I'm looking at my first Neo vintage Seamaster

I've had both and the current model too. Depends really if you like the slight bling of the 2220.80 with its applied markers or the pure tool look of the 2254. The 2220.80 has the coax 2500 movement which makes for a slight (but noticeable) increase in case depth. That for me is a drawback but some won't care. Note both wear a lot smaller and thinner than the bulky current model, despite the spec being only a mm or so wider and deeper on paper. The 2254.50 is super slim for a 300m rated dive watch.

Presumably you have rejected the original 2531.80 so do prefer a bit more bling. On that basis of those 2, perhaps the 2220.80 is the one to go for. Or is you are keeping the blue current version you show above, maybe try the 2254.50 to mix up your colour choices. Neither of those you suggest is a bad option.