My first Omega…
My first Omega…
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
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
It is better to know how to learn than to know.
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
- JP Chestnut
- Posts: 17821
- Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 10:40 am
- Name: Jacob
- Location: Ithaca, NY USA
Re: My first Omega…
42mm PO 2500d
Re: My first Omega…
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.
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.
Re: My first Omega…
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.
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.
Re: My first Omega…
Looks like we all posted at the same time Jeff/Jacob and we are aligned!
- JP Chestnut
- Posts: 17821
- Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 10:40 am
- Name: Jacob
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- toxicavenger
- President Tranny
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- Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
- Name: HeadDIK
- Location: Colorado Springs
Re: My first Omega…
I think the 300 Master Coaxial is a solid contender, at the higher end of your price target.
Re: My first Omega…
It is better to know how to learn than to know.
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
Re: My first Omega…
I REALLY appreciate everyone’s input!!!
It is better to know how to learn than to know.
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
Re: My first Omega…
Stop it!JP Chestnut wrote:42mm PO 2500d
You aren’t selling yours!
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Re: My first Omega…
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…..
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Re: My first Omega…
Wow! That’s sharp!!!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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- toxicavenger
- President Tranny
- Posts: 48115
- Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:25 am
- Name: HeadDIK
- Location: Colorado Springs
Re: My first Omega…
Ya! That's Junk!!! LOL! NOT!
It is better to know how to learn than to know.
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
Re: My first Omega…
First, that's the quartz version.Wario406 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:48 pmWhat about this one?
https://chrono24.app/omega/omega-omega- ... ETCURR=USD
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.
Re: My first Omega…
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.
No, it's not Tourettes.
Re: My first Omega…
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/
https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/fsot ... 0.5386072/
Re: My first Omega…
Wow - that’s a sweet watch. Pretty much what I’m looking for. I’ll reach out to him.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/
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- JP Chestnut
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- Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 10:40 am
- Name: Jacob
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Re: My first Omega…
Thats so cheap and Drster is a top dude.Wario406 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 02, 2022 2:35 pmWow - that’s a sweet watch. Pretty much what I’m looking for. I’ll reach out to him.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/
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Re: My first Omega…
dang... the 2254 is HAUNTING ME! I feel one in my future! Anyone need a nice Sinn U1? LOL!?
It is better to know how to learn than to know.
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