Omega introduced the Seamaster 300 in 1957 as part of their “Professional” line of tool watches produced for professional and recreational divers with a very small batch made for military use. Custom designed by Omega to meet the British Ministry of Defense’s specifications, their cases, with distinctive curved and beveled lugs, were delivered with fixed spring bars. The dials featured an encircled ‘T’ designation, signifying the use of tritium for the luminous hour markers and hands with broad, sword-shaped hour and minute hands, and an angular, sweep seconds hand specially designed for military use. The crown was screw down opposed to the snap down design found on standard production models. The case backs were engraved by the Ministry of Defense with the military branch code, issue number, and year of issue. Since most were used in combat and on military deployments, very few have survived with all factory military features intact, and the present “Military” from 1968 is a wonderful example.

The caseback is engraved ‘0552’, indicating delivery to the Royal Navy, and further confirmed by the photocopies of the original owner’s Royal Marines “Special Boat Services Testimonial” and “Certificate of Qualifications”. Warrant Officer Peter James Vallely joined the Royal Marines in 1973, and served for four years with the 40 Commando battalion unit, as well as on-board HMS Diomede. He next volunteered and completed training for the Special Boat Service, a maritime special forces unit of the United Kingdom Special Forces. Through his long and distinguished career, Warrant Officer James saw operational service in the South Atlantic, the Middle East, and Northern Ireland, and was known for his professional and motivated service to the country. He retired after 24 years of service with awards including the Military Medal and Accumulated Campaign Service Medal.

The present example is in excellent original condition. The dial is fitted with what is known as the original “thin” encircled ‘T’. Many Seamaster 300 dials were replaced during use by the British military, and are found with “fat” encircled ‘T’’s that were reprinted by the Military of Defense. The luminous hour markers and hands have faded to a pale yellow, and match in hue with the luminous numerals on the original acrylic bezel. Military watches have remained collectible for their tangible ties to historic moments and rugged good looks, and this Seamaster 300 is a wonderfully preserved example for the elite collector.