‘Tis the season for the new release rumor mill to start churning. What do you think Omega has up its sleeves in 2023? Will the Biel-based luxury watchmaker follow closely in Rolex’s footsteps again this year? Or will Omega strike its own unique course? In any case, I’m going to share which Omega models I think are due a makeover, and reveal what I most want to see from the Rolex competitor in 2023. While there is no denying the Omega catalog is full of icons, some watches are in dire need of a facelift. Join me as I peer into my crystal ball…
A Flawless Diving Icon: The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
Made famous by James Bond, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M has become one of the most exciting diving watches of our time. As iconic and innovative as this model is, however, the top Submariner contender is definitely in need of an update. One can only hope that Omega will discontinue the current reference in 2023 and reveal a new and improved one. Of course, all the finer details that make this watch so special should be retained: The ceramic dial is a must-have with its 3-D look. I also think the 42-mm case with its unpopular helium escape valve should stick around; it is, after all, a key feature of the iconic diver. There are two things that I would love to see changed, however; firstly, the ceramic bezel. The haptics here need a serious upgrade. It’s difficult to turn the beautiful ceramic bezel with any degree of precision, and it just feels cheap overall. While it may seem like a minor detail, this is an absolute no-go for a luxury diving watch at this price point. A watch that truly earns the title of “Submariner Killer” should be able to wow me with its bezel. The Sub’s bezel, on the other hand, is so smooth to operate, I’d nearly say it’s a major selling point!
The other area that needs urgent attention is the stainless steel bracelet. Yes, the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M looks great on a rubber strap, but that doesn’t make up for the fact that the current bracelet is clunky and old-fashioned. I’m not alone in this opinion, either; the bracelet is a sore spot with many watch fans. A modern, narrower strap à la that of the Seamaster Aqua Terra would work wonderfully here. Give the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M the perfect bezel and a redesigned bracelet, and the model will shine with a new splendor. I, for one, would be delighted to see this release from Omega in 2023.
Completely Revamped: The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean
While the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M can get away with minimal tweaks, I think the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean could do with a complete overhaul. It’s not very surprising that this watch lives in the shadows of its more famous Bond sibling; it’s downright dowdy. Thus, I’d like to see the entire Planet Ocean collection discontinued and relaunched in 2023, bar the recently released and very successful Ultra-Deep variants – they can stay. I think Omega could do away with the 39.5 and 43.5-mm case distinctions and instead offer the watch in a single size; for example, a new 41-mm Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean would do the trick. The brand should also update the bracelet and clasp, preferably in stainless steel with a 20-mm lug width and more refined clasp. This would give a visual boost to the otherwise “tooly” watch. I’d welcome an improvement to the co-axial technology, of course, but it’s already the best of the best. The famous 600 m (1,968 ft) of water resistance can stay, as can the overall case and dial design. What does require urgent attention, however, are those orange accents – they haven’t been in since the 70s. A new, 41-mm Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean with an updated bracelet and red accents would do it for me. I’d love to see this watch released with three dial options in 2023: black, white, and blue. Ah, wouldn’t that be nice?
A New, Contemporary Daytona Rival: The Omega Speedmaster Racing
OK, I’m ready to see a new and improved Omega Speedmaster Racing. I think this one is a must for Omega. The overall package can more or less stay intact, i.e., the design is great, and the technology is on point thanks to the automatic Co-Axial caliber that can withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss and boasts a 60-hour power reserve. That said, Omega needs to urgently look at this model’s depth rating. The new 2023 version should be water-resistant to 100 m (328 ft) at a minimum. More importantly, however, is the gigantic elephant in the room, aka the whopping 44.5-mm case diameter. Thanks to a reasonable lug-to-lug measurement, the watch doesn’t wear quite as large as its size would imply, but even so, the Racing could do with going on a diet. Why not try a slimmer, 41-mm version of the iconic case instead? Mount the watch on a stainless steel bracelet similar to that of the current Speedmaster Professional, and you’d have a winner. Again, Omega would need to replace the outdated orange accents with red ones, but then voilà, you’d have the perfect Rolex Daytona alternative. I’d say the panda version of the Rolex icon, in particular, would need to watch its back. The Omega contender already has a winning look, adjust these few details, and we might just have a masterpiece on our hands with the Omega Speedmaster Racing. Do you think we will see anything like this in 2023?
