Input from the forum on Seamaster's and upgrades.

Hello and thanks in advance.

Looking to purchase a preowned Seamaster uses the electric blue dial which I think is really good looking:

1. 168.1640
2. 2265.80

Have a few questions:

1. Is there any major differences between the 2? Seems like the 168 is newer with a new model code
2. I will want to add a blue bezel and rubber strap to either one..
Does anyone know what model I should be targeting to make that bezel swap? I am having trouble finding any real help online..
3. Any other model suggestions? I know the 2255 is out there but not sure why I wouldn't go automatic?!

Any other advice/input/comments are appreciated!

- The goal is something like this when I am all said and done..

The first number is case number used in a number of automatic full size stainless steel Seamaster references.

The second number is a reference number for a full size stainless SMP with the "electric blue" dial, quartz cal. 1538 movement, polished steel bezel insert, and 1610/930 "Speedmaster" bracelet. It would utilize a 196.xxxx quartz case.

The 2255.80 is reference number for a full size stainless SMP with the "electric blue" dial, automatic cal. 1120 movement, polished steel bezel insert, and 1610/930 "Speedmaster" bracelet. It would use a 168.1640 case, for example.

The quartz and automatic references are easily differentiated by the lack of "Chronometer" text, larger lume plot at 3 o'clock and farther inboard position of the date window on the former.

You could use the steel bezel with blue anodized insert from any number of full size SMPs like quartz references 2541.80 and 2221.80 or automatic references 2531.80 and pre ceramic coaxial 2220.80

Thank you for this clear explanation.
So the 2265 and 2255 use different cases based on the movement?
I mixed them up in my post but is the 2255 more desirable?

Are these the only 2 that offered the electric blue dial... ?

The automatic and quartz cases are different, the bezels for the same.

It depends on what you want; the quartz watches are thinner and the dial spacing/text/arrangement differs. The automatic watches are certified as chronometers and a little thicker.

There were mid size and full size, quartz and automatic, titanium and steel, those with "Bond" bracelets and those with "Speedmaster" bracelets. Depends on what you want.

I like the full size stainless electric blue with the Speedmaster bracelet personally (ref. 2255.80) but I'd buy the titanium version (ref. 2232. 80) if I saw a good deal. I think the Speedmaster bracelet looks better with the sword hands than the Bond bracelet.