Omega Seamaster sword hand comparison: GMT 2234.50 vs 2254.50

[@teenchy]

I've had a 2534.50 for about five years now. First service right after I bought it it tested +1s. Second service last year, which included replacement of the failed Cal 1128 hour wheel (a known defect), it tested +4s. Still like it very much, even more so than the "Great White" version. It came with both Bond and Speedy bracelets (a selling point for me) but I never wear it on the Bond, just on the Speedy in winter and on an Omega NATO spring, summer and autumn. A great traveling companion even despite the hour wheel failure, looking forward to the day the world opens up again and I can put it to use abroad.

[@robmiller3029]

Fair review. I have the watch on the left, but with the 'Bond' bracelet/18k insert. I bought it new in early 2000. It's had one service and keeps time within chronometer tolerances.

[@ronherman6033]

I have 2254 and love it. Originally my holy grail was the Bond style with blue face but after seeing the sword hands and three link bracelet like speedmaster...I went with 2254. Easier to read at night, very comfortable band, and just classier in my opinion.

[@omegawatchfan]

I feel the Bond Seamaster and 2254 are equally iconic watches, but the 2254 has less of 1990s aesthetic, which has helped it age a little better.

[@Toni-pt6md]

@@omegawatchfan Any idea where I can find one for purchase in good new or Pre-Owned condition,in outlets, Omega boutique or shop ?[e-mail]

[@danclark4494]

I love everything about the gmt watch I plan to get it at Christmas 🎄

[@omegawatchfan]

It's a great watch

[@brownmcpherson5724]

I've had a 2234.50 with Speedmaster bracelet for a couple years. It's a fantastic. travel watch and mine is as accurate as my Rolex Batman.

[@tommydude969]

i have a '99 2534.50 with the bond gold logo bracelet and I find the comfort perfect for my size wrist. It's not as balanced as a non GMT but the GMT function adds a lot. Don't forget it still holds SMP w/r standards of 300m. With all that in mind its one of the best weighted and most comfortable GMTs out there. Not sure if mines been serviced but it's also running well within COSC. I've heard of people having "issues" of their GMT running out of spec but some of these pieces are vintage age and if running out of spec it just means it's time for service. It's still a modified ETA after all, its not perfect but it is easier to service and manage. In terms of the bezel color, its subjective. I believe the day night color is a bit of a niche design in of itself, which in this application I appreciate.

[@omegawatchfan]

Very good points. I also think the lack of the He crown is a big plus for the GMT models.

[@BB-gl7zt]

Nice comparison. I always wondered what the diff was between the GMT and non GMT.

[@omegawatchfan]

Thanks. I like the lack of a Helium release valve on the GMT, makes it stand apart from the other SMPs.

[@davidnewman6722]

My 2234.50 is more accurate than my 2220.80, and thats saying something. I love the bezel. I don't know why that's an issue. The sword hands were the very best in the business. The only thing I don't like is the very small crown. It's sometimes difficult to use due to grip. I bought this watch over a Rolex GMT Master ii. That's how much i love this watch.

[@omegawatchfan]

The 'shroud' that partially covers the crown area (the crown guard) on the gmt models makes it a little harder to grab the crown as compared to a regular smp. I read it was designed that way on the gmt to help hide the additional thickness of the case caused by the addition of the gmt complication. Nonetheless I agree it is a great watch and I have both the black dial and white dial (great white) versions.

[@wasknownasthemedriocre]

It think you got a.lot of things right for both watches but the GMT being what it is seems perfect. To have a GMT movement thin enough to fit in the case of the 2254 would likely rise the price as well. I hesitated between the gmt and peter blake as I had the opportunity to chose between the 2 on the used market. I went with Mr. Blake, of course

[@omegawatchfan]

Thank you. I think the Blake is overall better looking and wearing, but I do like the lack of He escape valve on the gmt.

[@vianouche1]

The GMT is a little bit thicker than the Peter Blake, no ?

[@wasknownasthemedriocre]

@@vianouche1 I do believe so but not by much considering what it is

[@evh4611]

2254 i love mine

[@costinbarzon1704]

Hello, I have a 2534 from 2006, I believe that 2006 is the last production year. I bought it without bracelet. I am looking to buy a bracelet from Forstner Bands. Looking on their website I can see that all bracelets pre-2018 fits 2254. Do you know if 2534 and 2254 have the same bracelets? If yes, I would assume that any Forstner pre-2018 would fit 2534, also.

[@omegawatchfan]

Good question, yes the bracelets labeled pre-2018 should fit the GMT 2534 as well as the 2254. I have a blue 2265 on a Forstner (pre-2018 flat link bracelet) and it looks good. Not the same quality as oem Omega, but definitely acceptable.

[@omegawatchfan]

I forgot to mention, I have previously swapped the bracelet from a 2255 and installed it on a GMT and it fit perfectly.

[@uplandknight5782]

....and the GREAT WHITE is the best of the 3