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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm, 39mm, 41mm, 42mm, 43.5mm, 44mm | 41mm, 42mm | 39.5mm | 42mm |
| Lug to Lug | 43mm, 46.8mm, 48mm, 50mm, 51.4mm, 52mm | 47mm, 48mm, 49mm (depending on which variant) | 48mm | 49.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap | Stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 300m | 100m, 200m | 200m | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
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Buy Now at Pagani Design
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Buy Now at San Martin |
Buy Now at AliExpress
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Omega Seamaster
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 36mm, 39mm, 41mm, 42mm, 43.5mm, 44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 43mm, 46.8mm, 48mm, 50mm, 51.4mm, 52mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Jomashop
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Pagani Design Seamaster Homages
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 41mm, 42mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47mm, 48mm, 49mm (depending on which variant) |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet, rubber strap |
| Water Resistance | 100m, 200m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Pagani Design
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San Martin Mechanical Diver
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 39.5mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at San Martin |
Paula Reis Diver
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| Movement | Automatic |
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Lug to Lug | 49.5mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at AliExpress
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Truly nothing like it, the Omega Seamaster has managed to take its head-turning designs, and somehow land in classics territory.
This is the equivalent of a neon blue suit making its way into the same closet as a collection of neutral Brooks Brothers tweeds.
Part of the reason is because there are a variety of canonical Seamasters, many of which were worn by Navy officials, even more of which were worn by several James Bonds.
More so than the Submariner then, there’s a Seamaster for everyone, at least design-wise. Price-wise is another story—which is why we’ve rounded up these topnotch lookalikes.
Whether you want the look of the aerodynamic original or the lively wave dial, our six Seamaster homages represent every priority. Read on and find the right one for you.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
Since the Omega Seamaster isn’t as “standard looking” as, say, the Submariner, not many homagers take up the challenge. And many that do tend to come up short—there are a lot of bad wave dials out there.
Digging deep and spending hours on watch forums and review sites, I eliminated more nominees than I qualified. Using my experience handling and wearing several Seamasters, as a collector and auction house professional, as well as my consultations with watch experts and other long-time collectors, I chose these six.
6 Best Omega Seamaster Homages
Image Source: Pagani Design
Pagani not only takes on the important Seamaster models in its homages, but they do them with labored-over detail.
There’s the heritage version, which is the modern take on the original 1957 release. It has everything from the broad arrow hands to the flush indices to the cardinal Arabic numbers. It comes in the standard black and tropical colorway, a blue version, and even a unique rose gold and burgundy combo.
Naturally, the wave dial from the ‘90s is represented. What I love most about this watch is that it also recreates the zig-zag linked bracelet, which wears just like the actual 300M.
Super rare on the homage market, Pagani even takes on the 007 Watch from 2020 (an instant classic, by the way) which combines elements from the heritage and the wave versions.
Functionally, these Pagani homages have two especially impressive qualities. First, they’re all excellently lumed, providing legibility in the darkest situations. Second, they all run on super reliable Seiko automatic movements.
What I Like
What I Don’t Like
- The oyster bracelet that the heritage version comes with has stiff links, making the microadjustment difficult to use.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the efficient combination of form and function with the Pagani homages. Many point to the fine finishing, accurate proportions, and, of course, the Seiko movement.
The brand gets a lot of love for letting their buyers choose shipping from Europe, China, or the US, depending on their location.One Reddit user mentions he had heard about Pagani sending watches with the wrong movement. If this happens to you, know that Pagani allows seven days from the moment your package arrives to report faulty parts. Additionally, each watch has a one-year warranty.
The Verdict
Pagani clearly did their homework, committing to several of the Seamaster’s iconic models as well as their popular newer ones. Not only do they nail the design elements, but the proportions, colorways, and the bracelets as well.
Top that off with bang-for-buck functionality, including effective lume and an automatic movement, and you’ve got a watch that works as well as it looks good.
Pagani clearly did their homework, committing to several of the Seamaster’s iconic models as well as their popular newer ones. Not only do they nail the design elements, but the proportions, colorways, and the bracelets as well.
Image Source: San Martin
The San Martin Mechanical Diver uses the broad arrow Seamaster as its source material, and features a crisp sandwich dial that adds dimension to the surface from every angle.
Something you’ll notice pretty immediately is how beautifully polished this watch is, especially on the crown, hands, and lugs. At first glance, it’s almost to the same level as an upper mid-tier Swiss timepiece.
In addition to premium features like its AR-coated sapphire, C3 lume, and ceramic top ring on the bezel that won’t fade, you have custom options when it comes to the logo.
You can go with or without the San Martin branding, or you can actually have your own logo made for an extra $30 to $50.
It also runs on that same NH35A movement, a hacking automatic famous for staying accurate without servicing even after decades of running.
What I Like
- The finishing and polish on the dial and bracelet are nearly flawless.
- This watch flaunts several high-end elements, from the convex sapphire crystal to the ceramic bezel ring.
- The custom logo option gives you an opportunity to make this watch extra personal and one-of-a-kind.
What I Don’t Like
- Shipping from China can take one to three months.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love the stunning dial finishing on San Martin watches, claiming they’re above and beyond other Chinese homage makers in their price point.
Forum-goers warn would-be buyers about dodgy sellers on eBay and AliExpress though. The official San Martin website is your best bet, which also links to their official store on AliExpress.
The Verdict
This San Martin Mechanical Diver is the best heritage Omega Seamaster homage because you get way more than you pay for. The finishing is excellent, the design is accurate, and it will run reliably for decades thanks to its Seiko automatic movement. The fact you can customize your own logo is a nice touch that few homage makers grant.
This San Martin Mechanical Diver is the best heritage Omega Seamaster homage because you get way more than you pay for. The finishing is excellent, the design is accurate, and it will run reliably for decades thanks to its Seiko automatic movement. The fact you can customize your own logo is a nice touch that few homage makers grant.
Image Source: AliExpress
The Paula Reis Diver takes its design cues from the Omega Seamaster 300M, but offers subtle remixes that go in its own unique direction. You can choose from the more on-template wave dial design or a circular hurricane design.
The latter is interesting because it gives the watch its own individual identity separate from the Seamaster, but the vibe is still there. It almost looks like the James Bond gun barrel sequence.
There are 10 colorways available, and they all run on an automatic movement that you can watch through the caseback. Also, at this price, the fact they go for a Seiko-style Hardlex, which is stronger than regular mineral crystal, is a thoughtful touch.
What I Like
- This watch comes in several colorways, using either the Seamaster wave dial design or a unique circular pattern embossing.
- The combination of its typically sub-$50 price point and automatic movement is truly impressive.
- The exhibition caseback allows you to see the multi-layered gold-toned automatic movement.
What I Don’t Like
- Paula Reis is vague about what automatic movement they use, but looking at it through the caseback (and considering its price) reveals a robust Seagull-type from China.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
A sort of best-kept-secret in the homage world, there aren’t a lot of in-depth reviews out there on Paula Reis, but this and other models tend to get high ratings and a small but enthusiastic fan club. Many also rave about the free shipping and the 24-hour customer service.
The Verdict
The Paula Reis Diver is an effective homage in its look and wrist feel, though you can also go a slightly different direction with the dial style and colorways. Add a reliable automatic movement and on-call customer service situation, and this is definitely one of the easiest buys on the market.
The Paula Reis Diver is an effective homage in its look and wrist feel, though you can also go a slightly different direction with the dial style and colorways. Add a reliable automatic movement and on-call customer service situation, and this is definitely one of the easiest buys on the market.
Image Source: Long Island Watches
The Phoibos Eagle Ray GMT has a Victorinox-level of no-nonsense practicality and dependability. Meanwhile, it’s clearly inspired by the late 2010s and early 2020s Bond Seamaster, combining the tool watch design with style-forward, almost fancy, aesthetics.
It’s definitely one of the most remixed homages on the market, leaning harder into the feel and energy of the Bond Watch, rather than specific details.
Instead of a tropical and black colorway, it goes for in-your-face gold accents. The crowns have a complex knurling, which adds a jewelry-like glisten that matches the edges of the bezel, but also makes them easy to grip.
I also think that the Octopus logo is reminiscent of the Spectre symbol, which is a neat, if not ironic, design touch.
What I Like
- This incredibly practical tool watch runs on an accurate Ronda quartz movement and features a whopping 12 layers of Super-Luminova.
- It uses the James Bond Seamaster as a template, and employs unique symbols, gold coloring, and more surfaces to create a more fanciful looking timepiece.
- Its 300 meters of water resistance is equal to the Seamaster, unlike most homages that stick to the looks.
What I Don’t Like
- Though it’s incredibly accurate, automatic fans might not love the quartz movement.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
The Phoibos is a go-to for homage seekers who want something specifically Bond-like.
Many also love the durable rubber strap, which has an attractive basketweave texturing that adds style while also fortifying its already solid build.
The Verdict
The Phoibos Eagle GMT is a function-forward timepiece that’s accurate and durable. If you’re looking for a true tool watch, that also happens to look like a more decorated Bond Seamaster, this is your guy.
The Phoibos Eagle GMT is a function-forward timepiece that’s accurate and durable. If you’re looking for a true tool watch, that also happens to look like a more decorated Bond Seamaster, this is your guy.
Image Source: Alpha
Especially given its price, this Alpha Seamaster, which is modeled after the 300M, goes to clever lengths to implement high-end construction where it can.
First off, as with all of their watches, the finishing is pretty good, but, as with any timepiece in this cost bracket, it isn’t perfect. Still, the rougher parts are strategic, placed under the lugs and in between links on the bracelet.
This gives them room in the budget to implement a ceramic ripple dial. This makes the trademark wave design look extra vivid and helps the indices and hands really pop. It’s also fade-proof.
Something different, but welcome, from the Seamaster are the super short lugs. This allows them to outfit the watch with a bigger face (and therefore further showcase that exquisite dial), while still being suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes.
What I Like
- The dial has rich texture and color, offering both style and legibility.
- The smaller lugs provide extra room for the dial and a comfortable wear.
- Alpha offers a one year manufacturer warranty making each purchase secure, no matter how affordable.
What I Don’t Like
- The lume isn’t great and sometimes will only last a few minutes, even after charging in the sun for an hour.
- The 50m water resistance hardly makes it a dive watch.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
As with most Alpha watches, reviews and conversations around this model come with a lot of praise for the design and finishing, and a lot of concerns about the QA when it comes to the movements.
Seagull movements can be noisy and inaccurate when they aren’t serviced. However, it seems most reviewers who buy Alpha watches don’t experience these issues. Thankfully, Alpha offers a one-year warranty on top of that.
The Verdict
The Alpha Seamaster is an excellent option if you love the distinct details of the Seamaster 300M wave dial. With the small lugs and bigger watch face, these signature features are almost amplified. Moreover, despite the 46mm case size, this watch suits even smaller wrists.
The Alpha Seamaster is an excellent option if you love the distinct details of the Seamaster 300M wave dial. With the small lugs and bigger watch face, these signature features are almost amplified. Moreover, despite the 46mm case size, this watch suits even smaller wrists.
Image Source: AliExpress
The Matic Diver boasts one of the best movements for its price in the Seamaster homage world. It runs on the PT5000 movement from HK precision, which is an automatic that beats at 28,800 VPH.
The higher the VPH, or vibrations per hour, in a mechanical, the higher the timekeeping resolution, which often results in higher precision. To put things in perspective, the Rolex Submariner’s in-house 3230 has the same VPH.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that they’re equal, since Rolex outfits their movements with about a hundred other patents that level it up way past any workhorse, but the PT5000 is at least close to the same starting point.
Moreover, it’s robust and made from parts that are easy to source, which means it’ll stay alive for decades.
What I Like
- It runs on a high-beat movement that’s accurate and offers a beautiful smooth second hand sweep.
- The scratch-resistant double-domed sapphire crystal and premium BGW9+C3 lume add a lot of functional value for the watch’s price.
- Matic offers free shipping, even all the way from China.
What I Don’t Like
- The Chronometer appellate is misleading. It’s certainly high-beat enough to try and go for COSC-certification, but it isn’t officially a Chronometer with a capital C, and it takes more than VPH to fully qualify for the status.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Unsurprisingly, reviewers are blown away by the movement for the price. Even a similarly-priced Seiko watch won’t offer that high of a beat level.
Some express concern that Matic is just a Phylida rebrand with an upcharge. It’s true that Phylida owns the name, but Matic watches have objectively better movements. Most Phylida watches use Seiko NH35 calibers, which are perfectly reliable, but aren’t as no-fuss and high-beat as the PT5000.
The Verdict
This Matic Diver is one of the functionally best homages on the market. It looks like the Omega Seamaster 300M, and even flaunts a higher VPH than a lot of Seamster variations. Of course, this hardly means that it’s a better watch, but it does mean it’s reliable, accurate, and a fun conversation piece.
This Matic Diver is one of the functionally best homages on the market. It looks like the Omega Seamaster 300M, and even flaunts a higher VPH than a lot of Seamster variations. Of course, this hardly means that it’s a better watch, but it does mean it’s reliable, accurate, and a fun conversation piece.
3 Quality Omega Seamaster Alternatives
Alternatives are different from homages in that they’re comparable models, but aren’t necessarily more affordable. They might be in the same category as the Seamaster, but aren’t designed to look like it or even necessarily offer the same vibe.
If you’re seriously considering a Seamaster, then you definitely need to check out its contenders. You never know if you’ll end up preferring a competitor.
The main thing the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Seamaster have in common, besides being the main dive watches from two arch-rival brands, is their pop culture status. The Sub was the James Bond watch before the Seamaster. However, the switch happened because the Seamaster has a genuine relationship with the Royal Navy, to which the fictional spy served.
Still, the Submariner will always be the Bond watch, not to mention the most recognizable timepiece in the world. Reputation and elite status aside, the Sub is an objectively good watch, with a durable patented construction, its iconically efficient design, and an in-house standard even beyond its COSC-certification at plus-or-minus two seconds a day.
Image Source: Omega
The Omega Planet Ocean is the beefed up version of the Seamaster, perfect for you true-blue divers out there—or for those of you who just love upscale workwear style. It not only looks bigger and stronger, with its sizable bezel and stout crown, but it can withstand up to 600 meters of water.
Other cool features are its exhibition caseback, displaying its COSC-certified co-axial escapement movement, and its O-MegaSteel construction. It’s stronger than regular stainless steel, and also nickel free, making it hypoallergenic.
Image Source: Tudor
The Tudor Pelagos is similar to the Omega Seamaster in that it’s equipped with modern, striking features, yet is still tempered enough to be considered “a classic dive.” The trademark snowflake hands and multi-surfaced matte dial gives it a slightly playful look.
With 500 meters of water resistance and a titanium body though, the Pelagos is, in a way, leveled up—at least when these features are concerned. Titanium is as strong as stainless steel, which most Seamasters are made of, but much lighter, providing a comfortable wear.
Which Omega Seamaster Homage Should You Get?
Alpha makes all of the most important variants of the Seamaster, from the models based on the original to the famous 300M. San Martin builds an accurate broad arrow Seamaster using premium materials, while also offering a custom logo.
This San Martin Mechanical Diver is the best heritage Omega Seamaster homage because you get way more than you pay for. The finishing is excellent, the design is accurate, and it will run reliably for decades thanks to its Seiko automatic movement. The fact you can customize your own logo is a nice touch that few homage makers grant.
If you’re on a budget or are looking for a range of colorways, Paula Reis has several options. Meanwhile, for a few more dollars, Alpha’s Seamaster homage is excellently finished where it matters.
The Paula Reis Diver is an effective homage in its look and wrist feel, though you can also go a slightly different direction with the dial style and colorways. Add a reliable automatic movement and on-call customer service situation, and this is definitely one of the easiest buys on the market.
Looking for something more function-forward? Matic serves up a 28,800 VPH homage, while the Phoibos GMT has military reliability with a fancy Bond aesthetic.
Ultimately, it’s about choosing which homage best exemplifies the specific qualities you love most about the Seamaster.
FAQs
What is the most popular Seamaster?
By just a hair, the Omega Seamaster 300M is the most recognizable, and likely popular, thanks to its wave dial design. The broad arrow designs and heritage models are up there in popularity as well.
How long will an Omega Seamaster last?
Most mechanical Seamasters will last decades, up to 70 years even, if not more. Technically mechanical watches never stop working. Their pieces can always be replaced.
What watch looks like the Omega Seamaster?
You’ll have to go into homage territory to find Seamaster look-alikes. While watches like the Submariner have a standard look that many other dives take from, sometimes incidentally, the Seamaster’s wave dials and broad hands are distinct and brand-specific.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
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