Hunting for a Grail - 2531.80 vs 2220.80?

Hello,

Sorry for posting new thread with the question that was answered thousand times - but always with different answers. 😉

I've been staring at these for quite a while now, still hesitating. Omega SMP is the watch that I always wanted, even before I started wearing watches. I keep telling myself that if... when I finally get it, I won't (feel the) need to buy any other timepiece.
Anyway, for a long time I was not even aware there were different versions. I thought it was just "the one with waves on the dial". Now that I know little bit more about Bond's watch of choice, I'm not sure which one should I get.

What I like in 2220.80 - applied indices, longer hands, red writing. In general, I prefer the aesthetics of this over 2531. Also I like Craig's Bond more than Brosnan 🤨 😁
What I like about 2531.80 - lower profile and the fact that it's recognised as more "classic" (is it? 😀).

Concerns? Recently I heard that co-axials are more delicate and prone to failures. On the other hand, they seem to me more "in-house" than 1120, but that's only my point of view and lack of knowledge.
Also I've read that service cost can be a bit higher with 2500.

Currently I have few 2220.80 on the radar. One of them being offered as "like new", rarely on the wrist and not ever opened. Should I avoid one not serviced for over 10 years? Or just go for it an have it serviced ASAP?

I'll be very grateful for any tips and advices, maybe there's more I should look for and check when buying either of those two watches.

Thanks,
Iz

Could be that 2531.80 is being recognized as more Bond watch, I do not know why because he wasn't even wearing it, it was quartz 2541.80 what he had in Goldeneye.

Between 2220.80 vs 2531.80 - mid-case and bezel are same height, but higher case back makes 2220.80 as the taller watch.
Haven't really seen any significant difference in accuracy 1120 vs 2500, I prefer 1120 over any co-axial movement, but hey what can you do now..

Due to the aesthetics I have chosen 2220.80. 2531.80 is little bit boring for me.


Both of these models are pretty safe purchase tbh. Meaning, if you won't like it you should be able to sell it quickly and with a minimal loss, if any.
Just buy the one you are able to find first in good condition and reasonable price tag.
Happy hunting.

I have the 2220.80. A great looking Bond watch. I like how it's a mix of both the old and new. Touches of the classic 2531.80, but with modern touches of the applied hour markers and Omega logo on the dial.

I’ve got them both. They’re both equally Bond watches in my opinion if that matters to people. The “classic” Bond watch is a Rolex. The 2220.80 looks better (the longer hands really make a difference) and wears a little more comfortably in my opinion. Can’t go wrong either way, though. If you’re not in a rush, wait for one that has received a recent full Omega service. And be sure to verify it was serviced by Omega. Some crap sellers pretend and hope you don’t catch their lie. The service charges aren’t cheap!

2531.80 gets my vote, but then again, I own one. 😀

I also went with the 2220.80.

And I know i mistakenly call it my Goldeneye Bond watch. Even if it’s not quartz. And it’s the updated co-axial version. Because what i liked about the Goldeneye watch was its looks. And I think the 2220.80 captures that well in an updated and (for me) improved version.

Plus it’s really a Bond watch as pointed above. Came out in Craig’s Casino Royale.

Thanks guys, you're not making my decision easier. ; )

I've asked here and there about the possible service of cal. 2500 and I'd say this is not something that makes watchmakers happy.
It's usually up to parts availability, "co-axial anxiety" or price (I get suspicious when someone tells me he'll do the "full service" for too cheap, which is too good to be true). That makes me lean slightly towards older version (while still I prefer the looks of newer).

How often do you have your cal. 2500 serviced and where? Using Omega or Swatch Group services or your trusted watchmakers?

I just got through researching this in anticipation of buying a 2500:

Use an Omega service centre
About every 5 years

Although some folks run them until they stop or are wildly out of time if they're going with Omega, since the service will cover all possible parts (and it better for the price!). You can get your local prices off the Omega website.

I can attest to owning a 1120 cal in my old 2254.50 . the one thing i noticed was how LOUD it was at night time.

Found an interesting article on ABlogToWatch (click here) which I thought I'd share - it's a comparison of the 1120 and 2500 calibers (and the 8500 too). May be of interest to the OP. 👍

I have the mid-size 2223.80 quartz. It seems to have found its way onto my wife’s wrist. The blue truly is a unique and mesmerising colour, it’s just pops, along with the dial.

Love my 2254!

Easily up there with the BEST lume.!

I have a 2531. Nice and slim. But in your case I’d probably go for the 2220 since you like Daniel Craig Bond better. And it’s a better watch overall I think in terms of specs.

Go for the 2220.80. I did.

2 reasons.....

1. Its a watch with a nice mix of old and new. Modern touches such as longer hands, applied markers and logos, Co-Axial calibre while retaining the same classic wave dial and aluminium blue bezel.

2. Its the Bond watch from Craig's best Bond film, or perhaps the best Bond film of our generation.... Casino Royale!

Doesn't it seem strange that someone would be wearing a dinner jacket and cuff links and a diving watch at the same time? I mean besides Omega paying the film studio to do that, you probably would never see that in real life.

you might need to time your food order...

I rock my SMP most of the time when I'm in formal wear 😜

2220.80! I love the applied indices, and there’s something about the red Seamaster text under the applied logo that better balances out the dial for me.

I have watches with both 1120 and 2500 movements and never had issues with either. The only thing is the 1120 might be easier to find someone to service if you don’t go the Omega service route, but otherwise I’d vote for the 2220.80.