I think having both of these is nice except I have too many pieces. I love both equally and choosing which to give up is not easy. Worth noting that for me it comes down to the bezel as my 2254 has a non-ac dial fitted. My guess is there are more 2254 produced than 2230 because of the higher original price. Which model do YOU think will be more sought after in 20 years?
I have both these models myself, in original condition, not modified except for straps. And I had the same dilemma. I can't make up my mind either of the one that would have to be sold first. I therefore decided to keep both. A few years back there was someone on the forum struggling with the same question of these same models. He put both both up for sale and let fate decide which sold first, then keep the other. Can't remember who it was, or the outcome. In 20 years time I think there may be more interest in the all original version, not the 2254 with non-ac dial. I personally do not like to modify a watch so therefore it would be of no interest to me. Unless if the original dial came with it so the modification can be reversed. If I was in your shoes the choice would be easy, the modded 2254 is out the door. I wear my 2254.50 and I look at it, thinking 'why on earth would I want to sell this' I wear my 2230.50 thinking the same For me the question is of the table. And here are my two, just posted on the 'Peter Blake' thread also.
Lord I love that 2254! If I’d gotten into Omega earlier that’s what I’d have bought. (Have my SM300MC)
I forgot to mention, but to exacerbate things I had both of these back in the day. I bought the last new 2254 around 2008 and gifted to my brother. Regretted it much later probably ten years after. I also had the 2230 shortly after that and regretted selling it too. Damn I think I have to keep them. Keep in mind I bought the 2254 with the non-ac dial; if I mod a watch the rules are Omega parts only and I have to keep the parts to restore it if need be. Now I have an idea about swapping the Electric blue dial into the 2230 to see if it pops.
I have been through about 10 different SMPs and eventually flipped many on when I got bored, including 2 separate spates with 2254s. I've kept the non-AC (2230.50) and a 2255.80 (electric blue sword hands). The latter more for sentimental reasons rather than because I rate it above others. Which will be more desirable in 20 years? Hard to say but who cares about 20 years, buy the one you like. In my case that is the non-AC, the class shines though, it is like a de-luxe 2254. When new, the AC and non-AC were priced about 50% higher than the 2254 and 2531 Bond, at about the same level as the titanium cased 2231 etc. Today that makes these a bit of a bargain as they are generally at around the same as the 2254. A pic from a long time ago note there is an AC rather than non-AC here:
The non-AC is pretty special, the applied indices and bezel look great and hold up a bit better than the 2254, both are great watches though
One thing to bear in mind though before you go chopping wood or rock climbing with a 2230 non AC is that the bezel is horrifically expensive to replace. Last time I asked it was over £900 for the part alone, luckily mine is mint so they clearly can take normal wear very well despite the insert being a white gold alloy which you would expect to be softer than the surrounding steel. Either that or @Wetworks who I got it from never actually wore it! I’m wearing mine today in fact
I only own the 2254 & 2230 now. Funny story, I have a spare wg bezel and insert I bought off a guy that did a PO bezel conversion. It’s clearly used and I’m going to take it in to get restored. I’m starting to think I’m keeping both. Just love them too much. I do tend to favor the 2230 but the 2254 was my first serious watch in 2008. At least my brother has that one.
Have the 2230.50 now. For a short time I also had the 2255.80. One of them had to go - no doubt in my mind that the one to keep was the non a/c.
I picked up a 2254 when my daughter was born, it came equipped with a PO bezel, crystal, and second hand. The original parts are waiting for me to put back on. When I get it serviced in a few years it’ll be like getting a brand new watch, and the 2254 I fell in love with and had been originally seeking. Right now, seriously loving this look. I need to find a good deal on the either the electric blue or the earlier blue w/ blue bezel. To the original question, personally I think the 2254 will have a look more desirable to a wider range of people, so will hold more value. It’s partially just that I don’t care for silver-ish bezels. I don’t love the look on the SMP or Speedmasters.
I love the black bezel- black dial combo and it may be more sought after in ten years because its better known than the other sword hand variants.