My New Seamaster 300M - I Hate the Stock Bracelet! Options Review

[Spikedlee]

Over the weekend I picked up a new blue Seamaster 300M on rubber strap.













The blue ceramic dial and bezel is absolutely striking and a true chameleon in that it changes tone based on the light that surrounds it. I could not be more impressed with this watch. It runs +2 seconds per day, and the date changes exactly at 12:00 AM on the dot, which even my Rolexes do not do.

I absolutely despise the gigantic, non-tapered stock bracelet on this watch especially owning primarily Rolex and being very used to leaner, tapered configurations.

Just look at how massive this is on my 6.75" wrist:





I also feel that the link design, although part of a heritage of prior models, looks dated and not as sleek. Unfortunately, aftermarket designs with integrated end links are not the best for this watch. Even with the easy link adjust system on the clasp, it is just way too thick and bulky.

Because of this, I opted to pick up the rubber strap version which I think looks amazing and is quite comfortable. However, I also intended on making this a watch that I can swap straps for and already have a few options:

Option 1 (The Captain America):

This is an elastic NATO which I have never owned before. Because of the elasticity, it is extremely soft and much more flexible to create a snug and comfortable feel on your wrist. I told my GF this was like "yoga pants" on the wrist and she immediately understood lol.











Because of this strap design not being like a true NATO due to the lack of a fixed double underside, I can easily adjust the 12:00 and 6:00 lengths of the strap to create a perfect fit and not deal with having to fold any excess material on the steel keepers.

Option 2 (The Milanese NTTD):

Okay so this isn't the actual NTTD, but it is actually BETTER in the fact that it has unlimited adjustment, does not have a clunky folding clasp, is thin enough to fit under a dress shirt, and is very well constructed.















Lets compare this to the clunky, limited nature of the NTTD with big clasp and limited fixed hole configurations:

















I love the look of the NTTD, but was hesitant to buy based on the bracelet and held off until my OB had stock so I could test the fitment and as I predicted, with my wrist, I am in between sizes. It would either be too tight or too loose on my wrist based on the fixed hole positions. The mesh thickness is nice, but the clasp protrudes way too much and would never allow for a perfect fit. I know Daniel Craig gave Omega the advice that Bond wanted a lightweight watch, but I don't believe Bond would ever wear something this clunky.

The only downfall of the Milanese I have is that the mesh is not as thick at 1.8mm, but I just ordered a 3.0mm version with everything else the same except thicker links. I don't mind the thinness, but thicker will at least balance out with the thickness of the watch case. Bottom line is, the fitment is perfect with this band, blends well with the case, and cost like $20 on Amazon.

As I select more options for this watch, I will make sure to post them on here but I wanted to give you guys some insight who were interested in the watch. Just like my Speedmaster, Omega couldn't pull off the "perfect" configuration for me and required me to modify the watch a bit to get it right.

Last note is this color of blue kicks my Pepsi's blue in the ass:

[alllexandru]

The Milanese looks good on your wrist.
Enjoy and congrats!
You are a perfectionist

[ericg]

I think if you like a rubber strap watch then the seamaster or aqua terra is difficult to beat in that price range...if you like bracelet watches..get a Rolex

[rolexnyc718]

The seamaster bracelet is too dated for me, wish they would update. I’m getting the white dial on rubber strap in a few weeks, its on order. The blue looks amazing as well.

[hmalik]

Very nicely taken pics.
Thanks.
I have been vacillating between this and the Chrono version of it. I really think they should have kept some red in the dial of the blue version of the Chrono. I don't know why they completely removed red from that model ! Having "seamster " in red on a blue dial is iconic for the Seamaster ....

[evlkoala]

Love the look on the Milanese. Where can I buy the milanese?

[samson66]

If possible could you add a few more pictures?

LOL great watch and love all the strap and bracelet options. Like you I'm not a fan of the stock bracelet which is why I went with rubber from the get go.

Blue looks gorgeous. Congratulation!

[snoride]

[QUOTE=Spikedlee;11226251]Over the weekend I picked up a new blue Seamaster 300M on rubber strap.



I also do not like the hefty bracelet and tried on this same combo at my AD yesterday and was impressed. Flexible tapered rubber strap was very comfortable. They did not have any of the White dial model but the many images I have seen of it on the black rubber strap do not appeal to me as much as yours.

I also liked the fit and finish on the Breitling Superocean 42. As for their Rolex collection.... tumbleweeds!

[harrisonkris66]

That nato looks great. I got the smp in black with both bracelet and rubber strap. Iv put it back on the rubber as the hinge on the deployment clasp is very sharp and digs in abit. I would go for the rubber or that nato looking at your pics.

[Knappo 1307]

I got rid of mine for the same reason. Did not like the fact the bracelet didn't taper.
On a side note: is that the Tribune building up the river from you?

[Minimalist]

Huge congrats! Looks like you've mastered owning that SM300 already, it looks phenomenal on that elastic nato, I've had my eye on ones like those too, the single pass type. I was never a fan of the bracelet either, just looks to dated. BTW the blue looks amazing.

[DonnieD]

Beautiful piece. Was just at the Chicago OB today.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sp3ak]

Great pictures, ty for sharing!

I just got my black/black SMP300 as well and very much enjoy the rubber strap. I may get a Nato later on to mix it up but it is so comfortable as is I'm finding my motivation to change it pretty low.

[Jster]

That blue dial is amazing! Thanks for all the great photos.

That mesh bracelet looks really good. I'm surprised because I usually do not care for mesh bracelets.

[Spikedlee]

Originally Posted by evlkoala

Love the look on the Milanese. Where can I buy the milanese?

The 1.8mm:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...1-dc3240e894a8

The 3.0mm which I will post tomorrow:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Spikedlee]

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

I got rid of mine for the same reason. Did not like the fact the bracelet didn't taper.
On a side note: is that the Tribune building up the river from you?

Yes it is! Good eye ;-)

[Fleetlord]

I agree with you about the OEM Bond Bracelet. It's awful. Very sharp edges. It's like a torture cuff.

Rubber strap is great.

The Nato Blue doesn't match, so can't approve.

The Milanese is too slender.

The Omega TI strap is ok, but that clasp deal is too weird.

Have you considered the 20mm OEM shark mesh that came on the 42mm PO?

The clasp is a bit big, but it balances the watch and is adjustable.

[AR5150]

Stunning and Lovely look. Congrats, wear in good health

[1William]

Great review and pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[samson66]

You got a link to the elastic nato strap? I'd like to take a closer look at this.

So for that strap there's nothing holding the watch in place, right? It can slide up and down? I'm guessing it's the elasticity of the strap that keeps the watch in place on the top of the wrist?

[DJ2020]

Congratulations on your new watch. I like the look of opt 2, but opt 1 looks very comfortable. Great pictures by the way.

If this is a every day wearer, I would go with the rubber or opt 1 myself. Either way, nice looking watch, enjoy!

[JohnGingerwood]

The watch looks soooo good on rubber and nato. Yes, the bracelet is bulky. Like many, I would love to see a tapered version to take away some bulk. I love the style of the bracelet though. Its unique and the perfect mix between sporty and dressy.

[Minimalist]

Originally Posted by samson66

You got a link to the elastic nato strap? I'd like to take a closer look at this.

So for that strap there's nothing holding the watch in place, right? It can slide up and down? I'm guessing it's the elasticity of the strap that keeps the watch in place on the top of the wrist?

Looking at the pics it looks like it's from here; let OP confirm...

https://vario.sg/collections/elastic...rimson-divider

Liking the look of this myself and considering to get a couple to try out.

OP how are you finding the pin and buckle on the elastic nato, I've seen some reviews mentioning that just after only a few days the pin hole has stretched and is no good....what's your experience?

[Seamaster59]

I have come to same conclusion. I rock my blue on the blue rubber and love it. Going to sell the bracelet soon. I tried it back on and it was so heavy and clunky. The rubber fits this watch better.

[mgsooner]

This watch looks so much better on the rubber and the mesh! Very nice writeup and photos.

The next evolution of the Seamaster is to finally address the non-tapered bracelet and to, yes, lose the HEV that nobody wants. I haven't encountered many people online who have said "I like it!" in reference to the HEV - at best you see "I don't even notice it." If Omega is bound and determined to retain this gimmick then keep it on the Planet Ocean which comes with 600m WR.

Personally I'd prefer a smaller and thinner case as well, but we can meet in the middle. A redesigned, tapered bracelet and no HEV would go a long ways.

[Spikedlee]

Originally Posted by samson66

You got a link to the elastic nato strap? I'd like to take a closer look at this.

So for that strap there's nothing holding the watch in place, right? It can slide up and down? I'm guessing it's the elasticity of the strap that keeps the watch in place on the top of the wrist?

Here it is:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And yes you are correct but it doesn't slide up and down on its own easily and it would require force so the elasticity works well in your favor.

[Spikedlee]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Looking at the pics it looks like it's from here; let OP confirm...

https://vario.sg/collections/elastic...rimson-divider

Liking the look of this myself and considering to get a couple to try out.

OP how are you finding the pin and buckle on the elastic nato, I've seen some reviews mentioning that just after only a few days the pin hole has stretched and is no good....what's your experience?

I only had it on for a day. No issues at all. Long term usage I am unsure of.

[Spikedlee]

I find it interesting this watch comes with this from the factory now as an option. James Bond's true watch :-)

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Spikedlee

Here it is:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And yes you are correct but it doesn't slide up and down on its own easily and it would require force so the elasticity works well in your favor.

Thanks! I went ahead and ordered one for my Tudor GMT. For that price, why not. I hear the elastic straps are beyond comfortable. People say they can barely tell they are wearing them.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Minimalist

Looking at the pics it looks like it's from here; let OP confirm...

https://vario.sg/collections/elastic...rimson-divider

Liking the look of this myself and considering to get a couple to try out.

OP how are you finding the pin and buckle on the elastic nato, I've seen some reviews mentioning that just after only a few days the pin hole has stretched and is no good....what's your experience?

Thanks. I just ordered one on Amazon. I read some of the same things about the hole stretching and fraying. For $19 I'll give it a try. Might depend on how tight people are wearing them. We'll see...