Omega

G99
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my 4000th post, a trio of 1964 SM300's, AKA 'the 3 wise monkeys'

this is my 4000th post!! so i thought i'd try to do something useful and posting my SM300's is the most useful thing i could come up with. i've been waiting for a strap to arrive which is why i've been quiet over the weekend. it arrived this morning so i've taken pics and am ready to go.

as many of you know i have an obsession with collecting what i consider to be iconic watches from 1964, the year i was born. its hard to believe i only started this theme in February this year with my speedmaster 105.003. the seamaster 300's are possibly the watch that has attracted me most. i now own 3 of them all from the same year. this may seem a bit over the top to some, but there is a good reason behind having all of them and when they come up for sale you have to jump on it in case you dont see another one.

firstly a bit of history behind the Seamaster 300. it was first released in 1957 along with the speedmaster and the railmaster making an iconic trio of tool watches. despite being called the 300 it was in fact waterproof to 200m. it went through several changes over the years pretty much in line with the speedmaster. the first case was symmetrical with flat lugs and thin bezel. it had a series of different reference numbers ending in the 165.014 which dates from roughly 1962-1964. the second case shape was assymetric with curved lugs and larger bezel. this case resembles the speedmaster we all know so well. this bore the reference 165.024 and dates from 1964 to the end of production in the 70's. the early models which are the ones i will be referring too have no date, but in 1965/66 a date model was introduced with the reference 166.024. at about the same time the watch was given a larger screwdown crown. there were 2 dial variations, the first with a small lume marker and numerals at 12 and the second with large triangle lume marker and no numerals at 12. the very early models had several different types of hands, but the 2 main styles we see now are lumed stick hands and the large dagger hour hand.

there have been a huge number of fakes and frankenwatches for sale on the largest auction sites so a lot of research is needed before purchase to avoid buying a duffer. interestingly, a few years ago there were far more fakes for sale than there are now. only last night i looked through 'the site' and found several SM300's for sale all of which appeared to me to be genuine. there were no fakes to be found. perhaps the word has got out and they are no longer being produced, who knows. there is also a company in australia who make legitimate watches using new parts and old movements. the  parts are supplied by Omega and these watches will be serviced by them.

i think thats enough of a history lesson for now. some of my dates may be slightly out, but they are near enough to give you an idea of the chronology.

Here are my 3 offerings on the straps i intend to keep them on. from left to right, 165.014 on original Omega mesh, 165.024 on black/khaki nato and 165.024(refurbed) on shell cordovan. 

i wont put loads of pics on this post as they have been shown in previous posts, just a couple of each one.

a 165.014 in original condition with lovely patina on both dial and hands. this was actually the 2nd SM300 i purchased and i had good reason to do so as it is one of the very last of this model, one which is 'uncommon'. it is fitted with a calibre 550 automatic movement which still performs faultlessly.

a 165.024 in original condition, again with lovely patina. this is the 1st SM300 i purchased. it is also one of the very first of this model to be produced as it was only introduced in 1964. fitted with a calibre 552 movement which again performs without fault.

i think this NATO strap suits it very well. in the flesh it actually matches the lume perfectly.

my 2nd 165.024 and my most recent addition. i purchased this in poor cosmetic condition with the express intention of having it refurbished and making it fit for purpose which it now is. it was only pressure tested to 30m, but that is more than sufficient for my purposes. i'm lucky that i have a very good ex omega watchmaker with access to parts at very good prices. this is again fitted with a calibre 552 movement. part of the attraction is the superb movements which after 45 years still perform better than many new watches.

the shell cordovan strap suits it perfectly and is extremely comfortable. everyone should buy these straps.

i think this is now the end of my SM300 quest as i have all that i need. 1 of each model in original condition and 1 refurbed model that i can use as i would a new watch.

i hope you've enjoyed this brief journey into my mind and a small part of my collection. i would encourage anyone who wants a good reliable vintage dive watch to consider the SM300.

enjoy

Graham