Cut or Carry: Omega Seamaster 36mm 2551.80 Review

[@ericsmith7532]

Appreciate the review of this piece. I've owned one since 1998 and it's been a staple in my attire until recently. Popped it on today . . . it feels small compared to other full-sized divers but it still looks good. "Normal" people (i.e. non watch folks) wouldn't notice the size. As an aside, Prince William wears this piece regularly!

[@michaelhill4583]

I really appreciated this video. I bought a 36mm Seamaster expecting it to be one of my favorite watches to have on wrist. I have a smaller wrist and tend to prefer smaller watches. However, I wasn't quite able to get into it not matter how hard I tried over several years. Until this video, I was never able to put my finger on the fact that the thing I didn't like was the OEM bracelet and the visual "bulk" it seems to add. I grabbed an Uncle bracelet and am much happier with the look of the watch. Nailed it here--and I appreciate it.

[@Valera_Scotland]

I have the quartz version to wear temporarily. Bezel so so hard to turn!! But I love it. It made me want to buy the bigger version and I'm getting the 2541.80 Goldeneye.. Your rolex is gorgeous, and you're right - what a combo

[@yacineganibardi8346]

The bezel is probably just stuck due to dirt and wear, the inner gasket just need to be cleaned and lubed. I had a similar issue with my new SKX009. The bezel was REALLY hard to turn, I often needed to take it off my wrist and use both my hands to turn it and it just discouraged me from using it. So I popped the bezel using the adequate tool and some tape to protect the case, lubed it with some petroleum jelly (I used a toothpick to apply it) and now the bezel is just a pure joy to use. Perfect resistance, I can turn it using only two fingers while wearing the watch!

[@emhezmfe]

I will probably take mine in for a service in the next year and have this addressed. Mine's tough to turn, but I'd never use it even if it was. Still, I want it to function properly.

[@liquidvic]

Thankfully I've never seen that style bracelet on a 2551.80 Seamaster before. Do you still have the original 5 link bracelet? If you have difficulty turning the bezel try using toothbrush and some soapy water to clean around the bezel. Works a treat. I've worn mine daily since 2001. I never stop smiling when I look at it. It's a beautiful watch. I passed on a Rolex Submariner for this watch and still have no regrets about that decision.

[@matiasortuzar6306]

I have the 1995 quartz version. 36.25mm is just perfect. More versatile, it slides under the cuff and looks classy. Perfect for evwryday watch

[@luisantoniosilva5559]

Why do people wear it as an everyday watch? I believe it is a perfect match for an special date or event, buy there are alternatives for

[@Jerf1]

⁠@@luisantoniosilva5559it’s a sports watch, so can be worn as part of everyday attire. These days it is more common to wear steel/sports watches as substitutes for dress watches, so given it’s more petite size it can easily be a jack of all trades.

[@VladimirFofanov]

I have the quartz as well.

[@Lev782]

@@luisantoniosilva5559cus’ some people have money for better dress up watches in different dimensions for special events

[@emhezmfe]

I have this same watch, automatic version, with the stock bracelet. May look dated, but I'd never consider another bracelet-- I think it is part of what makes the watch so cool. And agree, bezel not easy to turn. But I don't use it anyway so it doesn't matter to me. The lume on the indices is almost completely gone, but the hands all shine bright still.

[@amdspansion]

I’ve owned my Seamaster Midsize Automatic (2551.80.00) for 25 years and except for the time it’s being serviced I wear it everyday no matter what I'm doing. I personally love the original bracelet. The issue you spoke to concerning the bezel is a known trait with this model in the Omega watch line. A trick to rotating the bezel is to push down as you turn, it's still going to be hard to rotate. It’s a beautiful watch and I’ve never desired another timepiece. In June of 1998 this watch sold for $1750 USD

[@RybosWorkbench]

Excellent information - thank you! Glad to hear the bezel issue is not a "me problem" (as is usually the case, haha)

[@liquidvic]

Ditto 22+ years on the wrist and no issues. I love this watch.

[@TheOfficialRandomGuy]

I just prematurity wore out my bezel spring. It turns a little too easy now, but I’d rather have that than too hard.

[@Cheeseiest1]

I've thought about buying one of these for a while because I also love 36mm divers, but like you I really dont care for the stock bracelet. I have an uncle straps bracelet for one of my seikos and love it, so it's a super helpful tip that the speeedy reduced bracelet fits these watches. Thanks and great review!

[@TheOfficialRandomGuy]

My 2551 has a Matte dial, and I’m glad it is over having the glitter dial.

[@alexguraliuc1362]

Hello . Great video :) I would like to ask what is the reference for the new bracelet that you have now on the watch ? I want to make the same change and make sure that I order the correct one . Thank you very much !

[@joachimkatchinoff831]

Regarding bezel action -- It's an issue with other Seamasters but as others said, typically just needs a service (mine is much easier to use post-service without having to do the palm method) or a cleaning if you can manage it. There might be an issue with the click spring too. Question for you -- would you rather have this Seamaster or the new Tudor BB54?

[@dstfno]

Mine was actually perfect and only after service very difficult to turn because of a new spring :) Now after a year and lots of turning it's a bit looser again.

[@christosmilonas7986]

I have this exact watch. The bezel losened with wd-40.

[@LazyGrayF0x]

Love everything about this watch except snub hour hand, wish they were solid fill and easier to see.

[@baikalc.4260]

thanks for review

[@francis.oldfield]

Great analysis and pov. Also, what’s your wrist size?

[@infostation984]

Anyone know if they sell 18mm seamaster rubber straps?

[@tarohome1035]

Please tell me where did you get this oyster bracelet? Thanks.

[@rxl77]

Wondering the same thing! Where is this bracelet from??

[@AR-hw9zi]

@@rxl77it appears to be uncle seiko presidential bracelet. I have forstner’s version on my railmaster and love it

[@rxl77]

The bracelet in the video is a speedmaster reduced, from uncle seiko. Good fit it seems

[@tc8066]

Sounds super rattly and cheap

[@robbisgood]

I thought they discontinued the 2551.80 in 2004? Curious how you were able to find one from 2006!

[@dstfno]

There's always a lot of old stock at retailers. Especially from brands like Omega who produce shitloads of watches that nobody wants.

[@baikalc.4260]

i just sold my 2531.80 41mm case or so. i thought it was too big for my wrist., i guess i ll buy this one. i saw specs difference betwren 2531.80 n the 36mm , same watch just sz difference.

[@cito7401]

what size is your wrist? im in the opposite situation

[@baikalc.4260]

@@cito7401 , thanks for reaching out. i sold my 2531.80 n got that the 36mm sz, i didnt care for the 36mm it, seemed to small on my wrist. i ended up the 2531.80 back. i guess i couldnt be wo it.

[@cito7401]

@@baikalc.4260 I just got the 36 and it seems so abnormally small, I’m tempted to already sell it to get the 41, which I previously thought was too big but in reality isn’t huge. Is there any other reasons you like the 41mm more? I just want to make sure I don’t have buyers remorse and end up making the same mistake as you 😂

[@baikalc.4260]

@@cito7401 , i like the 2531.80 more just bcause , the 36 looked too small on my wrist. that s the only reason. also the original bonds s the 2531.80 firthermore , i fell that for future sell if i need to most prospective buyers will go for the 41mm n not the 36, unless thier wrist are really thin. yet, the 36 looks sick too but way better on someone with a rather thin wrist. also, hamolton just launched the hamilton expedtiion 37 mm that sz d most likeley look very good on my wrist. i m thinking about ti. too, but we couldnt ever go wrong with the seamaster.

[@d.nakamura9579]

Good call on the bracelet swap. Much better than the original

[@christosmilonas7986]

Mine is from 2010 and the bezel is stuck😢

[@LazyGrayF0x]

Pry it off, clean in and push it back on.

[@o751106]

Wd40

[@armandosaenz5588]

How do you find the model number?

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

I have small wrist and hands so 36 is my size. I prefer the look of a more discreet watch anyway. Really regret selling my beautiful seamaster about 20 years ago. Big mistake . Oh well.

[@michaelh8854]

bezel just needs to be oiled and cleaned