they use dive computers). And 2nd: the bezel action and how hard it is to turn it if your hands/fingers are wet or sweaty. You also have to use a different technique on this bezel that involves applying some downward pressure while you turn it, but it's probably on purpose so that it wont move on accident under water. That seems to be the general consensus anyways. If the bezel turns during a dive and you lose track of time it could be fatal. Especially if you're below 20 feet and have to decompress and slowly surface. I just don't see alot of people using this watch to dive with. The bezel turning under water has happened to other watches i've had as they got older and the bezel action looser. I don't use the bezel much on my SMP so it's more or less as crisp as when it was brand new so i can't really say how the bezel action would be if you used it alot pver time. But the quality and finish on the SMP is really high so I think it's pretty durable. Everything else on the watch is. The end.

I am lucky enough to have both Rolex and Omega watches. The Omega gets the most wrist time and compliments.

I don’t want to brag but I have the most Scottish Name Ever!!

100% agree with the clasp securing issue. I've only had my seamaster for a day or so, but I immediately picked up on the clasp not easily securing. My solution has been to depress the two buttons to allow it to close properly.

Haven't even watched and have liked and commenting. This is the Omega I WILL be buying next.

"such is the madness of the watch market at the moment" Truer words were never spoken

Sitting here wearing my Casio Duro and feeling quite smug that I’ve still got a very healthy looking bank balance.

Also, my clasp has no issues with not popping in, personally, because it’s my first luxury watch and I do tend to baby it a little, I usually engage the double pushers before pushing it anyways so it bites silently, but whenever I let someone give it a try they push it on as you did in the video with no problems

I'm only here to see what T-shirt Jody is wearing today.

Nice nod to Murray btw:)

Great review and intelligent comments! I completely agree about the Omega brand versus the Rolex in terms of obtainability and price. Equally I agree about Rolex versus Omega in terms of future value and perception. I own Rolex and Omega watches. My Speedmaster is finished just as well as all of my GMT IIs. The Speedmaster is also an iconic watch and the Co-Axial movement is very accurate - though so too are all my GMT IIs. And you are quite right about packaging. Rolex is disappointing even if you buy a solid gold model. My Omega on the other hand, albeit a 50th anniversary model, came with a small suitcase of goodies which adds to the experience of buying it. But let me give you another suggestion. If buying the Omega is a stretch or you simply can't afford a Rolex but love the Omega Seamaster design, then consider the Seiko Prospex King Samurai launched last year (2020). I came across this when passing the time in lockdown. It's a fabulous watch and very similar visually to the Seamaster especially with the white waffle dial version (also reminiscent of the AP Royal Oak which is no bad thing). It is stainless steel, has a rubber strap or bracelet (though the white only comes with the black strap), a ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal (unlike earlier Samurai models), and a date with a cyclops window (like a Rolex, also no bad thing). The latter is actually incredibly useful if like me your eyes aren't as good as they used to be. All round this watch punches well above its weight. I have had no QC issues (inc chapter rings and bezels lining up correctly). And at around £500 it's a relative bargain! The Seiko movement inside is of course in-house by definition (like Omega and Rolex - another box ticked) and powers many microbrands due to its robustness, quality and price. I have it in several other watches like my Zelos Swordfish and Signum Cuda. The Seiko NH35A movement is a real tank. You can see I have been busy in lockdown! Anyhow, maybe you should do a review comparing the Seamsater with the Samurai? You might be surprised.

Had my blue SMP since 2019. Absolutely love it. I live in an area where no one cares about watches, so there goes the chance for compliments, but recognition is not why I bought it. The clasp "clickiness" has been without issue; However, one of the buttons likes to get stuck and, seemingly, only while it's on my wrist. Lol. Sent it to Omega, they fixed it. Same thing happened six months later, I hit it with some gun oil and it's been flawless since. Don't worry, Omega, I'll fix your QC issue for you. 😅 Other than that, it's been a champ and I wear it to work in a shipping warehouse so it's not babied.

Got my SMP300 as an engagement gift back in 2007 too.. never realised it was a trend 😅.. I like the fact that it’s only recognised by watch enthusiasts and regular people don’t give you the “he’s wearing a Rolex” look

A very reasonable case for omega! 😱 absolutely love this watch and there’s no arguing with the specs! The only reason I find myself choosing the sub...... I like the design more! 🙈 I prefer the way it looks, and I love the way it wears! That 42mm is on the EDGE of whats too big for me! I wish I liked the sea master more!

No problems with the “click” of the clasp on my black dial one. A fantastic watch indeed, great review Jay👊🏼

I guess for me "what you get for what you pay for" tops out around $2,500 USD, any price beyond that you're just paying for the label on the dial.

Have you seen Adrian's (Bark & Jack) Instagram post showing the micro scratches on the crystal? It seems the outer AR coating is to blame. This has to be a biggie - what is the point of sapphire if you add an easily scratch-able coating on top?!

The white one is glorious. I'm a sucker for these super contrasty legible dials and the 3D indices look amazing too. Those QC issues, though - gotta wonder where your money goes if they can't get those things right. Great, thorough review as usual.

Love the shirt! From where I look at it, it isn’t a 7k Omega vs a 12k Rolex but either the grey-market priced Sub or the price of a Sub + whatever you “had” to buy. When you factor that into the resale equation, depreciation hits both items. Thankfully I dislike dive watches in general and my favourite, the Aqua Terra is a readily available piece!

9:50- I have a previous generation Speedmaster and the clasp does the same thing. You have to either push down hard against your wrist, or get a finger under there to lock the clasp. The way I figure it, the harder it is to close, the harder it is to accidentally open :D

I've got the exact same model. While my clasp isn't the "clickiest" it looks a fair bit better than that one and I don't need to squeeze it shut like that. Definitely get it looked at!

Only 25% Scot, but I would 100% prefer a Casio!

I've only been in one AD for Rolex and I went straight passed the Rolex case and bought a Hamilton Khaki. The only thing stopping me from the Rolex pick up was my total disinterest in anything Rolex. Now, if they'd have had an Omega selection I'd have had my grail Aqua Terra. Great video Mr. JOMW. (I was just about over my obsession with Omega damn it.)

Hey Jody! Thanks for the amazing video! This exact watch has ben my grail and I have come really close to getting it! I went to my watch dealer to try one on and for some reason there were some pretty sharp edges on the bracelet and clasp that even caused some skin irretation. Did you also notice something of the sort? Or was the bracelet comfortable and smoothly finished all around? That was my only dissapointment with the watch when I tried it on... Thank you!!!

I had the same problem with not being able to easily click the clasp together on my Omega Seamaster 300. The fix was that I found an extra piece a plastic packing film stuck on the inner mechanism of the diver extension clasp. Once I found and removed this extra little piece it clicks and closes much better.

You would think, at 7 k, it wouldn't leave the factory unless it was faultless? I spent a grand on a Hamilton GMT and everything lines up perfect, the clasp works and it runs at one second a day.

I’ve never warmed up to watches like these, my problem is at a glance they often look exactly the same to me. The Aussie G-Shock that was a nice change up and it’s more impact resistant

I agree Jody, it would be interesting to see how popular a non helium escape valve version would be. Personally I like the wave pattern on the dial. So much so I went and bought a Phoibos Wavemaster just the other week. I have to say for a watch that was less than £240, the quality is amazing. I just have 2 niggles with it - it’s a bit chunky and heavy and the end links have a tiny bit of play, but neither of these are a deal breaker.

Proudly own my new Omega Aqua Terra 38mm. Wish the sea master 300 was a bit smaller, love the white dial. Hope they make a smaller seamaster 300

“Two Scotsmen haggling over a price...” 😆

The Omega is such a good looking watch, its a pity about the helium release valve. Just ruins it for me.

The clasp on my Lorier (different level of course) does that sometimes and I think it's from the way your arm squashes in creating a strange angle for connection. Instead of closing it by squeezing from the inside I use the push buttons and it works fine. Worth a shot on that bad boy

I just purchased this reference and have the same clasp problem. I just washed the SMP under running water, soap, and toothbrush. Now the clasp works as designed. My guess is they stuffed in grease in the mechanism in an effort to fix the initial problem of the clasp locking up upon initial release.

summary: even Rolex & Omega has QC issues... so buying a Seiko is still good

Bought a quartz SMP at Narita Airport 23 years ago on an impulse. Still one of my favourite watches. Not sure if Omega still do quartz versions of these but mine is extremely convenient. The hour hand is independently adjustable.

A rolex can't replace an omega, and vice-versa. Love them both

I know you're more often in the "value" end of the market, but I think the big hitters need your no-nonsense influence on them - perhaps more so. Great review.

I actually sold my white dial seamaster for the submariner date, I really did love it but it just didn’t scratch the itch, and i found the date window a tad too small. Also I believe the new submariner has an anti reflective coating but only on the underside.

Still trying to convince my new wife to adopt your engagement tradition of watch buying...I need to chose a new model... of watch that is, not wife

I have the “odd” grey dial SMP 300M. Tried on about 8 different variations at the AD and this is the one for me. I happen to be wearing it as I watched this video and my clasp certainly doesn’t have the same QC issue as your friends, and my bezel lines up perfectly. I don’t have don’t have a Rolex but if you plan to pass your watch on to your kids as I do, I can’t imagine you’d be disappointed with the Omega. It’s an amazing watch.

My dad has the same watch in the same colorway. He had the same problem with the clasp. He went back to the AD he bought it from and the problem was with the divers extension not sitting as flat inside the clasp as it should. His AD in Nashville, TN replaced the clasp with a brand new one and it was fine for a few weeks and then started having the same issue. He has just decided to live with it.

As silver dial with blue bezel owner it's my big YES to this watch. Love it soooooo much. Senna t-shirt btw... Like it! P.S. I have no clasp issues. It's just clicks smoothly.

While Rolex makes great watches, try walking into an AD and asking for a Sub. You'll be laughed at, and told to buy a few two tone day dates instead, and then maybe in a few years they'll sell you a sub. Omega AD, basically any model? Sure, right here in the case. The one you want isn't here? No problem, we'll have it overnighted here. Now, I'd rather have Rolex value retention, but there's something to be said for actually being able to buy the damn thing.

I had the exact same issue with the clasp and had to send it in for service where there replaced a spring in the clasp. Works very well now.

Yup; I'd go with the Seamaster for sure. But in my own collection, instead of one Seamaster, I did a Mido Ocean Star 600 COSC, a Formex Reef COSC, and a bunch of other stuff...to me, once you get to chronometer level that's a darn fine watch, and I'm not inclined to pay triple the price for one of the GOATs when I could get an array of high quality pieces instead...all that said, I still want one, and will probably pick one up at some point.

Yup, I got a watch for engagement. a 1$ one.

One day. I'm going to stick to Zelos for the time being.

Great video Jody ! There's a slight disparity in quality between your sponsored and not sponsored videos, so we need more of the latter :) greetings.

Great video very balanced all bases covered. Here are my thoughts , when you spend that amount of money on a watch you have to really love it . So which one do you really love ? For me the Rolex is timeless and the best looking hence we have so many homages . It is like wearing a Ferrari on your wrist you know it and so does the world . It’s not better value but it can be sold should you fall on hard times and need the cash . BUT you can’t at the moment so you get a Homage for the time being put your name down on every list you can, look in every Rolex shop whenever you can and hope one day to get lucky. Alternatively if you really love the Omega get it for a deal and enjoy every moment knowing there are thousands of frustrated people waiting for a chance to hold the Rolex . Last thought if it has to be Rolex see if you can pick up a second hand one from a while ago , they will run forever with love and care .

And then there is the every day question...”Is that a real Rolex Submariner?”

owned my for over two years now and I've not had any issues with the clasp or watch full stop... Great watch very happy with it 👍😁

If you buy it on the bracelet can you buy the rubber strap on its own to apply afterwards?? I can’t find it on the Omega website only NATO straps

I’m getting this for my 30th birthday in August. This white dial looks amazing with the rubber strap. Great review!

Servicing required and service turn around time is also something one should consider. Out of 20 Omega watches, 5 have required servicing for movement related issues not involving regulating. Out of 10 Rolex, 2 have required servicing. 1 for regulating and 1 for two metal shavings between the dial and crystal. The turn around time on Rolex was a week for the metal shavings on a new, special order Date/Just and two weeks on a purchased new, one year old Sea Dweller. The best turn around time on an Omega, not counting the 2 that I returned for refunds, was about 5 weeks. The worst was over 180 days. I know I am not unique to these servicing issues.

Regarding the clasp... check if the divers extension is properly closed. Go with the folding part first and than firmly press the other side down (that's quite difficult to explain). I had a similar issue with the clasp not closing with a perfect "click" when I was fiddling with the divers extension and had it not closed tight. btw... keep up the great work. Your vids are always informative and funny to watch! Cheers!

Couple corrections, the hands and indices are indeed blackened on this model, Rolex uses AR coating under the crystal since the new model you mentioned, also Rolex movements are 25% more accurate than Omega METAS certified movements which is a significant difference. Thanks for the entertaining video, cheers!

My Omega speedmaster professional moonwatch with the hesalite crystal will alway stay in my collection. It's the most versatile watch ever made by far...

I’ve owned the latest version of the SMP300 since 2018 and I’ve never had a problem with my clasp. He definitely needs to get that checked out!

Interesting clasp issue... I have both of the previous versions of the clasp (divers extension only & micro adjust only) and neither have that click issue... maybe that one is a lemon (?)

Lucky enough to receive this same model Omega a week ago for my 50th birthday. Gorgeous. None of the QC issues highlighted. Clasp works well, really comfortable. No issue with bezel alignment. Lume hands not as visible as some perhaps. B&W dial and bezel looks like it is wearing a dinner suit! Also looks great on an orange rubber strap!

Wow, those are some serious QC issues. I'm actually quite shocked at those. 😳

I was lucky enough to get a planet ocean 8900 600M (sky fall) for my 50th birthday....... It is pure class. 😍

I have the "slightly odd looking grey one". It's the only one with tempered blue hands and indice boarders. It really pops in certain lighting.

Just bought seamaster 300 and found that pearl miss alignment am not sure that AD will fix it or not?

My goodness, that white dial is sure something else. This may be the loveliest white dial watch I've laid eyes on to date! I love the SMP300 and have considered buying one a number of times. Most recently I looked at the 36mm version since I have smaller wrists. I say buy the Omega and spend part of the savings on a really nice Submariner homage, or maybe a Tudor Black Bay 58, another watch I'd buy before a sub.

Nice nod to Murray Walker 😢

Where did you get the Rolex Wall Clock? I have searched all over the place and cant find one.

I love the sea master and have owned a few. I like how it looks different from the other time pieces Omega produces. The other brand mentioned the time pieces look all the same. You can tell the difference from a PO and Seamaster. I prefer the PO though. For the everyday a GPRB1000 is on my wrist. I never have to worry about changing time pieces.

I got my SMP in July, when I asked for a discount, they just laughed,, saying, they can sell them as fast as they can get them, but I'd gone in expecting to pay full price, so I wasn't too upset,,, it's the watch of a lifetime for me, and I'm happy every day, when I put it on... ps,, my clasp is perfect,,,,

That is one beautiful watch, but I'm a poor farmer it's hard to justify $6500 for a watch. I'll have to be happy with my Восток Амфибия's and Seiko's. Makes my financial advisor (wife) happy to know I'm spending far less when I tell her "Oh it's just one more watch" LOL

Hi, does anyone know what’s the difference between 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 models? Thanks!

I can't say I've had the issue with the clasp, but, I usually close it using the pushers, rather than clicking it closed. I've had mine since October 2018 for reference.

I've heard the anti-reflective coating on the top of the crystal has a tendency to scratch. Otherwise it's awesome

As ever, fantastic review... the Omega is a stunning looking watch, but the Rolex still nudges it, as it defines the dive sector. I would suggest the Omega be dubbed the “Scaramanga”, not just for the Bond connection, but because it has that silly looking extra nipple at the 10 O’Clock.

Yep made my mind up a year ago when choosing between the sub and the seamaster, just ticks all the boxes for less money and IMO looks better what more could one want

Tudor Pelagos vs Omega SMP would make a good battle review for you to do. I’d enjoy your thoughts on that one. I recently bought the Pelagos LHD and the Omega was my other option. Hardly anything between them. In the end It was probably the integrated helium escape value on the Tudor that swung it. But both had pros and cons. But for me these are the two top dive watches going. I’d exclude Rolex as I cannot buy one!

Wow, I’m honestly surprised with that lume residual on dial. I’ve owned 3 omegas in different times, never experienced that bad QC issue. Would probably request a replacement of the watch if I were the owner.

I’m a proud owner of an SMP 300m and it’s my everyday wearer since 3 years. Never had a problem and it’s still running strong with +0.1 sec. a day. It’s also the watch that gets most compliments

Re the clasp, mine has the same issue if you don’t reseat the diver extension correctly. Once you get that right it closes easily 👍

Ooh lovely watch. Scalloped edges I think are an issue with a tighter beze actionl. My Invicta Pro Diver has this kind of bezel and some days I struggle to turn it at all my fingers just slip.

Even though a Seiko can have a myriad of different QC issues, atleast they manage to put all the lume on the indices.

There is/was only one Sea Master I liked. The "Peter Blake" in black.

I have an older wave dial Seamaster and similar issues with the clasp. I think a majority has to do with the design. I had mine serviced and the bracelet was replaced and both had clasp issues similar. Overall it doesn't bother me, it's still secure.

Hello... i have an omega planet ocean 45.5mm chronograph and it has the identicle omega glide adjust clasp and YES, my clasp wont click to properly unless you put some fingers underneath and put pressure on both sides. Ive got used to it now and know to listen for two clicks before its properly closed.. It always has done from new but happy to put up with it because of the glidelock addition.. Happy New Year to you buddy.. !! 👋😁🇬🇧

"Looks like a wart on your watch" Classic Jody! Absolutely right, that thing ruins the look of this one.

Wow. The lume issue was a legit shocker.

Hi Jody, great review! I have a 36mm Seamaster, 1996, which has the same inherent clasp issue. My earlier 90’s Sword-hand, Seamaster, also had the clasp issue which also often goes hand in hand with the divers extension popping open when you flex your wrist. All part of the Seamaster charm. I wouldn’t trade it for a Rolly. I think the Seamaster has it all over the Submariner in style and utility.

Nice quick nod to the voice of F1. RIP Murray Walker. Lovely watch but agree with your negatives on helium escape valve and 90's design not being timeless.

"If ya like it, put a watch on it!". Brilliant. Great for Womens Day☘

Even the older Bond SMP 300 watches are rocketing in value. A rising tide floats all ships it would appear.

I don't play waiting games for non-necessities; not even when buying a new car. I'm not plunking down large sums of 💵 to wait weeks or even months to take possession. Life is not guaranteed. With that said; the grey dial/blue bezel model has my undivided attention.

About to set the new time on my Rolex Milly and the bracelet taper is nice!! My older 300 is nice too but with the same clasp issue but not all the time!! Great video!! Have i not seen subs on joma preowned? Buy preowned!!

Dived with one of these for five years in Thailand, never took it off. Handled everything I could throw at it, fantastic flipping watch. What happened to your blue one ?

It gets the most wrist time than my other " high end" watches. Original blue dial is a art classic

Regarding the clasp yes I had one that would not close unless I put my finger beneath. I just got used to it then swapped it out for the rubber strap......I like to get wet and find rubber better.

I owned an Omega Seamaster Professional 300 for a few years. Even took it scuba diving in the Red Sea! It drew a lot of attention on an original Omega Shark Mesh. Too much attention for me..plus, I was always petrified of losing or damaging it. So I sold it, for a little more than I paid. Since then I’ve totally caught the flipping bug, moving through most of the Seiko back catalogue and quite a few Swiss micro brands. I’ve now got three watches, costing me less than the price of that Seamaster but giving me just as much joy!

It wears shockingly good for 42mm on 7 inches. I'd still change a few details though, sacrilegious I know: Get rid of the helium escape valve (or offer two versions) A bit less text on the dial The AR-upper-coating looks great but concerns me, if you scratch it off at one spot that may be distracting