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Buy fair condition Seamaster 2531.80 and get serviced?

guybrush
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I have always wanted to own the first Bond Seamaster and have been seriously looking at buying from various Japanese vendors on Chrono24.

I am starting to think that rather than spending more for one in great condition, it makes sense to spend less and use the money I save to get a full service by Omega.

My thinking is that any cosmetic issues like a scratched bezel, faded second hand paint, or imperfect dial, will be replaced during the service.

Even if I bought one in great condition, I would likely want a service to get the movement regulated within spec and to ensure water resistance etc.

Does this make sense or am I overlooking something?
 
padders
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You are perhaps overlooking that Omega charge for parts additional to the movement, crown and hands. And a tired Bond SMP will probably have a loose bracelet that can’t be greatly improved, just replaced, again at great cost. What you suggest could incur extra charges of thousands for the dial, bezel, bracelet etc. It can be done but you need to find one with a good dial and bracelet to start with really. Oh and avoid any with any significant mid case damage as Omega will charge for one of those too if badly dinged as they only remove not add metal when refinishing.

You might have better luck if you can find an Indy with a parts account who is willing to repin the bracelet and laser weld any big dings but the Indy’s may have to charge for movement parts so you can have issues either way.

In general it’s best to buy the very best you can find.
Edited:
 
DenisChalandier
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guybrush guybrush
I have always wanted to own the first Bond Seamaster and have been seriously looking at buying from various Japanese vendors on Chrono24.

I am starting to think that rather than spending more for one in great condition, it makes sense to spend less and use the money I save to get a full service by Omega.

My thinking is that any cosmetic issues like a scratched bezel, faded second hand paint, or imperfect dial, will be replaced during the service.

Even if I bought one in great condition, I would likely want a service to get the movement regulated within spec and to ensure water resistance etc.

Does this make sense or am I overlooking something?
Your logic is the good one. At least, I'm doing the same. A 20 years old watch can't be in good conditions without any service ever done. Better to buy a fair one as you say and make it fully serviced by Omega.

But I agree. The bracelet will be costly to change. 1k for it only. A good bracelet is needed. If you want to wear it of course. The rest can be change. Those shiny "great conditions" are just these "fair" ones your are aiming with a light polish to get them shine. Eventually the aluminium part of the bezel changed. Nothing else.

Be prepared to add 1k to your pursase and you will have a fully service watch instead of a shiny 20 years old one. Something like 2,3K + 1k instead of 2.8K directly but you will know what you have.
 
BAJJ
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Condition, condition, condition in my opinion and many others here is the key when buying an older watch. Buy the best you can afford to get, not only will it have less wear than a not so good one, it will retain its originality post service rather than a mix of service parts and a polished case.
 
DenisChalandier
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BAJJ BAJJ
Condition, condition, condition in my opinion and many others here is the key when buying an older watch. Buy the best you can afford to get, not only will it have less wear than a not so good one, it will retain its originality post service rather than a mix of service parts and a polished case.
Sry but I don't understand that on 2531.80. The service parts are originals. It's not a 50 years old Speed or a costly old Rolex Sub that can't be touch because of tritium dial or else. Omega has everything to get them has new to really enjoy them daily.

And you can ask Omega what you want. If you don't want the watch to be polished or whatever parts not to be changed, then they won't do it (except hands before 1997). Quite simple.
 
BAJJ
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DenisChalandier DenisChalandier
Sry but I don't understand that on 2531.80. The service parts are originals. It's not a 50 years old Speed or a costly old Rolex Sub that can't be touch because of tritium dial or else. Omega has everything to get them has new to really enjoy them daily.

And you can ask Omega what you want. If you don't want the watch to be polished or whatever parts not to be changed, then they won't do it (except hands before 1997). Quite simple.
Just my opinion, I would prefer a good condition original than a restored beat up one.
 
Davidt
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BAJJ BAJJ
Just my opinion, I would prefer a good condition original than a restored beat up one.

I agree. If you buy a knackered one, you end up needing full service, bracelet, bezel, mid case etc. it will cost much more than 1k and you’ve got a mish mash of new and 20 year old parts.

Better to spend a bit more and buy one in good original condition that just needs a movement service.
 
watch_my_six
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DenisChalandier DenisChalandier
Sry but I don't understand that on 2531.80. The service parts are originals. It's not a 50 years old Speed or a costly old Rolex Sub that can't be touch because of tritium dial or else. Omega has everything to get them has new to really enjoy them daily.

And you can ask Omega what you want. If you don't want the watch to be polished or whatever parts not to be changed, then they won't do it (except hands before 1997). Quite simple.
Unless the buyer is interested in a tritium version...
 
Dan S
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DenisChalandier DenisChalandier
Sry but I don't understand that on 2531.80. The service parts are originals. It's not a 50 years old Speed or a costly old Rolex Sub that can't be touch because of tritium dial or else. Omega has everything to get them has new to really enjoy them daily.

And you can ask Omega what you want. If you don't want the watch to be polished or whatever parts not to be changed, then they won't do it (except hands before 1997). Quite simple.
So you’re saying that this thread is in the wrong forum? 🙄
 
E
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IMO, the service costs to get a beat up one 'decent' are going to be pretty high. There are plenty of GOOD quality ones with perfect hands, bezels, dials, etc for high-1000s, low 2000s of dollars. Check out /r/watchexchange, there is plenty of them there.

Check out this one:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Watchexchange/comments/1hk1i2f/wts_omega_seamaster_pro_253180_serviced

Well experienced seller, recent service, looks to be in great shape, and plenty of pictures, all for $1800.

There are PLENTY of them around, see a sort-by-date search here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Watchexchange/search/?q=2531.80&sort=new&restrict_sr=on

I clicked through quite a few of them, and the most I can see is $2500 for one.

A service is going to cost a minimum of $500-$600 in the US, and that assumes no replacement parts are needed, which will add up quickly. Paying to have something "restored" is always going to be quite spendy.
 
DenisChalandier
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Dan S Dan S
So you’re saying that this thread is in the wrong forum? 🙄
If you want. The responses made by some are indeed for watches that have more values with orignal parts. On a 2531, the parts will be the same to date. The responses here are from collectors. A 2531 with it's original bezel and one getting out from Omega will be exactly the same watches. No one could tell. And anyway that's not the question ask by GuyBrush.

He says : "Even if I bought one in great condition, I would likely want a service to get the movement regulated within spec and to ensure water resistance etc."

Yes, he will have to service it anyway. A 20 years old watch needs it if he wants to use it daily. To put in a display box like a lot of old watches, indeed no. Why bother paying premium ? Because someone who wants to increase is margin gets it shine... ?

And has I said, Omega will change the tritium hands on pre 1997 2531. Not the dial. You just have to ask nicely. Like other parts, you can say yes or no, depending on taste or to match the watch you buy to start with. For some I choose not change the bezel even with scratches to keep the tritium dot. On others no ; lum for lum. And so on...

Obviously, more to change, more it costs.

This for instance is to avoid. And the seller tells it's all original... Hands and Bezel are not. Everything is polished but the bezel... It may also be a Franken with an old dial on an recent one...

https://www.chrono24.fr/omega/-omeg...6755028.htm?searchHash=46840eec_XeQUrQ&pos=59
 
guybrush
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E ErichKeane
IMO, the service costs to get a beat up one 'decent' are going to be pretty high. There are plenty of GOOD quality ones with perfect hands, bezels, dials, etc for high-1000s, low 2000s of dollars. Check out /r/watchexchange, there is plenty of them there.

Check out this one:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Watchexchange/comments/1hk1i2f/wts_omega_seamaster_pro_253180_serviced

Well experienced seller, recent service, looks to be in great shape, and plenty of pictures, all for $1800.

There are PLENTY of them around, see a sort-by-date search here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Watchexchange/search/?q=2531.80&sort=new&restrict_sr=on

I clicked through quite a few of them, and the most I can see is $2500 for one.

A service is going to cost a minimum of $500-$600 in the US, and that assumes no replacement parts are needed, which will add up quickly. Paying to have something "restored" is always going to be quite spendy.
Thank you for all of the replies. I appreciate the differing viewpoints. One of my main criteria is that it comes with all the bracelet links. My wrist is about 7 3/4". The one you linked looks great but judging by the photos it is missing two full links. from what I have learned the bracelet should have 11 full links and 2 half-links (at least this is the most I've found after hours of searching through postings.) I suppose I can buy extra links: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114079936526 (Are these legit???)

Also, I think I may have been misleading when I used the term "fair" vs. one in great condition. I am talking about the difference between price and condition of two watches like these: https://www.chrono24.com/omega/-omega-253180-300----844985--id37821566.htm (faded second hand, some bezel scratches)

and https://www.chrono24.com/omega/300m--41mm--id37940903.htm (closer to new looking)
 
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E
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guybrush guybrush
Thank you for all of the replies. I appreciate the differing viewpoints. One of my main criteria is that it comes with all the bracelet links. My wrist is about 7 3/4". The one you linked looks great but judging by the photos it is missing two full links. from what I have learned the bracelet should have 11 full links and 2 half-links (at least this is the most I've found after hours of searching through postings.) I suppose I can buy extra links: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114079936526 (Are these legit???)

Also, I think I may have been misleading when I used the term "fair" vs. one in great condition. I am talking about the difference between price and condition of two watches like these: https://www.chrono24.com/omega/-omega-253180-300----844985--id37821566.htm (faded second hand, some bezel scratches)

and https://www.chrono24.com/omega/300m--41mm--id37940903.htm (closer to new looking)
That definitely looks like an authentic bracelet link.

FWIW, bezel scuffs are kind of my biggest annoyances, so I don't think I'd make it with one. My thoughts on getting a watch serviced, particularly an inexpensive one like this, is to just get it done when it 'needs' it.

As a side note, I had one of these for a while and it just didn't land for me. The blue is kind of bland and the dial is kind of plain. I spent a while swapping out bracelets and bands on it to try to like it (the stock bracelet is kind of awful for what its worth, it is far from comfortable, particularly compared to more more modern or Longines/Rolex bracelets), and just couldn't like it. I ended up selling mine pretty quickly.
 
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Archer
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DenisChalandier DenisChalandier
On a 2531, the parts will be the same to date.
Not necessarily. These started off with tritium hands, dial, and bezel pip. There are several different cases used on this reference.
 
sathomasga
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I was planning to do exactly this with a 2561.80.00 quartz, so the service costs would be less. But once I got the watch in hand, I found that I actually really liked the "lived in" look. Maybe it's a bit like getting the first door ding on a new car. Afterwards you quit worrying about it. In any case, I have — and love — the watch; it's one of my most frequently worn. But it still looks like the 25-year-old well-worn watch that it is.
 
Jakeys
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E ErichKeane
The blue is kind of bland and the dial is kind of plain.

E ErichKeane
the stock bracelet is kind of awful for what its worth, it is far from comfortable

Wow, we could not disagree more on these two points! I love the shade of blue, love the understated but still detailed dial, and love the bracelet. Though I'll concede the lack of taper and micro adjust does date it, but the small (less than) half links to dial in the size and the integrated clasp and general fit, I can forget I'm wearing it, it's so comfortable.

Archer Archer
There are several different cases used on this reference.

Interesting. What changed in the case over the years for the 2531/2541?

I know from when I had my 2541 serviced that the crown tube was originally soldered in and had to be replaced with a threaded one (I think you've shared a thread about the special tool for that before actually) but that's the only difference I know of. Always keen to learn more about my watches.
 
DenisChalandier
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Archer Archer
Not necessarily. These started off with tritium hands, dial, and bezel pip. There are several different cases used on this reference.
I know that some cases don't have the same thickness or no logo helium valve and all. But before 1997 there is only the differences with tritium that Omega can't fix. Specially the hands because Omega won't put back tritium ones as I said. Maybe the dot but it's a choice to change the bezel or not. I don't so I have my tritium bezels. Nobody ever change the dial. If the dial is damaged, just don't buy the watch...

After 1997, people do what they like but to my mind, I use the possibility that still exist on this reference to make them as new. I don't understand why bother with an old unserviced watch to save 300 on a 2K watch when it's so simple to do it and have a watch you can really wear. And it's not that costly vs "good conditions ones" despite what people that have obvioutly never done it are saying.
 
sheepdoll
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I service my own watches. That makes looking for fair or poor watches at low prices. Mostly though I have been targeting parts assortments. Wound up with like 6 movement plate sets and perhaps 3 cases with the basic 5xx movements. Acquired a few quartz as well. Nothing really collectable.

It does feel like one is spending less. Adding up the numbers on the other hand indicates this is the most expensive way to go about it. Probably would have been better going for 2 or 3 nice examples which are complete. There is always a part missing or something that needs loads of time (like a bent hairspring, or missing pivot on a wheel.) Searching and chasing down the parts seems to be most of the fun. I did get a complete seamaster, but this one is way down on the list to service and make wearable. I also have the watches I got in the 1990s. So none of this is new.

Most of the stuff I play with is sub 500$. While it would be nice to play in the 2K arena, it is not practical when income is limited. One thing to spend lunch money on stuff. Another to play about with inflating fiat currency. It is next to impossible to sell stuff one has a lot of time invested. Especially as If I did sell, I would just buy the same stuff all over again.
 
H
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My first Omega was a 2551.80 that I bought from Japan (via Sendico, which is a proxy service to shop yahoo auctions). I ended up paying just about $1100 when it was shipped. I had a pretty good experience when I did it. I may have gotten lucky as it was in decent shape and had all the extra links so I was able to wear it with no issues. I sent it off to Omega for a service (needed a new crown tube as it wouldn't screw shut anymore) and they did change out the hands but I got the originals back and had them put back on. All in all I was under $1800 for everything, at the time I was pretty happy with it but looking back I would probably wait for a better example.
 
Archer
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DenisChalandier DenisChalandier
Nobody ever change the dial. If the dial is damaged, just don't buy the watch...
That’s not exactly how things work. Omega will test the edge of the dial to see if the finish is well adhered, and if it is not, they will replace the dial. This can happen when the rest of the dial looks fine.

Not saying this is very common but you very unequivocal statements are not 100% reflecting how things can actually go on these.
 
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