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.
@VanCityHapa5 жыл бұрын
SMP wins, in value and substance. Lets be honest, you pay four times more for the five-point crown logo, not the watch.
@thehardpaths3 жыл бұрын
I agree. Although, I am biased because I own the 2531.80 haha.
@neillinds-rwndfit2898 Жыл бұрын
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.
@chrisb.h46054 жыл бұрын
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...
@ricchrono59075 жыл бұрын
hands down omega.
@feelgoodconcept5 жыл бұрын
The new seamaster outclass the sub by far
@larry47893 жыл бұрын
They're both iconic but look at the price difference😯 Plus the SMP has a flat date window which I prefer.
@cgimovieman17 күн бұрын
I bought this exact Seamaster in 2002, to celebrate my first year in my first professional job. And yes, I am a big James Bond fan, but that was only a very small part of why I bought the watch. I simply loved the look and quality mainly. Had to make monthly payments on it for 2-3 years, but I still have it to this day. It’s been VERY lovingly taken care of, with my mainly wearing it for special occasions or in controlled environments, but I’ve even been incredibly careful with it even then. So it doesn’t have a scratch on it. It’s been professionally serviced by Omega just once in 2020, but even at that time it was still working perfectly. I honestly like the newer look of the exact watch better, but this one has sentimental value, and I’ve just had it so long. I just recently and finally bought a sapphire Speedmaster Moon Watch, another on my list for decades. I’m a very avid distance runner and marathoner, and was waiting until I qualified for the Boston Marathon, which I finally did in October in Chicago after 24 years and 65 marathons trying. It was SO satisfying and symbolic walking into the Omega boutique, dressed up, and sipping champagne as I spoke with the representative there. These are my only two truly nice watches, and right now I’ll be honest, I’m much more smitten with my Speedmaster. But my Seamaster I think will always hold a special place in my heart as long as I own it.
@bigidiot1233 жыл бұрын
It's kind of crazy that you can buy 5 Omegas for the price of 1 Rolex. The difference in quality is not significant.
@henrywest72175 жыл бұрын
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.
@andywilliams48873 жыл бұрын
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.
@dralzgamer23543 жыл бұрын
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
@normpearce7897 Жыл бұрын
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.
@cuestion-de-tiempo5 жыл бұрын
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.
@maffintono77904 жыл бұрын
1:27 DUUDE CALM DOWN JUST BREATHE FOR A SEC 😂😂😂
@Dr_LK5 жыл бұрын
The first one worn by Pierce Brosnan was the quartz version. From the second movie onward he used this watch, the automatic.
@mcstarling073 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@paulgregory26016 ай бұрын
I've got the first quartz brosnan watch, it's brilliant 👍, timeless design and slim👍
@manueljnegrete5048 Жыл бұрын
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.
@andrewwade70563 жыл бұрын
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
@adrianboutsias24375 жыл бұрын
"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.
@deltropico75 жыл бұрын
Maybe he misspoke, but the original Bond watch was a Rolex.
@gpearce115 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@deltropico7 yes, but then the new bond wanted to move up to a better watch, hence the Seamaster.
@johnlake75303 жыл бұрын
This Omega Seamaster is beginning to significantly rise in price. Definitely one to buy before they become even more sought after!
@yusakufudo367 Жыл бұрын
In my opinion it shouldn’t rise cause it not Rolex, doesn’t make sense
@johnlake7530 Жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
@@johnlake7530 meaning it can be any watch even a Casio!?
@johnlake7530 Жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
@@johnlake7530 that’s crazy and no sense, either omega or any other brand except Rolex that one is worth it
@RobertGeez5 жыл бұрын
Seamaster. Hands down. Why is Rolex so expensive? Clever marketing. Nothing else. People buy Omega to impress themselves, Rolex to impress others.
@TransistorBased3 жыл бұрын
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.
@1000lightyrs5 жыл бұрын
O M E G A Seamaster !
@detonator21123 жыл бұрын
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.
@KingdomArmor5 жыл бұрын
My Omega Seamaster GMT brings a smile on my face everyday I wear her. She's a keeper.
@randyallen27715 жыл бұрын
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.
@scoutandscooter Жыл бұрын
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.
@Monschu Жыл бұрын
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.
@dariovidarte27735 жыл бұрын
Great video - Thank you, helped me to make a decision. Just purchased a used one just like the one you showed. 👍🏽
@matthewfriend22303 жыл бұрын
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!😄😄👌👍
@michaeldgs Жыл бұрын
Im lucky enough to own both. Both are epic icons 😊👍
@davidm4099 Жыл бұрын
Which one is/looks bigger on the wrist?? It’s hard to tell
@gman0645 жыл бұрын
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.
@2logical5 жыл бұрын
@gman064 I also have and love the electric blue seamaster model 2255.80 my first luxury watch too. I still have and love it!
@CaptainAhab-im3kd4 ай бұрын
In the 1990s I bought the Omega 300M Chrono and then the Rolex Submariner. It was fun owning the Submariner because of its pedigree and reputation but I noted that the Omega was actually a better watch, and my chrono version revealed that with the Omega you get the ability to time two events simultaneously and you can see the dial better with the Omega snd you can even run the chrono while underwater. Eventually I bought a Daytona grail in 1999 and a Platinum Dial Yacht-Master in 2002. The Yacht-Master is definitely more exclusive and better than the Submariner, and you won't be a Rolex newvie at parties with the Yacht Master, unlike the black Submariner. The problem with the 1996 Submariner is that the bracelet is disappointing when compared to the Seamaster. The Omega 300M Chrono is just a damn difficult watch to critisize. It has a design that keeps you studying it.
@chukzc23795 жыл бұрын
Thoroughly enjoyed that verses. Great video Tim, and I'll be logging on tomorrow for more!
@totisanchez36075 жыл бұрын
Agree
@realfire68834 жыл бұрын
This particular omega is definitely the classier watch, the rolex sub would only be for someone who has an inferiority complex.
@craig21005 жыл бұрын
Omega braclet winner, timepiece Rolex!
@josecardona96525 жыл бұрын
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-st2zq5 жыл бұрын
Agree with you, hollow links on a Rolex or any watch over £500 is a joke.
@gpearce115 жыл бұрын
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.
@davegunner495 жыл бұрын
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.
@followyourpassion83782 жыл бұрын
Back then, the Omega bracelet was superior.
@fpoynton16045 жыл бұрын
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 . 👍☺.
@24hourgmtchannel642 жыл бұрын
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.
@Blue_3rd5 жыл бұрын
Omega for me 😎
@PhilipPStanil Жыл бұрын
Seamaster 👍💯
@265petsar4 жыл бұрын
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.
@toffee21255 жыл бұрын
Omega for me my favourite is the no wave ceramic co axial its just pure class.
@DavidDatura5 жыл бұрын
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.
@williamguan51344 жыл бұрын
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.
@the1916companywatchreviews4 жыл бұрын
Both great pieces, though I personally prefer the look of the date on the Sub. Something about that cyclops.... - Ari
@jaysmall56735 жыл бұрын
Both are nicer than my orient mako
@gpearce115 жыл бұрын
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.
@sakir82475 жыл бұрын
omega seamaster just killer.best sport diver watch ever
@AZadeh-nd8vx7 ай бұрын
Lol all the people on here convincing themselves that the Omega is the better watch and that they prefer it to the Sub 😂
@highnrising5 жыл бұрын
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.
@philipdenner8504 Жыл бұрын
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.
@sambirtwistle5 жыл бұрын
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.
@jaredcoffin3907 Жыл бұрын
A classic review. ✅
@nigelbruty46133 ай бұрын
Omega all day long ! When the SMP came out in the early '90's it caught Rolex with their pants down! They had to rethink the design of their horribly tinny bracelet to compete with the much classier and solid Omega SMP bracelet. The SMP is overall a nicer, classier looking watch than the plain old Submariner.
@TheSlowoldman5 жыл бұрын
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.
@adrianhargreaves28545 жыл бұрын
Great match up Tim, I went rolex. Let's start with inches please, I'm very old and like imperial lol. Cheers guys
@WhoIsSerafin5 жыл бұрын
Omega wins this no doubt about it!
@crespohuerta3 жыл бұрын
I own the Omega and i like it better, but I do hope I can get a submariner someday
@the1916companywatchreviews3 жыл бұрын
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!
@crespohuerta3 жыл бұрын
@@the1916companywatchreviews done
@the1916companywatchreviews3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for supporting our site!
@philipdenner8504 Жыл бұрын
@@the1916companywatchreviews After reading all the comments i think the Seamaster blitzed the Submariner.
@Silver-st2zq5 жыл бұрын
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.............
@andrei20235 жыл бұрын
Rolex Submariner for me please🥇
@adrianluna95413 жыл бұрын
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.
@_baller4 жыл бұрын
Your voice cracks like Nardwuar...
@GWOSAPAT5 жыл бұрын
Omega all the way
@williamstalvey69205 жыл бұрын
I've seen better looking Armitron watches @ Walmart than that skeleton hand Omega> just a bad look
@Ferien75 жыл бұрын
GWOSAPAT ugly bracelet
@motorcarclassics29225 жыл бұрын
And just like the 90's, Rolex still remains ahead.
@williamstalvey69205 жыл бұрын
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.
@0xss5 жыл бұрын
couldn't agree more and the cancerous outgrowth that is the helium escape valve also needs to be sawn off.
@WhoIsSerafin5 жыл бұрын
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.
@williamstalvey69205 жыл бұрын
@@WhoIsSerafin could u please tell me what there is to like?
@WhoIsSerafin5 жыл бұрын
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.
@Beazy-05 жыл бұрын
It's more like, how deep is the diver's wallet lol
@leebarrett95814 жыл бұрын
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
@MartinGarthwaite11 ай бұрын
I have never owned an Omega, I am obviously a twat.
@007-i6z8v5 жыл бұрын
Omega legibility sucks Rolex field test proves who's Boss ! I'l take the crown ...