Bracelet/lug sizes diver....

Hi, I'm new here! Fresh off the purchase of a Speedmaster Pro, and feeling like a bit instantly hooked. It's a bit crazy how quickly I went from "Well, if a guy were to buy one nice watch in his life, what should it be?" to "Wow this thing is really nice, I should probably get another style sometime".

So, while I'm in no rush at this point, I think I will try to find a used diver someday. I reckon it would be smart to get one that has the same size lug distance, so that I have the option to switch bracelets/straps between watches, in the event I get a leather strap one day etc.

I really like the look of the Seamaster 300, but I noticed that the lug width is different from the Speedmaster. However I thought I saw something about that being a new change, and that older Seamaster 300 models were 20mm between lugs, same as the SMP.

Anyone know when that case size change occurred, and what kind of identifiers I'd want to keep my eyes open for, in order to find a Seamaster that could take same bracelet/strap as the Speedmaster?

Cheers,

Welcome to the forum - And congrats on the Speedy! Now post us some pictures of it - and get a I.D. picture (we like pictures).

I can’t tell you if/when the Seamaster left 20mm. Potentially the master of seamasters @padders may be able to direct you.

But I will be the first to recommend that lug width shouldn’t be the only (or even main) driving force toward your next piece. First, Speedmasters and Seamasters have different bracelet designs. Some people interchange them, but I doubt it’s that common and you likely won’t. Second, other watch characteristics are more significant than being able to save a few bucks on straps. I’d recommend going with the watch you saw and liked. Maybe you would be best suited to narrow down a few Seamasters you like based on color, bezel, dial, case size, etc.

I’ve only owned three “modern” Seamasters (none were remotely new) and all three are very different. This can show you some of the diversity in the line you are looking at.

The first was a prebond with an integrated bracelet. But the bracelet was so comfortable I don’t know why anyone would want to switch it out anyway. Super underrated watch if you ask me, I’d love to get my hands on the rarer full size auto. Not my watch or photo:


The second Seamaster I owned was an omega multifunction. What it lacked in rotating bezel it made up with on its digital dial. It was an awesome watch and I would also like to own another... my watch and wrist:

The third Seamaster I’ve owned is the Bond full size automatic with blue wave dial and it has a 20mm lug width. I consider this the original and most classic of the Seamaster lineup (even though the quartz is really the original bond). Same ugly wrist, different watch:

Thank you for all the info! And yes to clarify I wasn't thinking so much of switching bracelets from one to the other, just thought that if I do get another with the same lug spacing, and I get a leather strap one day, then I would be able to use the leather strap on both watches. And yes it was the Seamaster 300 with 21 mm lugs that I noticed, which prompted the curiosity. PS I really like that one in the bottom photo, is that the "sword hands" that you speak of?

Sharp!

Ahhh, thanks (I obviously have so much to learn). Those are all really nice!