The History and Appeal of the Omega Seamaster 300 CK2913
Omega Seamaster 300 CK2913: A Brief History and Collector's Guide
Vintage advertisement for CK2913
Image courtesy of Cox (Omega Forums)
Famously worn by James Bond and others , Omega's Seamaster series is one of the most classic diver's watches in history and remains popular throughout history .
In continuous production since 1948, the Seamaster family has defined the diver's watch and has always led the way in style, cultural influence and technical innovation.
Although not the first model in the series, the Seamaster 300 reference CK2913 is the origin of the innovation and heritage that has made the Seamaster famous for over half a century.
Although the CK2913 was released in 1957, the Seamaster's history technically began in 1948.
The year 1948 marked Omega's 100th anniversary and the London Olympics, for which Omega was the official timekeeper, so the Seamaster was released at this auspicious time.
The first Seamaster was tested for water resistance up to 60m and was sold as a practical, waterproof dress watch.
It wasn't quite the tool of a professional diver, but it was a far cry from a delicate dress watch you couldn't wear for a day at the beach.
This first-generation Seamaster was inspired by the watches Omega designed for the British Military, and features a sturdy case, utilitarian design, easy-to-read dial and reliable operation .
The Seamaster began life as a practical dress watch and later evolved into a watch designed specifically for divers.
This resulted in a watch that, while retaining a classic and sophisticated appearance, is also easy to understand and functional, making it an essential item in a diver's equipment.
There are eight variations of the CK2913, starting with the 2913-1 released in 1957, up to the 2913-8 released in 1961.
The CK2913 was subsequently succeeded by references 14755 and 165.014.
Ironically, even though it says "Seamaster 300" on the dial, it could only dive to a depth of 200m.
Omega claims that this is due to limitations in their testing equipment, and not the watch itself.
CK2913-3 Broad arrow hour hand and straight second hand
Image courtesy of Bazam
CK2913-7 with small arrow minute hand and lollipop second hand
Image courtesy of Phillips Auctions
CK2913-8 with small arrow minute hand and straight second hand
Dial and hands
The dial design of the CK2913 is the same for all models.
The matte dial features triangular hour markers coated with radium luminous material and white Arabic numerals placed every 15 seconds . The contrast between the radium light and the shape and font of the large numerals makes it easy to read .
The first three CK2913 models feature a broad arrow handset with a large arrow on the hour hand, a thin pointed arrow on the minute hand, and a straight second hand.
Variations from 2913-4 to 2913-8 feature a pointed hour hand, a thin arrow-shaped minute hand, and a straight seconds hand, with only the 2913-7 featuring a lollipop seconds hand.
Bezel
Of the eight models, the first two feature countdown bezels, while the next six feature forward count bezels.
The forward counting bezel is used to time the elapsed time of an underwater dive, while the countdown bezel is used as a timer.
The bezel insert is very thin and only displays the numerals for the 10 minutes and notches for the 5 minutes, which are displayed in a different font than the font on the dial.
Additionally, a small, circular radium luminous piece is added as an accent to the rectangular area that protrudes slightly above the 12 o'clock position.
The bezel was made of the same coin-edged stainless steel as the case, and the bezel insert was made of Bakelite, a material that is prone to breakage and replacement over time.
Countdown Bezel
Image courtesy of Marturks
Forward Count Bezel
Image courtesy of Bazam
Replacement countdown bezel insert
Image courtesy of Luna Oyster
Case
Beveled straight lugs
Image courtesy of: Bazamu
The stainless steel cases of all models are made by Hugenin Freres LeLocle and are stamped HF on the inside of the screw-back case back.
The case has thin, straight lugs (the parts that attach the watch to the bracelet) and the beveled lug taper ensures balance and stability.
The case diameter is 38.5mm, providing a good balance between wrist presence and ease of reading.
The CK2913 is available in eight variations, but with three different case back designs.
The case back design of the 2913-1 is engraved on the side and unengraved on the flat back .
The casebacks of the 2913-2 and 2913-3 feature Omega's iconic seahorse logo, and the final design from the 2913 onwards is similar apart from variations in the lettering.
The CK2913 also features a stainless steel 7077 flat link bracelet with #6 end links.
Case Back Variation 1
Image courtesy of Francoiscevert (Omega Forums)
Case back variation 2
Image courtesy of Marchax
Case Back Variation 3
Image courtesy of Luna Oyster
Movement
Omega Calibre 501
Image courtesy of Luna Oyster
The CK2913 was fitted with an automatic caliber 501 movement, with CK2913 models delivered to the US using a variation of the caliber 500 instead.
The copper -finished 500 Series was produced by Omega from 1956 to 1960 before being replaced by its successor, undergoing several refinements and iterations during this period.
All movements were 28mm in diameter, 5.55mm in height, had 6 beats per second and a power reserve of 46 hours.
The caliber 500 had 17 jewels, while the caliber 501 had either 19 or 20 jewels.
The Seamaster series has grown exponentially, far beyond Omega's original goal in 1948 to produce a simple, durable dress watch.
Starting with the CK2913 in 1957, we have a legacy of sophisticated, durable and innovative watches.
It can be said that the Seamaster series contributed to establishing divers as a cultural symbol and even a status symbol.
Like James Bond, who famously wore the successor to the CK2913, the watch remains the perfect blend of classicism and innovation in style and technology.
