Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. CK2913 (1957, First Seamaster 300)

In 1957, Omega introduced three watches that would define the brand for generations: the Speedmaster, the Railmaster, and the Seamaster 300. The Seamaster 300, reference CK2913, was Omega's first purpose-built professional dive watch, rated to 200 meters (later to 300 meters in subsequent references). It was the watch that established Omega as a serious contender in the world of underwater timekeeping, and today it is one of the most coveted vintage Omega references in existence.

The CK2913 is where the Seamaster 300 story begins. For collectors who appreciate origin stories, this is the definitive chapter.

The 1957 Trilogy

Omega's 1957 product launch was strategic and ambitious. The company released three professional-grade watches simultaneously, each targeting a specific user:

Speedmaster (CK2915): For motorsport professionals. Later became the Moonwatch.
Railmaster (CK2914): For railway workers and engineers needing anti-magnetic protection.
Seamaster 300 (CK2913): For divers and marine professionals.

All three shared similar case dimensions and design language, creating a unified professional range that announced Omega's capabilities across multiple demanding environments. The Seamaster 300 was the aquatic member of this trinity.

Design and Features

The CK2913 established design elements that would become Seamaster 300 signatures for decades:

The Broad Arrow Hands: The most distinctive feature of the CK2913 is its "broad arrow" hour hand, a large, luminous arrow-shaped marker that provides exceptional underwater legibility. This hand style, borrowed from military watch conventions, became so closely associated with the early Seamaster 300 that modern tributes invariably reference it.

The Dial: A clean, matte black dial with applied luminous hour markers and Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 (early variants) or applied triangular and baton markers. The "Seamaster 300" text and depth rating appear below center.

The Bezel: A bidirectional rotating bezel with a black insert and luminous pip at 12 o'clock. The bezel was used by divers to track elapsed time underwater.

The Case: A robust, round stainless steel case with relatively slim proportions by modern dive watch standards. The case diameter is approximately 39mm, which wears larger than the number suggests due to the long lugs.

Specifications

Reference: CK 2913
Case material: Stainless steel
Case diameter: Approximately 39mm
Case thickness: Approximately 13mm
Crystal: Hesalite (acrylic)
Bezel: Bidirectional rotating, black insert
Movement: Omega Caliber 501 (automatic, 20 jewels)
Power reserve: Approximately 44 hours
Water resistance: 200 meters (later CK2913 variants may reference 300m)
Crown: Screw-down
Lug width: 19mm (unusual; later references moved to 20mm)
Caseback: Screw-in, with Seamaster hippocampus logo
Production period: 1957 to approximately 1959

Movement: Caliber 501

The Omega Caliber 501 is a robust automatic movement based on the caliber 500 family. It features:

Automatic winding via a center rotor
20 jewels
19,800 vibrations per hour (2.75 Hz)
No date complication (keeping the dial clean)
Shock protection (Incabloc)

The Cal. 501 is not the most glamorous Omega movement, but it was reliable, accurate, and well-suited to the demands of a professional tool watch. Its simplicity is part of the CK2913's appeal: this is a watch built for function, not for showing off its mechanics.

Value Guide

The CK2913 is among the most expensive vintage Omega watches, rivaling the earliest Speedmasters for collector attention.

Condition-Based Values:

Full set, excellent original condition: $50,000 to $80,000+
Watch only, excellent condition, original dial and hands: $30,000 to $55,000
Watch only, good condition, correct parts: $20,000 to $35,000
Watch only, fair condition (some replacement parts): $10,000 to $20,000
Project/parts watches: $5,000 to $10,000

Value Factors:

Original broad arrow hands: Non-negotiable for top values. Replacement hands significantly reduce desirability.
Original dial: The single most important factor. Original dials with correct luminous material and printing command maximum premiums.
Tritium vs. Radium lume: Earliest CK2913 examples may have radium luminous material (identified by warm patina). Later examples used tritium.
Bezel condition: Original bezel insert with matching patina.
Caseback engravings: Military-issued examples with unit engravings carry premiums in some markets.
Box and papers: Extremely rare for a 1957 tool watch. Adds substantial premium.

Condition Assessment Guide

Dial:

Original dials are the most critical authentication point
Check printing quality, font consistency, and luminous material condition
"Tropical" dials (those that have aged to brown or chocolate tones) are highly prized
Refinished or replacement dials should be disclosed and priced accordingly

Case:

Check for over-polishing (sharp lug edges should be present)
Verify case reference number on inside caseback
Check lug holes for wear
Original crown should bear the Omega logo

Bezel:

Original bezel inserts are scarce
Fading to charcoal gray is desirable ("ghost" bezels)
Pearl (lume pip) should show appropriate aging

Movement:

Should be correct Caliber 501
Service history matters; over-serviced movements may have replacement parts
Movement serial number should correspond to 1957-1959 production

Condition Grades:

Excellent: All original parts. Dial, hands, and bezel showing consistent, attractive aging. Movement serviced and running well. Case shows normal age wear without heavy polishing.
Good: Mostly original with correct parts. Some elements may show wear or minor repairs. Movement functional.
Fair: Mix of original and replacement parts. May need service. Case may show heavy polishing.
Project: Significant parts missing or incorrect. Case may be damaged. Viable for restoration.

Authentication Challenges

The CK2913's high value creates strong incentives for "franken-watches" assembled from mismatched parts. Common issues:

Later Seamaster 300 dials installed in CK2913 cases
Replacement broad arrow hands from non-original sources
Re-lumed dials and hands (destroying original luminous material)
Cases from later references (CK14755, ST 165.014) used to create composite watches

Buy from established vintage Omega specialists. Request documentation and provenance. Consider third-party authentication from organizations that specialize in vintage Omega.

Collecting Context

Omega Trilogy Collectors: Owning the complete 1957 trilogy (Speedmaster CK2915, Railmaster CK2914, Seamaster 300 CK2913) is a collecting achievement of the highest order. The Seamaster 300 is typically the most affordable of the three, though all command five-figure prices.

Dive Watch Historians: The CK2913 occupies the same historical tier as the Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and the Zodiac Sea Wolf. It belongs in any serious discussion of dive watch origins.

Modern Omega Enthusiasts: Omega has released several modern tributes to the CK2913, including the 2017 Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial and the 1957 Trilogy reissue. Understanding the original provides context for appreciating the tributes.

The CK2913 is the watch that made Omega a dive watch brand. Everything that followed, the Seamaster Professional, the Planet Ocean, the Bond connection, traces back to this 39mm stainless steel case and its broad arrow hands pointing the way forward.

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