Not many watches, or product lines in general, have the ability to maintain relevance over the course of 25+ years. Times change, styles fade, and people get bored. But with the help of James Bond and some savvy advertising, the Omega Seamaster 300m has cemented itself in the minds of watch enthusiasts and Bond fans since the mid 1990s.

The Omega Seamaster 300m Ceramic, ref. no.: 212.30.41.20.01.003, (hereafter, the “SMPc”) blends classic design cues and modern flare for an undeniably cool gateway into the world of Swiss watches.

At 41mm in diameter and a smidge over 13mm thick, the proportions on the SMPc are spot on. No problems whatsoever sliding under a shirt cuff and the twisted lug shape allows the case to conform nicely to my 7.25″ wrist. Notwithstanding the larger 2018 Seamasters (I haven’t tried them yet), I believe wearability is the SMPc’s strong suit.

Much of this wearability can be attributed to the watches’ slim case and the articulable 5-link design of the “Bond” bracelet. Hate it or love it, the bracelet is straight out of 1995’s Golden Eye. As a Bond fan myself, I count this as one more check in the “cool factor” category. But if the bracelet design isn’t for you, the SMPc looks right at home on a variety of nato or rubber straps.

Diverging from the original Bond Seamaster (2541.80 quartz), the SMPc did away with the “wave dial” for a more modern and glossy lacquered dial. The SMPc has plenty of wrist presence with the deep black dial and the scratch-resistant ceramic bezel. Photogenic is an understatement when it comes to the SMPc as the glossy dial/bezel combo catches light in all the right ways.

Although this particular Seamaster is no longer available new from dealers, I would highly recommend scanning the used market because the wave-less Omega Seamaster 300m Ceramic strikes the right balance between old-school-cool and modern appeal.