Cover The Omega Seamaster from 1948, originally designed as a dress watch
The Omega Seamaster from 1948, originally designed as a dress watch
1 / 1
From an elegant post-war timepiece to a cinematic symbol of adventure, the Omega Seamaster has charted a remarkable evolution
Raise your hand if, at the mere mention of Omega, your mind immediately turns to the Moonwatch. As the first wristwatch to walk on the surface of the Moon, the Speedmaster is well deserving of its hallowed spot in the history books.
But beyond the cosmos, Omega has also ruled the oceans with the Seamaster. As one of the key pillars of Omega’s modern catalogue, it is both a rugged instrument—capable of surviving depths of 300m—and a suave companion to James Bond, becoming as much a cultural icon as it is an essential tool for professionals.
Its origins, however, were not entirely utilitarian. Introduced in 1948, the Seamaster began life as a dress watch, albeit one designed to ward off water seepage. Conceived as an elegant gentleman’s watch for daily wear, it was groundbreaking for its use of an O-ring rubber gasket to improve water resistance, a technology borrowed from the military.
Read more: Catching up with Omega's campaign star Sunday Rose Kidman Urban
Above Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in orange
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M in orange
1 / 1
That practical innovation would eventually define the Seamaster’s character. In 1957, Omega launched a line of Professional watches, with the Seamaster naturally chosen to spearhead underwater exploration. The debut Seamaster 300 was Omega’s first dedicated dive watch, complete with a rotating bezel.
The 1960s were pivotal in shaping the Seamaster’s visual identity, introducing design cues that endure to this day. The case evolved to feature the now-familiar twisted “lyre” lugs, while the line experimented with size and style, expanding to 42mm and offering a variety of hand designs. The 1970s then laid the groundwork for more extreme diving instruments such as the Seamaster 600.
See also: The best new dive watches 2025
Above Daniel Craig as 007: Omega has made an indelible impression in the James Bond franchise
Daniel Craig as 007: Omega has made an indelible impression in the James Bond franchise
1 / 1
Although Omega had already taken the Seamaster to great depths, it was cinema that brought the watch global fame. Since GoldenEye in 1995, James Bond, a former naval officer, has worn the waterproof Seamaster following a deal between Omega and EON Productions. (As of February 2025, the Bond creative rights are owned by Amazon MGM.)
Oscar-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming, who proposed the partnership, explained: “I was convinced that Commander Bond, a naval man, a diver, and a discreet gentleman of the world would wear this watch.”
Above Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition
1 / 1
Indeed, the Bond Seamasters have grown more sophisticated with each film. In GoldenEye, Pierce Brosnan wore the Seamaster 300M Quartz. Daniel Craig ended his tenure as 007 in No Time to Die with the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition, a titanium model with a mesh bracelet and powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806.
Craig collaborated closely with Omega on the design, choosing titanium for its lightness and comfort and the mesh bracelet for its vintage appeal. “I really like that kind of touch, like a 60s or 70s dive watch,” he said.
Today, the Seamaster is firmly embedded in the Bond lexicon—the perfect companion for an MI6 agent, combining rugged technical capability with sleek, elegant design.
Read more: All the watches that appeared in ‘No Time To Die’
Above Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional
1 / 1
The Seamaster has since branched into two key sub-collections: the Planet Ocean and the Aqua Terra.
The Planet Ocean, launched in 2005 as a professional dive line, pushes the limits of underwater performance, with some models offering water resistance up to 600m. Its ultimate achievement came in 2019 with the Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional, which survived a trip to the deepest point on Earth—the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean—at nearly 11,000m.
More recently, the collection welcomed a world timer. The 45.5mm ceramic model features a topographic map with a 24-hour indication dividing night and day.
Above Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer
1 / 1
The Aqua Terra, introduced in 2002, takes a dressier approach to the luxury sports watch. Though rated to a still-robust 150m, it borrows marine elements in its design, including a teak-pattern dial inspired by the wooden decks of luxury yachts. Recent highlights include a feminine 30mm range and breezy summer models with enchanting turquoise dials.
Above Ashley Graham and Ariana DeBose in the Aqua Terra 30mm ad campaign
Ashley Graham and Ariana DeBose in the Aqua Terra 30mm ad campaign
1 / 1
Above Omega Aqua Terra 30mm in stainless steel with diamonds
Omega Aqua Terra 30mm in stainless steel with diamonds
1 / 1
From its humble beginnings to its adventures in the ocean’s depths and on the silver screen, the Seamaster has proven endlessly adaptable without losing its essence. Whether surfacing as a Bond-worthy diver or a refined Aqua Terra, it embodies Omega’s ability to fuse innovation with timeless style, ensuring its place as one of the most enduring icons in modern horology.
NOW READ
Chopard’s tribute to the beauty of Japan
Daniel Arsham unveils first wristwatch created in collaboration with Hublot
Audemars Piguet burnishes its portfolio of chronographs with the RD#5
Topics
Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
