Choosing a 2220.80 - how's my fishing?

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Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase my first nice watch and have set my sights on the 2220.80.

This forum has been such a fantastic resource. I've read the 'Learn to Fish' post and understand to look for sharpness in the lug edges/bezel; despite poring over various pictures, I'm not very confident in my ability to differentiate just yet.

Does anyone perhaps have examples of what an overpolished specimen of this style may look like? Any other tips/tricks as I work to develop my eye?


If anyone would indulge me, these are my takes on some listing pics I've included below:
  • Lug edges seem sharp
  • Scalloped bezel appears defined, but the light washes it out a bit so I'm not sure
  • No obvious cuts with smoothed out edges
  • Scuffing on He valve side of case perhaps suggests it has not been polished much(?)

Seller describes the condition as "Fair," but it looks pretty good to me. Did I misinterpret anything or perhaps miss some red flags?
This is a well-reviewed dealer in Japan and claims ±0 sec/day.

Many thanks to anyone who reads all this. I look forward to learning more and joining the club in the future!

 
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I assume this is coming out of Japan? It definitely has been polished. But it's not terrible. SMP's have pretty generous lugs so unless they are completely wiped out they can be redefined in the future with the proper lapping techniques.

I'm not crazy about the refinishing on the bracelet. The satin pattern is more coarse than Omega would do. But in the hands of the right person that can be corrected. And the finish may not bother you at all as is.

The bezel has definitely been touched up. But the insert looks to be in good shape.

I would most be interested in how the movement is running. Something of this age might need a service right out of the box (depending on when it was last serviced, if ever).
 
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Welcome to OF gator!

Good choice of watch, Seamasters are good rugged watches with a movement that is easy to get serviced. If you want a pristine example you should probably continue looking. If you want a watch that you are going to use and not be too afraid to get some of your own schratches on, this might be the one.

As @502 to right said, you need to get it serviced, so save some money for that. Your local watchmaker can do that for you if you dont want to send it to Omega.

It looks like it has had a long hard life, it almost looks like corrosion.
 
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I assume this is coming out of Japan? It definitely has been polished. But it's not terrible. SMP's have pretty generous lugs so unless they are completely wiped out they can be redefined in the future with the proper lapping techniques.

I'm not crazy about the refinishing on the bracelet. The satin pattern is more coarse than Omega would do. But in the hands of the right person that can be corrected. And the finish may not bother you at all as is.

The bezel has definitely been touched up. But the insert looks to be in good shape.

I would most be interested in how the movement is running. Something of this age might need a service right out of the box (depending on when it was last serviced, if ever).
Yes, out of Japan. I appreciate the input! I certainly have work to do developing my frame of reference. Can you share what you see in the bezel that tells you it's seen work?
 
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hen hen
Welcome to OF gator!

Good choice of watch, Seamasters are good rugged watches with a movement that is easy to get serviced. If you want a pristine example you should probably continue looking. If you want a watch that you are going to use and not be too afraid to get some of your own schratches on, this might be the one.

As @502 to right said, you need to get it serviced, so save some money for that. Your local watchmaker can do that for you if you dont want to send it to Omega.

It looks like it has had a long hard life, it almost looks like corrosion.
Thank you for the insight! I was iffy on targeting this one as I'm not quite at the trigger-pulling stage, but in any event felt it could be a useful learning exercise. Your suggestion of corrosion is very helpful - with that in mind, I can see how there's maybe a pitted nature to it that's perhaps different than a more standard abrasion.
 
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I will also validate your choice of the 2220.80 as a good model to focus your search on, as I have one too. Blue wave dial with the marker rings looks classy/sporty, great movement. Expect it to get a lot of wrist-time.
 
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Thank you for the insight! I was iffy on targeting this one as I'm not quite at the trigger-pulling stage, but in any event felt it could be a useful learning exercise. Your suggestion of corrosion is very helpful - with that in mind, I can see how there's maybe a pitted nature to it that's perhaps different than a more standard abrasion.
You are so right in thaking your time and waith for the best one for you. Have you considered the swordhand series of Seamasters? If you like blue watches, you might like the "electric blue". I just bought the first Omega I could get face to face. I did not know what a Seamaster or Speedmaster was, I just wanted an Omega. Luckily I got myself a 2254 from an watch entusiast and not a shady scammer.
 
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Yes, out of Japan. I appreciate the input! I certainly have work to do developing my frame of reference. Can you share what you see in the bezel that tells you it's seen work?

The brushing on the scallops has the same coarse pattern as the bracelet. Not terrible, but it's not the Omega pattern.
 
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hen hen
You are so right in thaking your time and waith for the best one for you. Have you considered the swordhand series of Seamasters? If you like blue watches, you might like the "electric blue". I just bought the first Omega I could get face to face. I did not know what a Seamaster or Speedmaster was, I just wanted an Omega. Luckily I got myself a 2254 from an watch entusiast and not a shady scammer.
Funny you should mention that - I did stumble across the 2254 while researching SMPs and wound up convincing myself I should have them both!