Description
Encased in brushed and polished stainless steel, the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M ref. 2254.50 from 2006 carries a striking balance of utilitarian clarity and understated elegance. Its 41mm case, just 11.5mm thick, offers a slim and streamlined profile for a professional dive watch, allowing it to transition fluidly between tool and dress contexts. The scalloped unidirectional bezel, fitted with a black aluminum insert, surrounds a dial that has become one of the most beloved designs in the Seamaster lineage; jet black, deeply matte, and visually clean, marked by stark white lume plots and oversized sword hands.
The dial design is notably distinct from its wave-patterned cousins in the Seamaster 300M family. Gone are the scalloped indices and skeleton hands; in their place, bold luminous markers and thick sword-shaped hands offer exceptional visibility in low light and under water. A prominent “big triangle” at 12 o’clock and minimal dial text emphasize legibility and purpose, a nod to Omega’s military-issued dive watches, particularly the Seamaster 165.024 of the late 1960s. At 3 o’clock, a framed date window sits unobtrusively, completing the symmetry without disrupting the tool-watch ethos.
Often affectionately referred to as the “Peter Blake” by collectors, this reference owes its nickname to the legendary New Zealand yachtsman Sir Peter Blake, who wore this model during his environmental expeditions under Omega sponsorship. Though never an official endorsement, Blake’s close association with this model, and his tragic death while wearing it in 2001, imbues the 2254.50 with a unique historical gravity within the world of sports and exploration timepieces.
Inside the case beats the Omega Caliber 1120, a chronometer-certified automatic movement based on the proven ETA 2892-A2 architecture. With a 44-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, and bi-directional winding, this caliber was considered both refined and robust, precisely the kind of dependable movement suited for a dive watch designed for professional use. Protected by a screw-down crown and helium escape valve at 10 o’clock, the case remains water-resistant to 300 meters, confirming its credentials as a functional dive tool.
The watch is fitted with the reference 1610/930 stainless steel bracelet; an integrated, five-link design that enhances both comfort and durability. While it lacks micro-adjustment, its solid construction and secure clasp system make it dependable and visually harmonious with the case. Many collectors opt to pair the 2254.50 with NATO or rubber straps, which highlight its military-inspired design language and increase wrist adaptability.
The 2254.50 was quietly discontinued in the late 2000s, making way for co-axial upgrades and bolder design revisions in the Seamaster Professional line. Yet today, it remains one of the most sought-after pre-co-axial Seamasters, not only for its timeless proportions and functional aesthetics but also for its resonance with Omega’s 20th-century dive watch legacy. Its enduring desirability among collectors stems from its unique position: a transitional reference, imbued with historical depth, pre-dating the current era of more embellished luxury tool watches.
In summary, the Omega Seamaster Professional 2254.50 “Peter Blake” is a masterclass in purposeful design. From its military-inspired dial to its association with one of the great explorers of our time, this reference captures a moment in Omega’s history when form truly followed function. Whether sought after for daily wear or long-term collectibility, it represents one of the most compelling, and increasingly scarce, opportunities in the modern vintage market.
What we love:
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Clean, iconic sword-hand design rooted in Omega’s military dive history
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Slim, wearable case profile with high legibility
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Desirable “Peter Blake” association
What you should know:
Unless otherwise noted, vintage watches typically do not include box and papers. When they are present, it is always mentioned in the description. All watches sold by Vintagemasters come with a bespoke black wooden watch box and a warranty card.
