Auto or quartz?

saulgoodman

I own both a Speedmaster Pro which is mechanical, and a Seamaster 2264.50 which has a calibre 1538 quartz movement. As far as automatic watches go, you already know they will never be as accurate as a quartz watch. My Speedmaster runs +2 a day and I am very happy with that. Maintaining accuracy with a mechanical movement is all about proper maintenance and regulation. Be aware that these two things will cost you. I find that owning this particular combination of watches provides me with the best of both worlds. In the end, it all comes down to what you find important, but if I were looking for just one do it all watch, I would look for a nice pre-owned Seamaster Aqua Terra. Good luck on your search!

T Tony

Well, I just bought a used 2551.80 off of ebay. Supposed to arrive next week. This will be my first ever mechanical watch.
Depending on it's performance and condition (it looks fine in the pics, but I'll know more when I get it), I may just go ahead and send it off for servicing. In that case, and if the Omega SC insist I buy a new bracelet (again!), will the newer ones fit, with the screws instead of press-fit pins?

saulgoodman

Congratulations on your new watch! Did you get a service history from the seller? If there is no known service history you may want to take the watch to a reputable watchmaker near you for assessment first. One look at the movement and they will be able to tell you if service is required at this point. If no service is needed yet, they will also be able to test the accuracy and give it a quick adjustment if needed. After that the time keeping should be pretty good. You can definitely send it to the Omega SC, but that will be pricey. Since the watch is a three hander most experienced and reputable watchmakers will be able to provide the needed service at a much lower cost. Your choice. As for the bracelet, why would Omega insist you buy one? Forget that! Look around the forums and/or place a WTB for an appropriate bracelet if that is your desire. Usually you can source a nice pre-owned bracelet if you have patience. You should be able to find what fits and what you need by searching through the posts right here. In the meantime, experiment with a few nice leather straps. That watch looks awesome on leather during the winter. Good luck!

PS Make sure the spring bars on your new watch are up to par. That is what failed on you the last time. I just bought a bunch of very good quality spring bars for my 20mm Omegas from Esslinger.com. Note that the spring bars for a 20mm lug width Omega are a bit smaller for bracelets than they are for straps. Check you part number and buy extras. Change them when they look or feel wrong. It is well worth the effort!

T Tony

Kind of a long story on the bracelet thing, but here's a link to my prior discussion about it:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/alternative-service-centers.86975/
In a nutshell, they wouldn't service my watch unless I also bought a new bracelet for it. I balked, then finally agreed. Within a week of receiving it back from them, the pin near the clasp came out, my watch fell off, and it's gone. $810 down the drain. :-( I know it was the pin, and not the spring bar, 'cause I found it in my pocket - that's when I realized my watch was gone. Thus my interest in the newer bracelets. My guess is that the little bushing type thingy wasn't installed correctly, and that allowed the pin to fall out. Ironically, my watch never once fell off my wrist in the 17 years I had it with the original bracelet. Go figure.

Jonathan40

Did the service centre where you had work done not offer a refund of works carried out. It sounds like faulty workmanship to me. Good choice on the replacement.