FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Omega raises pricing for Seamaster 300M divers
Zach BlassThis week, many members of the watch community noted that, once again, Omega has incrementally raised the pricing on one of their bestselling models, the Omega Seamaster 300M. While some wondered if this was a move to capitalise on the lack of availability of competing divers like the Rolex Submariner, the truth is likely far more boring. Every few years, brands like Omega, and even Rolex, will incrementally increase the retail price of their watches to account for inflation. Sure, it is not necessarily a devastating move for buyers worldwide, but it does make a bit of a difference over time. Once, if you asked me which watch you should consider purchasing under $5,000 USD I would have definitely mentioned the Omega Seamaster 300M on a rubber strap. But now, after an increase of $200 USD, the watch has surpassed $5,000 USD – moving up from $4,900 USD to $5,100 USD.
This also can cause a slight trickle-down effect in the secondary market, with pre-owned pricing upped to match the raised value at retail. At this time, the Omega Speedmaster Professional 3861 Co-Axial remains at the pricing it was introduced at last year, so the price hikes were not enacted across the board of the Omega catalogue. But it’s another reminder that as you save your money for your next watch, you may need to budget an extra few hundred dollars to score it when the time comes.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Zach
Watch meme of the week: Where leather loses
Leather is by far the most elegant mode of affixing a watch to your wrist. It is classic and customisable, and therefore is a great means of introducing colour and personality to your watch. Swapping between straps can also make one watch look like multiple, stretching the aesthetic of your piece and preventing things from getting stale – especially if you know you need to hold off on your next watch hunt. There are, of course, tradeoffs, one of which is why I cry foul whenever I see leather paired with aquatic suited sports watches. Water is the enemy of leather, and this is the minor Achilles heel of the material. Whether it’s during a hot summer or on vacation, where sweat inevitably ensues or a water-related adventure is on the horizon, this is the moment to switch to rubber, fabric, or metal as a strap option. Even fabric though, when wet, feels a bit like wearing a damp towel. So as the above suggests, it is something I can definitely relate too. It is like putting on a washed shirt that hasn’t made its way into the dryer. It just doesn’t feel great. So, when it comes to straps, be strategic my friends.
Wrist shot of the week: Nikolaus Hirsch almost has me convinced with Rolex steel on leather
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Am I rushing to try a leather strap on my Datejust? Absolutely not. But I have to give credit where credit is due. The one advantage, in my mind, of playing strap monster with a steel sports Rolex is the ability to personalise the look and make it your own – to stand out from the herd. Nikolaus’ Milgauss takes on a whole new look and vibe, masterfully paired with a black leather strap, stacked with a black leather bracelet, and contrasted against a grey sleeve. It is the kind of vibe that GQ would totally approve of, a tied together look that results in a stellar ensemble. I advise against it, more often than not, as a bit of a Rolex purist. But if you are going to make a strap change, take inspirational cues from Nikolaus – who for the record is a watch stylist and owner of the strap manufacturer, Hirsch.
Recommended viewing: How Parmigiani Fleurier created the La Rose Carrée
While I would encourage you to check out our own coverage of this special project, I have to say that it is also well worth spending seven minutes or so to watch the video behind the craftsmanship. Fortunately for us horological geeks, Parmigiani Fleurier has documented the production of and inspiration for their one-off pocket watch La Rose Carrée. The video provides awesome insight into the challenges and various stages of realising such a special timepiece. Grab a coffee or beer and definitely give it a watch.
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week:
Anthony Joshua’s watch collection currently outweighs his boxing titles…
Celebrities and athletes often have impressive watch collections, but former boxing champion Anthony Joshua definitely has some heavyweight timepieces to his name. Step into the ring here to explore what pieces have been on his wrist.
The Swatch x Peanuts collection unveils fun range of Snoopy and Charlie Brown watches
At Dubai Watch Week last week, Pierre Biver noted collectors should pay attention to Swatch and their collectability. We have already seen the Damien Hirst Mickey Mouse Swatch watches do well at auction, so perhaps you should get familiar with the fun range of Swatch x Peanuts watches.
The Collector’s Crossroads: Why I don’t have a grail watch
As enthusiasts become more immersed in the hobby, one of the foremost concepts you encounter is the idea of a “grail watch”. Click here to get Ricardo’s thoughts on the subject, and how he feels about the term and concept.