Omega Seamaster vs Speedmaster: Which One Should I Buy?

Among these are models that go by the name Seamaster and Speedmaster - which are Omega’s best selling watch families. Both lines are upheld by the brand’s high quality standards and pioneering spirit, but have some distinct differences. Notably, the Seamaster collection is an advanced line of diving watches, whereas the Speedmaster range has been designed and developed with high speed racing in mind.

 

Of course, if the motivation behind your purchase is related to the fundamental purpose of each type of tool watch, then your decision is easy. But if you’re simply an everyday watch enthusiast, making a choice between the two may not be so straightforward.

 

Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this blog, we put the two watch families head to head, comparing and discussing the key features, selling points and pitfalls of each in order to help you make the right decision. 

Omega Seamaster 

Omega Seamaster is the brand’s longest running line of watches. The first model was launched in 1948, and was inspired by Omega’s strong marine connections. While the design was based on the brand’s initial water-resistant timepiece, it helped take diving watches to new depths thanks to the brand’s pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation.

 

Today, the Seamster collection is where you’ll find many of the world’s most renowned diving timepieces. For example, the experimental Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional survived a dive of 10,928 meters, breaking the previous record by 12 meters.

 

The collection’s advanced capability also received a special seal of approval when the Seamaster Diver 300m was chosen as the watch of choice for the big screen’s James Bond in Goldeneye. And ever since its debut feature in 1995, very little has changed - other than the Omega watches becoming ever more advanced in each new film. 

Omega Speedmaster 

The first Omega Speedmaster watch was released in 1957, just under a decade after the Seamaster. Although the Seamster might have age on its side, it did not take long for the Speedmaster to solidify its position in the Omega catalog.

 

The Speedmaster began as an advanced racing watch, forming part of a little known collection that goes by the name of ‘the trilogy’ - which also included a Seamaster and the Railmaster. The ‘speed’ prefix was given to the watch because of its unusual tachymeter bezel. At the time, this feature was generally placed on the dial of a watch, making the initial Speedmaster the first to carry the scale on its outer ring - something which has come to be expected from today’s race watches. 

 

In the years that followed, Omega continued to develop the Speedmaster, which soon earned it some out-of-this-world recognition by none other than NASA. Not long after, the Speedmaster became the first watch to be worn in space, accompanying Buzz Aldrin on the Apollo 11 mission, and proving just how advanced and reliable the timepiece was.

 

From commemorating models to newly developed variations, the Speedmaster collection continues to be improved, explaining exactly why sportsmen, enthusiasts and collectors simply cannot stay away.

Seamaster vs Speedmaster Side by Side Comparison

Let’s take a closer look at each watch family, comparing the key features, functions and characteristics.

 

	Omega Seamaster	Omega Speedmaster
Tool	Dive watch	Race / Sports watch
Case	Available in steel, gold, ceramic, titanium, platinum and tantalum	Available in steel, gold, ceramic, titanium and platinum
Bracelet	Available in steel, gold, NATO, leather, nylon, rubber, titanium and tantalum	Available in steel, gold, leather, nylon, rubber and titanium
Dial	Available in a number of colours and designs, including wave-etched pattern	Available in a number of colours
Bezel	Unidirectional rotating bezels on some models	Bezel includes tachymeter scale
Water resistance	From 60 - 1,200 meters	From 30 - 100 meters
Functionality & Features	Different models feature chronograph, chronometer, transparent case back, 24 hrs GMT, date & day-date, helium escape valve and screw in crown	Different models feature chronograph, chronometer, transparent caseback, date, moonphase, tachymeter, perpetual calendar, pulsometer, bi-directional rotating bezel and alarm
Movement	Self winding, manual winding and quartz models available	Self winding, manual winding and quartz models available
Price	From around £1,000 - £45,000	From around £4,000 - £50,000
Top models	Aqua Terra, Diver 300m,  Planet Ocean, Heritage	Moonwatch,  Heritage,  Darkside of the Moon,  Speedmaster 38, Two Counters,  Instruments

 

Which watch should you choose?

Now that you have had the chance to review the details of each watch family, you should have a better idea of what to expect and also, which best suits your needs. For example, if an alarm function is a must from your wearable companion, then a Speedmaster is the obvious choice. Alternatively, a day-date function may help make your life a little easier, narrowing your choice down to a Seamaster. 

 

But the truth is, if you are simply after a luxury timepiece with aesthetic appeal and some premium quality design features and functionalities - no matter what these are - then either option is a more than suitable choice. The extensive range of variations within both watch families offers styles and designs suitable for all tastes, preferences and budgets. 

 

The collection available at Wallace Allan features watches from both the Seamaster and Speedmaster lines, including iconic models such as the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m with recognisable blue dial, as well as special editions that are often highly sought after by collectors. Be sure to browse our range today to find the newest addition for your collection.