For the serious Omega connoisseur, few things are more exciting than finding an example of one of the company's much sought after and very elusive models...

Today's offering showcases this very rare ref. 2913-5 Seamaster 300 diver's watches with bakelite bezel. It is often considered one of the "Holy Grail" watches by many Omega collectors.

In 1957, Omega did something extraordinary. In a single year it introduced three professional tool watches that would define entire categories: the Speedmaster for racing drivers, the Railmaster for engineers, and the Seamaster 300 for divers. The Seamaster 300 reference 2913 was Omega’s very first purpose-built professional dive watch - not an evolution, but a beginning.

That's why when it comes to vintage dive watches their are nice pieces...and then there are foundational icons. The Omega Seamaster 300 reference 2913 is where it truly began for Omega - the reference that established the blueprint for the professional dive watches that would follow.

The 2913 predates the references most collectors are familiar with. It is earlier than the 165.024 worn by military divers. Earlier than the 166.024 seen in Vietnam. Earlier even than the design language that would define the Seamaster line for decades. This is the origin point.

The reference 2913-5 sits within that first generation - and within that small production run exists an even scarcer variant that is believed to be original to a few 2913-5's: the luminous steel dauphine hand configuration. Most early 2913 examples are associated with broad arrow hands, which have become the visual shorthand for the model. But dauphine examples like this one represent an interesting depature from that.

While offered to whoever would like to purchase one, this was not a mass-market watch. In 1958, professional dive watches were more niche instruments. Recreational scuba was still in its infancy. Jacques Cousteau had only recently brought underwater exploration into public imagination. A 39 mm steel watch rated for extreme pressure was not a fashion statement - it was serious equipment.

Two 2913-5 with dauphine hands noted as original have been sold by Antiquorum in the last few years and another by Sotheby's in 2010.

We were fortunate to acquire it with all of its original parts down to its original Naiad Omega crown and high pressure Omega signed crystal.

Its case presents in excellent condition with fairly light remnants of wear and signs of use. It does not appear to have ever been polished. Its bezel presents in beautiful condition.

Its untouched original dial presents as mint with wonderfully toned luminous - a detail we love about the dials on these are how the luminous is set into cut-outs that function as hour markers, rather than being painted on top of the dial.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and freshly serviced the movement. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch, we have installed a new distressed leather strap and brand new Omega buckle in its original packaging making it ready for immediate enjoyment. We also stock a number of different straps.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.

Previous dauphine handed 2913's sold at auction:

Antiquorum, Geneva, May 10, 2025, Lot 108 (2913-5)
Antiquorum, Geneva, Apr 03, 2025, Lot 95 (2913-5)
Sotheby's, New York, Dec 08, 2010, Lot 37 (2913-3)

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Omega
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year built: c. 1958
Serial no.: 16,557,312
Model: Reference 2913-5, Seamaster 300
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case condition: Its case presents in excellent condition with fairly light remnants of wear and signs of use. It does not appear to have ever been polished.
Case markings (outside): Engraved “Certified High Pressure Waterproof” and Seamaster logo; J.H.W.
Dimensions: 39mm diameter (14mm thick), 
Dial: Black with luminous Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9; triangular luminous hour markers; outer minute track; signed Omega Automatic and Seamaster 300, original and untouched, presents as min wtih pleasing toning of the luminous
Hands: Original, luminous steel "dauphines", counterweighted seconds
Movement type: Omega Caliber 501, copper-colored, 20 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, micrometer regulator
Movement markings: Omega Watch Co, Swiss, Twenty Jewels, 501, 16,557,312
Width between lugs: 19mm
Band: Distressed leather, remborde, contrast stitching, brand new and unworn, brand new Omega buckle in its original packaging. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal: Signed Omega, original, very good condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and freshly serviced the movement. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.
Timing: Timed on a computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international C.O.T. warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for the Richemont brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide