Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster Diver 300M: 16610 vs 2531.80.00 James Bond Watches

Contact [e-mail] for pricing and availability; Either I have it, or I can get it! Shop all Rolex watches: bit.ly/2uUNJD9
Shop all Omega watches: bit.ly/2v2XXR9
The "James Bond" Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 2531.80.00 diving watch is encased in 41 mm of stainless steel surrounding a blue dial on a stainless steel bracelet. Features include automatic winding, unidirectional dive bezel, COSC Swiss chronometer certification, diving bracelet and clasp with dive extension, 300-meter water resistance, and a helium escape valve. This 1990s dive watch watch also measures 11.8 mm in thickness and 47.6 mm from lug-to-lug.
The Rolex Submariner 16610 is encased in 40 mm of stainless steel surrounding a black dial on a 93150 bracelet. The watch also measures 12.6 mm in thickness and 47.4 mm from lug-to-lug.
For complete details, watch the full review!
Please subscribe to our channel for the best luxury watch reviews on KZbin: kzbin.info...
Visit our website at www.thewatchbox.com for the latest pre-owned luxury watch arrivals and industry-leading value in previously loved luxury timepieces.

[@juanfernandez8987]

I just bought a Seamaster 2531.80, early 2000s and the quality and refinement is on another level. The smoothness of the crown scew, the bezel clicks, the polish of the bracelet, the crispness of the dial. Everything about it just screams quality. It hugs your wrist like nobody's business. This is a legitimately well made great watch. So happy I got one before it jumps into the $3k mark and become scarce.

[@VanCityHapa]

SMP wins, in value and substance. Lets be honest, you pay four times more for the five-point crown logo, not the watch.

[@thehardpaths]

I agree. Although, I am biased because I own the 2531.80 haha.

[@ricchrono5907]

hands down omega.

[@neillinds-rwndfit2898]

I picked up my 2531.8 in 99. Got a GMT Master II (Coke) in 91. Sold the coke. Picked up an Explorer II in 2003. Sold the Ex II. I've bought and sold many watches over the years, but I never sold the Omega.

[@larry4789]

They're both iconic but look at the price difference😯 Plus the SMP has a flat date window which I prefer.

[@bigidiot123]

It's kind of crazy that you can buy 5 Omegas for the price of 1 Rolex. The difference in quality is not significant.

[@maffintono7790]

1:27 DUUDE CALM DOWN JUST BREATHE FOR A SEC 😂😂😂

[@henrywest7217]

I know it's not necessarily a popular opinion, but I always thought that Roger Moore was the Bond that seemed to be having the most fun. Atleast he seemed to enjoy winking at us in the audience.

[@dariovidarte2773]

Great video - Thank you, helped me to make a decision. Just purchased a used one just like the one you showed. 👍🏽

[@andywilliams4887]

A stunning watch with that Bond connection. My first luxury watch back in year 2000 and then as part of a growing collection I enjoyed it for over 10 years before selling it due to buying a house. It had also been usurped by my 2002 Rolex Sub Date 16610 which I still cherish today. However, I regret it to this day, as mint-conditioned Omega 2531.80s are going for £2000- £3000 these days. A recently purchased Black Bay 58 navy blue has nonetheless satisfied a lingering nostalgia for the Omega and for a cracking quality blue dial diver, with its superb modern in-house COSC movement, 70 hrs reserve and staggering lume, not to mention the sheer wearability.

[@chukzc2379]

Thoroughly enjoyed that verses. Great video Tim, and I'll be logging on tomorrow for more!

[@ezeztztz]

In terms of looks and style I would choose this omega seamaster over any rolex

[@andrewwade7056]

Omega for me I have 3 now one of which is the blue SMP quartz good looking watches always available and not over inflated prices like Rolex

[@Dr_LK]

The first one worn by Pierce Brosnan was the quartz version. From the second movie onward he used this watch, the automatic.

[@mcstarling07]

I picked up the quartz version (1995) because I was a huge Goldeneye fan growing up so it seemed fitting to get that version. It's my only quartz watch and I still love it.

[@modernworldiscrap]

I currently have a 2581 dating from 1993 which is equipped with the 1109 movement with a dial without "chronometer" I find it great to have a less busy 3-line dial with the nobility of an automatic movement.

[@paulgregory2601]

I've got the first quartz brosnan watch, it's brilliant 👍, timeless design and slim👍

[@johnlake7530]

This Omega Seamaster is beginning to significantly rise in price. Definitely one to buy before they become even more sought after!

[@yusakufudo367]

In my opinion it shouldn’t rise cause it not Rolex, doesn’t make sense

[@johnlake7530]

@@yusakufudo367 a watch that is desirable and no longer produced will always rise in price. It has nothing to do with being a Rolex!

[@yusakufudo367]

@@johnlake7530 meaning it can be any watch even a Casio!?

[@johnlake7530]

@@yusakufudo367 yep. Some of the limited edition Casio G-shocks are now worth ludicrous amounts of money! I personally would not be willing to spend thousands on a Casio but if a collector is, who am I to judge?!

[@yusakufudo367]

@@johnlake7530 that’s crazy and no sense, either omega or any other brand except Rolex that one is worth it

[@chrisb.h4605]

Omega for sure is the best watch in my opinion.. all your getting for the money when you buy a Rolex is the nod from snobs , and a status symbol .. let's be honest... there's no way that , as a watch the Rolex is worth that much more than an Omega .. a Narcissist would buy a Rolex , but someone with class and dignity would buy an Omega...

[@manueljnegrete5048]

Nice review on these two historic heavyweights. I purchased a 1993 2531.80 a month ago and it astounds me how beautiful and comfortable the bond watch is. This 30 year o L d watch will go to my grave with me. Hopefully in a very long long time.

[@dralzgamer2354]

The Omega is more "organic" and timeless. The Rolex is great but looks too out of date for todays standards. Although I love Rolex and the Sub, this Omega wins

[@randyallen2771]

I'm with you Tim, especially because I just bought one. Went for the sword hands and polished bezel though. The Rolex is the iconic diver but it doesn't speak to me like the Zodiac.

[@adrianboutsias2437]

"This [Rolex] has iconic status that the Seamaster just doesn't have" says who? The seamaster is most notably known as the Bond Watch and is just as iconic and recognisable as the Rolex.

[@deltropico7]

Maybe he misspoke, but the original Bond watch was a Rolex.

[@gpearce11]

G1234 X True, however for the last 20 years when people think Bond Watch, they think this Omega. The Sub may have been the Bond watch once upon a time, and it was the original, but that title definitely belongs to Omega now.

[@philipdenner8504]

@@deltropico7 yes, but then the new bond wanted to move up to a better watch, hence the Seamaster.

[@normpearce7897]

Hi just got my second omega watch the. First was the omega chrono stop got it for my 21st birthday I am now over 70and just got my second omega the seamaster what a watch pure class yes and my first omega is still running amazing great video.

[@totisanchez3607]

Agree

[@fpoynton1604]

Tim absolutely Great review of the two diving Kings of sporting horology. I Love both- they are truly spectacular at what they do. The SMP hands design - in the field - are so very highly visible &reflective relative to the thin minute of the Rolex at all angles. I like the helium valve - just cool mechanical excess trademark- the case is more nuanced and flowing . Dont like the cyclops distorting the dial face of the Rolex but it is a tool watch doing its thing very well also. I would take the Rolex over the SMP in a minute - but only if condition was truly superb - and a no date. Steve McQueen & Sean - a weakness of mine . 👍☺.

[@matthewfriend2230]

I own this very watch, and I keep going back to it! I have two Rolexes, but my bond omega, I just favor, and wear it everywhere. It’s so comfortable, and eye appealing, and if something happened to it, I’d just get another one! I feel it’s just apart of me, and it’s surely a classic. Just my thoughts on this outstanding time piece!😄😄👌👍

[@gman064]

Nice head to head. My electric blue is my favorite watch it was my first luxury watch, new Rolex sub is close second. Omega nailed it back then it holds up to the modern Rolex.

[@2logical]

@gman064 I also have and love the electric blue seamaster model 2255.80 my first luxury watch too. I still have and love it!

[@davidm4099]

Which one is/looks bigger on the wrist?? It’s hard to tell

[@detonator2112]

Well at least Omega is superb value compared to the Sub. I think today you can buy 4-5 of these old Omega Bond Seamasters for the price of a full set Submariner 16610. In that sense they're not "competitors" at all.

[@1000lightyrs]

O M E G A Seamaster !

[@Monschu]

Lucky enough to have both and I wear the Omega more, but anyone saying the Rolex isn't worth it, doesn't understand how market forces work, and doesn't understand the importance of cache value and horological history.

[@michaeldgs]

Im lucky enough to own both. Both are epic icons 😊👍

[@KingdomArmor]

My Omega Seamaster GMT brings a smile on my face everyday I wear her. She's a keeper.

[@cuestion-de-tiempo]

This is a no brainer -> Omega has always been and will always be a better luxury watch. Rolex's problem is that they are caught in a dilemma - to be considered a watch or jewelry? seems that they are always trying to leap towards the 2nd one but, then gets pummeled down from the big boys (PP - VC - JLC - AP - Breguet), once it gets back to the tool watch category then loses to Omega and others in terms of value and substance.

[@RobertGeez]

Seamaster. Hands down. Why is Rolex so expensive? Clever marketing. Nothing else. People buy Omega to impress themselves, Rolex to impress others.

[@TransistorBased]

Rolex does have a couple features that are objectively better than the Omega, but for as similar as these watches are in specs and performance it would almost be ridiculous to not go with the Omega.

[@josecardona9652]

A solid, reliable and quite beautiful omega or a hollow rolex. If I want a diver whit hollow links I would buy a 200 seiko

[@Silver-st2zq]

Agree with you, hollow links on a Rolex or any watch over £500 is a joke.

[@gpearce11]

People love to diss Omegas bracelets compared to Rolex, but the fact is, their bracelets were much better for a long time, and are still as good. The difference is, Omega’s were so much better that Rolex had to go back to the drawing board when they updated their watches in the late 2000s. However when they released their new bracelets, Omega was still almost as good, so they’ve barely updated their bracelets at all since then. Now it just comes down to if you want thin, close links with noticeable taper (Rolex), or thicker, wider spaced links with no taper (Omega), as well as which clasp you prefer. The quality between them is basically identical.

[@davegunner49]

I would throw in the Nodate Sub 14060 with the bold claim that it's the best Submariner of all time. Slim, understated, it has a symmetric dial without the date and just two lines of imprint, light and gorgeous. I would choose that one over these two any day.

[@jaredcoffin3907]

A classic review. ✅

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

The travesty is someone gave the ok to allow RSC to replace the original tritium dial on that submariner with a newer superluminova service dial. I picked my 2531.80 up in 2013 for $1,150. That was probably a bit on the lower side then. Just checked prices and see that they are finally starting rise a bit.

[@gpearce11]

Between these two, I’d have to take the Seamaster, thanks to its bracelet and price, but it’s definitely close. If price wasn’t a factor, I can get a brand new Seamaster 300M for less than that Sub in decent condition, and then it’s no contest. You really need to be determined to get the the Submariner to take it over the Seamaster these days.

[@followyourpassion8378]

Back then, the Omega bracelet was superior.

[@craig2100]

Omega braclet winner, timepiece Rolex!

[@Blue_3rd]

Omega for me 😎

[@adrianhargreaves2854]

Great match up Tim, I went rolex. Let's start with inches please, I'm very old and like imperial lol. Cheers guys

[@feelgoodconcept]

The new seamaster outclass the sub by far

[@sakir8247]

omega seamaster just killer.best sport diver watch ever

[@williamguan5134]

These two watches remind me back in the early days when I used to pass by this jewelry store where both of these watches were on display and during that time, I have aspired to wear them on my wrist someday. Both of these models are unique in their own right IMHO. I am attracted by the Submariner's glossy black dial with white gold and lumed hands and indices that shines under the light in the display window. On the other hand, I am also attracted by the Seamaster's wavy dial and skeleton hands that gives it a sporty look.

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Both great pieces, though I personally prefer the look of the date on the Sub. Something about that cyclops.... - Ari

[@realfire6883]

This particular omega is definitely the classier watch, the rolex sub would only be for someone who has an inferiority complex.

[@scoutandscooter]

While the Rolex brand seems to scream "I'm rich" (or deeply in debt), Omega just seems understated. My father in law was a fairly wealthy doctor. He drove a pickup truck and wore an Omega for fifty years.

[@PhilipPStanil]

Seamaster 👍💯

[@toffee2125]

Omega for me my favourite is the no wave ceramic co axial its just pure class.

[@265petsar]

Rolex have sold their watches from a snobbery view point with no interest in customers lower down the food chain. On the other hand you have Omega who build the same quality for their customers minus the greed. I have both a date sub and the Seamaster 300 (plus a planet ocean), and for me Omega's Seamaster 300 wins hands down. This beautiful watch has presence without looking at the name 'Rolex' which lets face it is the main selling point over the actual watch itself. At the price the Seamaster is going for at the moment you'd be crazy not to buy one. Ok you may take a small lose selling it, but since Rolex are now ,leaving us mortals behind, you have to wonder which watch will replace the Submariner. Even though my sub is worth more I get far more enjoyment from wearing my Seamaster (which actually gets more favourable comments about) than my sub. They say Rolex know how to sell watches, but Omega know how to make them......this is so true.

[@sambirtwistle]

omega bracelet better made but the look is too dressy and complicated for a tool watch. simplicity is elegance and this one is just not my style. Not as bad as Heuer's of same vintage. Mind you, I don't even like the polished center links on the oyster.

[@jaysmall5673]

Both are nicer than my orient mako

[@AZadeh-nd8vx]

Lol all the people on here convincing themselves that the Omega is the better watch and that they prefer it to the Sub 😂

[@crespohuerta]

I own the Omega and i like it better, but I do hope I can get a submariner someday

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Thanks Jordi Crespo! If you have a quick second, click through to our site and write a review of the watch. Our customers love to read about real world experience when shopping on our website. Here's the link: www.thewatchbox.com/shop/Omega-Seamaster-2531-80-00.html Thanks in advance!

[@crespohuerta]

@@the1916companywatchreviews done

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Thank you for supporting our site!

[@philipdenner8504]

@@the1916companywatchreviews After reading all the comments i think the Seamaster blitzed the Submariner.

[@andrei2023]

Rolex Submariner for me please🥇

[@philipdenner8504]

i chose the Seamaster mainly because of its looks, the Rolex to me is just plain boring. I'm certainly happy with mine. I even prefer it over my GS spring drive diver.

[@_baller]

Your voice cracks like Nardwuar...

[@highnrising]

That Seamaster is the first luxury watch I ever owned. I bought it in 1997, gray market, on 47th Street in for $950. I think Tourneau was selling it at the time for about $1,900. I still have it. I've always liked the watch, but I never considered it to be in the class of the Rolex. The Rolex is a higher-end product with a price to match.

[@TheSlowoldman]

The Sub every time. Let's go with a different Bond comparison, not the actors, but the cars. Aston DB5 or BMW Z3? Yeah, I'd also pick the Aston.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Omega wins this no doubt about it!

[@Silver-st2zq]

Omega for me, the Sub design has been over used and make to look tacky by the likes of Invicta, Casio and the list goes on.....and on.............

[@DavidDatura]

I prefer the Rolex despite the crappy bracelet (just replace it with a quality NATO!) Don’t like the printed dial of the Omega nor its ugly helium escape valve or those skeletonized hands. But when it comes to the latest version of the Seamaster 300 vs the Sub, it’s a more difficult choice...actually, no it isn’t as it still retains those skeletonized hands and wart of an escape valve. Despite being vastly improved elsewhere.

[@FuckMyParents-420]

There's a lot of copium from people in this comment section. The Submariner is a far superior watch, sorry to have to be the one to say this in a sea of people acting delusional.

[@leebarrett9581]

This guy needs to just slow down a bit and take a deep breath, I’d rather have the Rolex then sell it on eBay buy the seamaster and have £4000 to have a spend up, probably on a load of seiko divers

[@MartinGarthwaite]

I have never owned an Omega, I am obviously a twat.

[@adrianluna9541]

Sorry, but I completely disagree. I own both the Seamaster and Sub No-Date. The Rolex clasp is far superior, the Omega clasp is pure junk. I’ve owned several Seamasters and the clasp springs are always sprung and I’ve had the watch pop open and off my wrist when doing some mild to medium rough activity. The Sub is secure with its fold over and safety clasp. I know you say the Omega bracelet feels higher quality but the Sub is made of a higher quality more durable steel. I’ve also had my Omegas serviced and they come back worse than how I sent them. The second hand came back with blemishes and after sending it back, it returned and they didn’t even change it. Value, no doubt the Rolex wins. The Sub goes for 10k today and I bought it for 4. Sorry, but Omega is a tier below the Rolex.

[@GWOSAPAT]

Omega all the way

[@williamstalvey6920]

I've seen better looking Armitron watches @ Walmart than that skeleton hand Omega> just a bad look

[@Ferien7]

GWOSAPAT ugly bracelet

[@motorcarclassics2922]

And just like the 90's, Rolex still remains ahead.

[@williamstalvey6920]

Would someone please retire that Omega, its skeleton hands is everything a Diver would not want. There is no comparison to these two timepieces. Ask a saturation diver, which one he would choose. Put this comparison to bed once and forever, Rolex Sub every day that ends in Y.

[@0xss]

couldn't agree more and the cancerous outgrowth that is the helium escape valve also needs to be sawn off.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

William Stalvey hell no! I liked this design from the very beginning and it only grows better over the years with it’s improvements. Now retire the boring sub and I won’t cry. But it’s great to have all these choices.

[@williamstalvey6920]

@@WhoIsSerafin could u please tell me what there is to like?

[@WhoIsSerafin]

William Stalvey well everything you probably like about the sub drives me nuts continuing into the latest version. Mercedes hands. Date at three o’clock with no indice. Has a Magnifier. No ar coating. Bezel markers only go to 15 instead of all the way around for a look that doesn’t make it look uniform. Tapered bracelet. Boring bracelet that is on every other watch made in almost every manufacturer. Never hated Rolex, in fact I respect them just couldn’t stand the design of that lineage of watches.

[@Luiehond]

It's more like, how deep is the diver's wallet lol

[@user-fi5fr9us2t]

Omega legibility sucks Rolex field test proves who's Boss ! I'l take the crown ...