Answer
A replica Omega Seamaster 300 41mm ceramic is a copy of the Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial 41mm. The original is a dive watch. Omega sells it with a ceramic bezel insert, a 41mm stainless steel case, and a Master Co-Axial movement. Replicas copy the outside. They do not use Omega movements. They do not come from Omega.
Original specs that replicas copy
- Case diameter: 41mm
- Case thickness: about 14.9mm
- Lug width: 21mm
- Water resistance: 300m
- Bezel: ceramic insert with dive scale
- Crystal: domed sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Movement: Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8400 or 8401
Ceramic bezel details
The original bezel uses a ceramic insert. Omega bonds a Liquidmetal dive scale to the ceramic. The scale sits flush. Replicas often use a ceramic insert. The scale may be printed or etched. Some replicas use a metal insert with a ceramic look. Check the scale for sharpness. Check the bezel action for backplay. The original bezel has 120 clicks. Many replicas have 60 or 90 clicks.
Movement and caseback
The original has a Master Co-Axial movement. It is anti-magnetic to 15,000 gauss. It has a twin barrel and a 60-hour power reserve. Replicas use clone movements. Common clones are the A2824, the A2836, or a decorated automatic. Some replicas have a transparent caseback. The decoration may look like an Omega movement. It is not an Omega movement. The original has a wave-edged caseback. Some versions have a sapphire caseback. Check photos of the caseback before you buy.
Water resistance and weight
The original is rated to 300m. Replicas are not tested to 300m. Most replica cases have seals. The seals may not hold. Do not swim with a replica unless a watchmaker tests it. The original weighs about 180g on a steel bracelet. Replicas often weigh less. Weight depends on the case metal and bracelet. Some replicas use 316L steel. Some use 304 steel. The original uses 316L steel.
Buying notes
Ask for photos of the actual watch. Look at the dial printing. Look at the date window. Look at the lume color. The original lume is white in daylight. It glows blue. Many replicas glow green. Check the crown guards. Check the HE valve. The Seamaster 300 41mm does not have a HE valve. Some replicas add one. That is wrong. Check the caseback engraving. Check the clasp code. Ask about the movement. Ask about the warranty. A good replica costs $300 to $500. A low-cost replica costs $80 to $150. The low-cost version often has a mineral crystal and a 21,600 bph movement.