My first Omega…

Discussion of Omega watches.
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Wario406
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My first Omega…

Post by Wario406 » Mon Feb 28, 2022 12:39 pm

Hey all - Im looking to move some watches around in my collection to make room for an Omega. I originally thought I wanted a Speedmaster - but, I think Im really looking for a Seamaster and look forward to any tips or recommendations you have.

Requirements -
- Auto
- 41mm or greater. No bigger than 45mm
- SS bracelet + strap recommendations welcome
- Sapphire crystal
- Not too thick (<14mm)
- Price: no more than $3500 for the right watch, but I’d like to stay in the $2k-$3k range.
- Epic presence, function, and value

What years/models do I want to look at?
What years/models should I stay away from?
What features should I look for/avoid?
Is there such a thing as a “Bad” Seamaster?

Thanks in advance - Mike :thumbsup:
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JP Chestnut
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by JP Chestnut » Mon Feb 28, 2022 1:47 pm

42mm PO 2500d

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dnslater
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by dnslater » Mon Feb 28, 2022 1:49 pm

A lot of Omega divers would work for your criteria.

Planet Ocean - Look for the 2500 Series with a "D" movement in the 42mm case size. Great, classic dive watch - perfect size and relatively thin. Later Planet Ocean 8500 models and beyond got a lot thicker. Unfortunately the 2500's are shooting up in value, but you can still probably find on the high end of your range.

Seamaster Professional - The older aluminum bezel options will be cheaper and thinner, and are still great... and they come in a lot of flavors. 1120 movement is a very easy to service not Coaxial movement that any watchmaker can repair. 2254.50 is a forum favorite, and is more classically styled than the Bond version. New ceramic ones are still very good watches, but pricier and will likely be outside of your budget. The old aluminum bezeled SMP's came in quartz also... those are usually cheaper and you can tell as they do not say "chronometer" on the dial.

Whatever you get, just keep in mind the service history.... if no history than a Coaxial Omega movement may run you $500-$600 to service. Older 1120 movements should be much easier as you can have them done at any watchmaker. SMP's have been made for awhile so there are a lot out there in a lot of different conditions.

To summarize, look for a Planet Ocean 2500 - series D, or look for a Seamaster 2254.50.

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by JBZ » Mon Feb 28, 2022 1:51 pm

For a Seamaster with your parameters, I'd look at either a 2531.80 or a 2254.50. These are the older, pre-coaxial models with an Omega modified ETA 2892 movement (the Omega 1120). It's a great, workhorse movement. I see them listed for anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500 or so. 41mm and relatively thin.

Personally, I'd avoid the co-axial 2500 series watches. Those movements (except maybe the 2500D) had a lot of reported issues, and it's sometimes difficult to know what you're getting when you buy pre-owned. Plus, that was the time period when Omega moved away from the wave dial, which I personally think gives the Seamaster more character. The 2220.80 (the Casino Royale Seamaster) is co-axial with the wave dial but, again, I don't trust the movement.

I'd also stay away from the quartz movement Seamasters. Part of that is personal preference, but everything I've read indicates that there's nothing particularly special about Omega quartz movements (unlike, for example, a quartz Grand Seiko).

On edit - as suggested above, the 42mm Planet Ocean with the 2500D movement is a popular choice if you'd prefer the PO over the Seamaster Professional.
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by dnslater » Mon Feb 28, 2022 2:12 pm

Looks like we all posted at the same time Jeff/Jacob and we are aligned!

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JP Chestnut
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by JP Chestnut » Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:00 pm

dnslater wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 1:49 pm
To summarize, look for a Planet Ocean 2500 - series D, or look for a Seamaster 2254.50.
I think this is a good answer, but I love the 2230.50 version of the Seamaster.

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toxicavenger
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by toxicavenger » Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:30 pm

2254 or a po 42mm.

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by hoppyjr » Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:43 pm

I think the 300 Master Coaxial is a solid contender, at the higher end of your price target.

Image

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by Wario406 » Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:48 pm

It is better to know how to learn than to know.
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by Wario406 » Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:49 pm

I REALLY appreciate everyone’s input!!!
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by BBK357 » Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:09 pm

JP Chestnut wrote:42mm PO 2500d
Stop it!
You aren’t selling yours!
DEATH FROM ABOVE
:ak:

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by BBK357 » Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:13 pm

I suggest a 2254 on bracelet. With a new adjustable clasp. Probably best to be recently serviced by Nesbit and have a 3 year warranty…..

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ImageImageImageImageImage
DEATH FROM ABOVE
:ak:

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dnslater
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by dnslater » Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:20 pm

hoppyjr wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:43 pm
I think the 300 Master Coaxial is a solid contender, at the higher end of your price target.

Image
Was my first thought, but not in 2022. Most of them are over $5k

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by JBZ » Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:25 pm

hoppyjr wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:43 pm
I think the 300 Master Coaxial is a solid contender, at the higher end of your price target.

Image
That’s a good choice. Didn’t realize the price was as low as $3,500.
Image

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by Wario406 » Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:37 pm

BBK357 wrote:I suggest a 2254 on bracelet. With a new adjustable clasp. Probably best to be recently serviced by Nesbit and have a 3 year warranty…..

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ImageImageImageImageImage
Wow! That’s sharp!!!


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Re: My first Omega…

Post by toxicavenger » Mon Feb 28, 2022 6:47 pm

BBK357 wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:13 pm
I suggest a 2254 on bracelet. With a new adjustable clasp. Probably best to be recently serviced by Nesbit and have a 3 year warranty…..

Image
Image



ImageImageImageImageImage
u aren't selling that turd :mrgreen:

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Wario406
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by Wario406 » Mon Feb 28, 2022 7:59 pm

toxicavenger wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 6:47 pm
BBK357 wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:13 pm
I suggest a 2254 on bracelet. With a new adjustable clasp. Probably best to be recently serviced by Nesbit and have a 3 year warranty…..

Image
Image



ImageImageImageImageImage
u aren't selling that turd :mrgreen:
Ya! That's Junk!!! LOL! :rolleyes: NOT! :cheers:
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by BBK357 » Tue Mar 01, 2022 6:43 am

toxicavenger wrote:
BBK357 wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:13 pm
I suggest a 2254 on bracelet. With a new adjustable clasp. Probably best to be recently serviced by Nesbit and have a 3 year warranty…..

Image
Image



ImageImageImageImageImage
u aren't selling that turd :mrgreen:
Everything has a price !
Image


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DEATH FROM ABOVE
:ak:

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by JBZ » Tue Mar 01, 2022 7:02 am

Wario406 wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:48 pm
What about this one?

https://chrono24.app/omega/omega-omega- ... ETCURR=USD
First, that's the quartz version.

Second, it's in South Africa, which is fine, but I'm assuming you're in the US, so why not look for something a bit closer to home? These watches come up for sale pretty regularly.

Third, I'm not a big Chrono24 fan. I've read too many horror stories. Bottomline - make sure you're comfortable with the seller.
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by ChuckW » Wed Mar 02, 2022 9:23 am

BBK357 wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:13 pm
I suggest a 2254 on bracelet. With a new adjustable clasp. Probably best to be recently serviced by Nesbit and have a 3 year warranty…..

Image
Image



ImageImageImageImageImage
A less expensive alternative to the 2254 is the 2255.80 (2055.80 w/ Bond bracelet), a.k.a. "Electric Blue." There's not as much demand for it, hence lower price, but except for the blue dial and SS bezel, it's identical to the 2254. I love mine.

Image
No, it's not Tourettes.

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by JBZ » Wed Mar 02, 2022 12:19 pm

OP if you're still looking and don't care about box and papers, here's a link to one at a really good price from an excellent seller. I've done deals with him and he's always been great, and I know there are others here who have had similar experiences.

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/fsot ... 0.5386072/
Image

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by Wario406 » Wed Mar 02, 2022 2:35 pm

JBZ wrote:OP if you're still looking and don't care about box and papers, here's a link to one at a really good price from an excellent seller. I've done deals with him and he's always been great, and I know there are others here who have had similar experiences.

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/fsot ... 0.5386072/
Wow - that’s a sweet watch. Pretty much what I’m looking for. I’ll reach out to him.


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JP Chestnut
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Re: My first Omega…

Post by JP Chestnut » Wed Mar 02, 2022 3:34 pm

Wario406 wrote:
Wed Mar 02, 2022 2:35 pm
JBZ wrote:OP if you're still looking and don't care about box and papers, here's a link to one at a really good price from an excellent seller. I've done deals with him and he's always been great, and I know there are others here who have had similar experiences.

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/fsot ... 0.5386072/
Wow - that’s a sweet watch. Pretty much what I’m looking for. I’ll reach out to him.


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Thats so cheap and Drster is a top dude.

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by jimyritz » Wed Mar 02, 2022 3:37 pm

hoppyjr wrote:
Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:43 pm
I think the 300 Master Coaxial is a solid contender, at the higher end of your price target.

Image
----same page as you as well as the diver 300Ms co-axials...hard to find bad seamasters but like any watch have to do your homework... :thumbsup:

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Re: My first Omega…

Post by Wario406 » Wed Mar 02, 2022 7:51 pm

dang... the 2254 is HAUNTING ME! I feel one in my future! Anyone need a nice Sinn U1? LOL!?
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