Introduced in the 90's, the Diver 300M series revitalized the luxury sport watch category with its now-famous blue wave dial, skeleton hands, and a professional-grade helium escape valve. The reference 2551.80, with its versatile 36.25mm mid-size case, offered these hallmark features in more restrained, classic proportions.
Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the company that would become Omega established its identity with the 1894 introduction of the 19-ligne 'Omega' calibre. This movement was a landmark in industrial watchmaking, utilizing interchangeable components to streamline production and repair—a philosophy of accessible precision that continues to define the brand.
Omega cemented its reputation for robust accuracy through its role as the Official Timekeeper for the Olympic Games since 1932 and, most famously, through the Speedmaster Professional's flight qualification by NASA, which culminated in its journey to the Moon.
In the modern era, the brand's most significant contribution has been the industrialization of the co-axial escapement, an invention by Dr. George Daniels that fundamentally reduces friction within the calibre for superior long-term chronometric stability. Typified by purpose-driven design, Omega's collections—from the abyssal-depth Seamaster to the iconic Speedmaster—are archetypes of the professional tool watch, balancing legible aesthetics with advanced material science and anti-magnetic properties through its Master Chronometer certification.
Overall Grade: 8 / 10 | Mint Condition, Light Signs of Wear Production: Undated card Contents: Box, card, and papers Genre: Neo-Vintage Dive Watch
Size: 36mm Thickness: approx. 11.5mm Lug Width: approx. 20mm
Case: Steel, round, brushed with mirrored bevels, light visible wear Bezel: Steel, scalloped eges, unidirectional, blue insert, light visible wear Dial: Blue, wave patterned, printed circular and rectangular lume plots Hands: Skeletonized sword hands, lumed, light wear
Crown: Original, steel, signed screw-down crown, light wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light wear Bracelet: Steel bracelet with signed folding clasp, light visible wear Caseback: Steel, solid, screw-in caseback with hippocampus engraving Movement: Automatic Caliber: 1120