Hi guys, new to the forum and new to the world of Omega. I’m looking to get a 2531.80, I grew up watching Brosnan as Bond and this was the bedroom wall poster watch of my youth. How much would I be looking to pay for one and are there any concerns of buying a model of this age. How long would it be likely to last etc.
They are around and will last a lifetime if properly serviced.
I would imagine that a nice watch would cost you somewhere around $2,200 to $2,700, but I must admit that I haven’t checked the state of the market too recently.
Mine says hi:
I’m looking to buy in the new year, gift to myself lol I would be willing to pay 2.5 if it was in great condition with the box and papers.
My daily is a TAG F1, but I’ve always wanted an Omega and I feel the 2531 is the perfect one to get into the brand for me as it’s at an accessible price and that bit more special having the bond connection that I grew up with.
These were all Quartz back then right - or were there automatic versions too?
Mine is a 2011 black dial version and is Quartz, also have a 2021 white dial version which is automatic - the difference in thickness is night an day, the Quartz sits much better on the wrist.
I’ve just had a quick look on the Watchfinder website, and they only have one priced at less than £3k.
The quartz versions are all £2,600 and above.
I think to buy one for your budget of £2,500, you’re looking at a private sale.
I’ve got a quartz Seamaster, probably a 2541.80, from about 2001 or 2002, love it. Incredibly comfortable.
The 2531.80 is the automatic model and, I believe, the 2541.80 was the quartz one.
To the best of my knowledge, back then, both versions had the same thickness.
In any case, I can confirm that the automatic version is very slim and one of the most comfortable watches I have ever worn. Can not remotely be compared with the modern co-axial powered watches which are typically thicker.
Welcome - I’m just outside Dublin. One good option available for watch servicing is Tommy McCall in Dungannon. He comes highly recommended by friends of mine who have had Omegas serviced by him.
Understood!
I am located in USA, so not really familiar with UK market and prices there.
Having said that, do not pay too too much attention to the presence of the box and papers for this watch (after all, I even myself managed to lose the papers of my own 1998 example 🤦 and the red boxes used at the time really do disintegrate over time, so it is unlikely to find one with a good quality box).
On the other hand, I think you will want to focus on the following:
- to see if the watch has been serviced over its recent lifetime, you can check whether the tip of the seconds hand is a bright red (ie, likely a new service hand, unless the watch has sat in a drawer for the last 15 years) or whether it is a washed out pink/light orange. There is nothing bad about the latter, and may just indicate that the watch has not been serviced recently (and as an aside, please be ready to spend £££ to have the watch serviced!!)
- also, check the condition of the anodized bezel to see how much wear it has and which may indicate of how hard a love it had already.
- check for scuffs and scrapes around the holes to be used to open the case back to make sure that no hack job was performed on the watch when it was opened.
- I would also check on pictures to see how much “slack” the bracelet seems to have. If you look at past “for sale ads”, you should be able to get a feel for what the bracelet looks like when the watch is resting on its side between good and tired examples.
- similarly, and a bit more difficult to sometimes ascertain, try to see if the shapes of the case have been changed or the sharper edges dulled because of improper polishing during past services.
Anyhow, great pick on a wonderful model… and good luck with your search!! 👍
Understood!
I am located in USA, so not really familiar with UK market and prices there.
Having said that, do not pay too too much attention to the presence of the box and papers for this watch (after all, I even myself managed to lose the papers of my own 1998 example 🤦 and the red boxes used at the time really do disintegrate over time, so it is unlikely to find one with a good quality box).
On the other hand, I think you will want to focus on the following:
- to see if the watch has been serviced over its recent lifetime, you can check whether the tip of the seconds hand is a bright red (ie, likely a new service hand, unless the watch has sat in a drawer for the last 15 years) or whether it is a washed out pink/light orange. There is nothing bad about the latter, and may just indicate that the watch has not been serviced recently (and as an aside, please be ready to spend £££ to have the watch serviced!!)
- also, check the condition of the anodized bezel to see how much wear it has and which may indicate of how hard a love it had already.
- check for scuffs and scrapes around the holes to be used to open the case back to make sure that no hack job was performed on the watch when it was opened.
- I would also check on pictures to see how much “slack” the bracelet seems to have. If you look at past “for sale ads”, you should be able to get a feel for what the bracelet looks like when the watch is resting on its side between good and tired examples.
- similarly, and a bit more difficult to sometimes ascertain, try to see if the shapes of the case have been changed or the sharper edges dulled because of improper polishing during past services.
Anyhow, great pick on a wonderful model… and good luck with your search!! 👍
