2020/21 Commemorative Watch - Seamaster, Speedmaster, Railmaster or Perpetual Oyster?

The last year and a half have brought huge changes in my life. I moved from Chicago to Vancouver, left my practice as an attorney and after a great deal of time and sacrifice, finally became a barrister & solicitor in Canada. All the while working under the limitations and complications of the pandemic.

To commemorate the occasion I'm naturally wasting money on another watch I don't need. I mean of course I need another watch, doesn't everyone?

My collection consists of three classic Seamasters: (1) the recent 210.32.42.20.03.001 in vibrant blue with a rubber strap, an absolutely beautiful watch, but a touch large for my wrist; (2) the 2nd generation (depending on what you consider the first generation) Bond 2531.80.00, which is a timeless collector's piece but I find looks dull at certain times; (3) the wholly underrated 2264.50.00 "Ray Donovan", probably my favourite, the dial is so cool and its thin and light and dressy and I never thought I would love a quartz but I do.

My contenders are as follows:

(1) Obvious reasons - Vancouver, the red and white is totally different, thinking a 36 mm for a change. I know some people absolutely hate this watch, and I vacillate from adoring it to meh-ing it. Is it a sleeper Omega like the "Ray Donovan" or just lazy hack work to acknowledge the 2010 Olympics?



2. Abandon the Seamasters and go with an unusual, though oversized Speedmaster Broad Arrow, reminds me of an Explorer II but less than half the price.


3. A classic and generally underrated Railmaster.


4. Screw Omega, jump up in price and invest in a no date, no frills, Rolex Perpetual Oyster. Honestly I've never seen myself as a Rolex guy.

Out of all those, the Vancouver looks by far the best (and it connects to your story)

I get the Vancouver connection and like the white/red but the no date Rolex OP has the edge for me. A major change in your country of residence warrants a major shift in brands. It's time to move on and diversify.

IMHO, you have divers covered, Speedy or non-tool…..non-tool for me…..Rolex or Railmaster, of the two shown I would have the railmaster.
But that is just me, what grabs you? Usual advice here, go and try them on and see what does it.

I agree with some of the earlier posts re divers watches as you have a couple already. If you want something dressy, go for the Rolex OP. If you want more of a tool watch look, go the Railmaster. Or, just to muddy the waters a bit, how about a dressy tool watch... the Speedmaster "First Omega in Space"?

This!! Absolutely stunning watch

Have you considered a Vancouver-made Halios?

I love the previous generation Railmaster.

They’re a few years old now, but 39mm and particularly the 36mm are really nice, well-proportioned watches.

Having just dumped my last 2 Rolexes I second an Aqua Terra. If you feel the need to hop on the Rolex train you might consider a 214270 Explorer, but they are so overpriced for what you get...I recently sold mine because despite being a 2014 that had just had a maintenance checkup at the AD barely 2 years ago, it recently completely crapped out (randomly stopped working) and required a full $1000 CAD service. So I dumped it as-is and bought a PO 215.92.44.21.99.00 to go with my 2531.80 and Speedy Reduced.

Thanks for all the responses. I'm still mulling my decision. The Vancouver Olympics Omega Seamaster that I wanted is no longer available, I really wanted a new/unused model because the aluminum bezel scratches like it is it's job. For a while I was leaning towards this blue Speedmaster:



But then I started thinking about a vintage Omega Seamaster, the price is quite a bit lower and I'm quite partial to the gold case with gold numbers and gold/champagne/silver dial.

Right now this is something I am strongly considering. The dial has been refinished and the watch polished, and it is unclear if the red seconds hand is original. Some may call this a Frankenwatch but it is from 1961 so I'm totally comfortable with modifications.

Clever and classic idea. I really like the Speedmasters with the black dial, but right now I'm leaning towards more color. But suggestion noted.

Thank you DC. After thinking about it, I decided against a Rolex. I'm not a Rolex guy. I'm an Omega guy. Rolexes beautiful watches. But I think I would be buying an "entry level" Rolex just to have a Rolex, but not the Rolex I would really want, which would be the Milgauss.

This is part of the joy of buying a watch. I get to think about different models and brands and enjoy that process before committing.

You should be able to find a nice 1961 that is all original fairly easily if that is preferable. I have 3 from my birth year.

You are right. I contacted the seller and the red second dial is after market.