Everything you need to know about the Omega Seamaster

Omega's diving heritage began with the ground-breaking Marine, released in 1932 and used by the grandfather of modern diving, Yves Le Prieur. Omega made diving watches for the British military during World War II, though the first “Seamaster” wasn't released until 1948. It was a stunning dress watch with a design that continues to inspire today's watches, but it lacked serious water resistance. This was rectified in 1957 with the release of the iconic Omega Seamaster 300, with its sportier look and more advanced diving technology.

The watch was instantly popular, especially after its public use by legendary oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and was progressively developed and augmented in the decades to come. It pioneered technical advances such as phosphorescent hands, helium escape valves and unidirectional bezels that are now considered mandatory for diving watches. The Seamaster's popularity would only soar after it became James Bond's watch of choice for 1995's Goldeneye and all films since. Pierce Brosnan's bond wore a Seamaster Professional 300, while Daniel Craig added the newest and trendiest member of the family: an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M

This recent model represents the current state of the classic, entry-level Seamaster – and it's a beauty. The quality is flawless and the attention to detail really steals the show: Omega has gone to a lot of effort to honour the heritage of its most recognisable timepiece. While this model is fitted with the best of modern manufacturing, including a scratchproof ceramic bezel, powerful lume, and the most advanced co-axial calibre (2500) to date, the design remains absolutely faithful to the old Seamaster we all know and love. The hands are exquisitely skeletonised, and the caseback is the discrete solid steel variety with the iconic seahorse logo.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150 M Ltd

After the Planet Ocean was introduced to the Bond franchise in 2006's Casino Royale, the next watch to make the cut was the Aqua Terra – in the most recent entry, 2015's Spectre. And not just any Aqua Terra, but the record-breaking technological marvel launched in 2014 known as the first truly anti-magnetic watch. Built with entirely non-ferrous components, the watch is unaffected by magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss – a huge step forward for horology. This special version keeps the striking yellow colour scheme while adding a Bond family crest on the seconds hand and an exhibition caseback where the rotor has been cut to look like a gun barrel.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Big Size Chronometer

While it is known for the history and heritage of many of its famous watches, Omega has been admirably unafraid to innovate and create new forms over the years. In 2005, it released the Planet Ocean – a brand new take on the Seamaster story that injected a burst of energy and style to the prestigious watch family, along with greater water resistance. At the same time, it is recognisably a Seamaster, and the design is clearly rooted by historic inspiration. This lively model comes in different versions, including a version with a striking orange bezel as well colored numerals on the 6, 9 and 12. This is a powerful colour scheme that turns the heads of watch lovers everywhere.

Omega Seamaster Cosmic

This vintage timepiece represents a phenomenal opportunity to own a fascinating part of Seamaster history. The Cosmic is a terrific little watch, very much of its time, that has managed to slide under the radar of many collectors. It was produced for less than a decade from 1967 until the mid 70s, and housed the historic calibre 752. Probably attempting to capitalise on the mania for all things space-age that characterised the era, the Cosmic now provides an excellent example of 60s retro chic – quite different to the usual sporty feel we associate with Seamasters. It doesn't have much in the way of water resistance – but check out the extraordinary monoblock (and unishell) case.

Omega Seamaster Chrono

At the other end of the spectrum from the Cosmic lie the new Seamaster chronographs. These are bigger, bolder, sportier and more modern versions of the classic model that have proven popular among many collectors. This model has a chunky 44mm case with large pushers – combined with the blue dial with its vivid red highlights, it's a wonderfully boisterous design that leaves a strong impression. There's also a cutting-edge blue ceramic bezel and the exceptional 3330 calibre inside (complete with both silicon balance spring and co-axial escapement). But it's still very much a Seamaster, with the blue theme paying tribute to the watch's maritime heritage.