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OK, deciding between Omega SMP 212.30.41.20.03.001 instead of older 2531/2541 references?

gramboda
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I just wanted to say thank you for your patience with my newbie questions—I'm learning a ton from all of you. I’d love to get your thoughts and insights on something I’m currently grappling with.

I’ve been really focused on the Omega Seamaster 2531 and 2541 models lately, but I’m struggling to land on a solid preference between quartz and automatic. Both have their pros and cons, and I can’t seem to settle on one.

The main issue for me is condition. These watches are older and show signs of wear, which has led me to consider the newer 212.30.41.20.03.001 instead.

I’m not particularly attached to the 007 heritage of the 2531/2541, and I think I’m willing to let go of the wave dial and the yellow hour markers for the sake of a more modern look and better condition. I particularly prefer the read Seamaster on the dial of this model (more than I care about the wave dial, in fact.)

I’ve found a US-based seller offering the 212.30.41.20.03.001 for $2495, which is about $500 over my budget. The watch comes without box, papers, or service history, and the bracelet is too small, so I’d need to source extra links. That said, I really love how clean the dial and bezel look.

What do you think? Would you stretch the budget for this, or do you think it’s better to stick with an older model in better condition?

Thanks again for your input!

Screen Shot 2025-01-15 at 8.21.55 AM.webp Screen Shot 2025-01-15 at 8.22.20 AM.webp Screen Shot 2025-01-15 at 8.22.32 AM.webp Screen Shot 2025-01-15 at 8.22.43 AM.webp Screen Shot 2025-01-15 at 8.22.53 AM.webp
 
T
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Absolutely the one to get in my opinion. And don’t even think about quartz. Automatic all the way. Plenty of these out there. Take more time to save money, then buy one.
 
aphexafx
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You're asking a completely subjective question so you're going to get a bunch of opinions which are not attached to your own. I'd go for the 2531.80 because it's a classic pre co-axial Seamaster and I think that the wave dial is awesome. I think the applied indexes on this watch look cheesy and I hate the rounded date window outline with a passion. YMMV.
 
gramboda
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aphexafx aphexafx
You're asking a completely subjective question so you're going to get a bunch of opinions which are not attached to your own. I'd go for the 2531.80 because it's a classic pre co-axial Seamaster and I think that the wave dial is awesome. I think the applied indexes on this watch look cheesy and I hate the rounded date window outline with a passion. YMMV.
Interesting. I would have never considered the date window. I appreciate your reply. I am looking more for a second set of eyes on this example - condition, etc. Explaining the reasoning for considering this ref was more or less secondary.
 
gramboda
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T tjs1295
With an 8 inch wrist have you considered the Planet Ocean?
You mean the PO 42? I have kicked the idea around a bit. I feel as though I tend to lean toward the more sporty side, though.
 
ErichKeane
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aphexafx aphexafx
You're asking a completely subjective question so you're going to get a bunch of opinions which are not attached to your own. I'd go for the 2531.80 because it's a classic pre co-axial Seamaster and I think that the wave dial is awesome. I think the applied indexes on this watch look cheesy and I hate the rounded date window outline with a passion. YMMV.
I had a 2531.80 at one point and it is a great watch!

Some suggestions I'd give when shopping for watches to WEAR:

-Identify what is important to you for condition. For example, for me, a good looking dial/hands/bezel is the most important. A somewhat messy case is completely acceptable to me, as long as the bezel looks good. I figure while it is on my hands, I'm not looking at the sides of the case 😀

-Most good watch makers can do fantastic work with scratches on case bodies. Next time it goes in to service, as long as there aren't significant 'dings', a basic hand-polish/brush will make it seem like new. So if it IS something that bothers you, as long as it isn't a 'ding' into the metal/lug, get a sympathetic service from someone who will spend the time cleaning it up. If it is a polished surface, you can actually do some pretty great magic yourself with a dowel and a cape-cod-cloth.

-Macro photography makes watches look BAD. It is going to highlight every scratch and make it look 100x worse. Beware of sellers that mess with the lighting (too much light hides a LOT of sins), but don't be overly dissuaded by minor scuffs/scratches on the case sides/lugs. You'll not notice most of them on your wrist.
 
gramboda
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T tjs1295
With an 8 inch wrist have you considered the Planet Ocean?
I take that back. I was confusing PO with Aqua Terra in my above comment.
 
aphexafx
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My cal. 2500 era PO 42mm on my 7.3 inch wrist. Same movement as the Seamaster 212.30.41.20.03.001 above. Also available with a black bezel and orange/white numerals. Choices!

Sporty AF.

IMG_2848.webp


Edit to add: Ref. 2209.50
Edited:
 
ErichKeane
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gramboda gramboda
I take that back. I was confusing PO with Aqua Terra in my above comment.
I WILL say that the 2531.80 wears REALLY small. Since you have an 8 inch wrist, it is perhaps pretty tiny. I have a 6.5" wrist, and it wore pretty darn small on me.
 
gramboda
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
I WILL say that the 2531.80 wears REALLY small. Since you have an 8 inch wrist, it is perhaps pretty tiny. I have a 6.5" wrist, and it wore pretty darn small on me.
F%^%$#! I gotta see these watches in person to make a decision, then. I don't know how that's ever going to happen where I live. I am few hours from Chicago. I guess I need to make trek down there to see if I can find all these examples in one geographical area. Any recommendations are appreciated!
 
ErichKeane
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There are 6 ADs within reason of Chicago: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/...51784&lng=-88.10671775732308&mode=all&zoom=10

2 in Chicago, 1 in Buffalo Grove, 1 in Oak Bridge, and 1 in Schaumburg, 1 in Valparaiso.

So you might be able to find an AD to help at least with the modern stuff. The older stuff, perhaps see if there is a 'watch club' in your area that could help? I'd be shocked if there wasn't a group SOMEWHERE (or at least someone in your area with some of the ones you're interested in).
 
mjb
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It's worth spending a day in the city to try on different watches.

IMHO, the watch that you showed us looks nice, but it's overpriced if missing links as well as B&P. The wave dial is iconic, and yes, you want to go with an automatic unless you just want the accuracy of a quartz.
 
WatchIdiot
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Below is a pic of my 2531 and my planet ocean next to each other. They look the same size, and are ( with in 1 mm ) but the planet ocean is beefier.

If you like the red SEAMASTER then get it, the price on that watch was not bad. Sold listings on ebay are from 2900-3100 average.

I will say if you want a daily I would go for the 2531, as it wears nicer to me. But I dont have huge wrists, like 7.25 or so.

I will say both are nice, the red seamaster is nice looking, but with the blue dial I prefer the wave. It just adds dimension to the dial.

Ignore the dirty crystals

both.webp
 
DenisChalandier
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Taste OK subjective.

To me the most beautiful one. I have it too.

Buying this one is far easier. They have been rarely polished yet. The mouvements are not washed up yet. Easy to wear daily, thanks ceramic bezel. Easy to service by Omega.

It's the unloved mostly because not Bond but it's not a criteria for you so...

Decent price and shappe nothing to say on this one. Not rare so have a look and maybe find one directly with a fitting bracelet I guess.

PO and else. Very different watches. Taste again.
 
ErichPryde
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Gram-

Just an observation here, your budget seems to be coming up a bit.


Definitely take some time to see some of these watches in person, it will absolutely be worth your while. I also would sit down a bit more and think about what style you really want..
 
502 to right
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
I WILL say that the 2531.80 wears REALLY small. Since you have an 8 inch wrist, it is perhaps pretty tiny. I have a 6.5" wrist, and it wore pretty darn small on me.

Personally, I disagree. While the 2531.31 is thin, I think it wears broad on the wrist. Compared to my 40mm Rolex 16610 Submariner Date it looks substantially larger on wrist. Like 2-3mm bigger, when the calipers says it's only 1mm bigger. My wrist is in the area of 6.75 to 6.9 inches.
 
ErichPryde
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502 to right 502 to right
Personally, I disagree. While the 2531.31 is thin, I think it wears broad on the wrist. Compared to my 40mm Rolex 16610 Submariner Date it looks substantially larger on wrist. Like 2-3mm bigger, when the calipers says it's only 1mm bigger. My wrist is in the area of 6.75 to 6.9 inches.

Exactly why he needs to see these watches in person, the wrist is a highly imperfect flattened cylinder. Two people can have the same diameter but completely different wrist surface area....
 
ErichKeane
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502 to right 502 to right
Personally, I disagree. While the 2531.31 is thin, I think it wears broad on the wrist. Compared to my 40mm Rolex 16610 Submariner Date it looks substantially larger on wrist. Like 2-3mm bigger, when the calipers says it's only 1mm bigger. My wrist is in the area of 6.75 to 6.9 inches.
Huh, interesting! I found it wore MUCH smaller than my Speedmasters, and even some of the 'smaller' dress watches I had at the time. It 'felt' to me like more of a 38/39mm watch.

But the flatness I think is a bit part of that. I tend to think a watch is 'big' for 1 of 2 reasons:

-'effective height' (thick watches with a 'bubble' type back that fits into my arm are effectively 'thinner' than a thinner-by-caliper watch sometimes)
- Lug distance. I have a bit of a flat wrist, and not all that big, but once the lugs hang off the edge, its over.

For example, my 2225.80 is a THICK BOY, but it actually sticks into my arm a bunch that it is not SUPER thick. My GMT Masters, Exp2/etc have reasonable lug widths, despite being 41/42mm.

The skydweller on the other hand, felt HUGE, despite also being 42mm and thinner than my 2225.80. The 42mm Zulu Time ALSO felt huge, because of its lugs/lug shape.

The 2531.80 felt like it was painted-on, I barely/rarely noticed it was on my wrist.

But yes, as @ErichPryde says: This is why you need to try it on 😁
 
gramboda
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ErichPryde ErichPryde
Gram-

Just an observation here, your budget seems to be coming up a bit.


Definitely take some time to see some of these watches in person, it will absolutely be worth your while. I also would sit down a bit more and think about what style you really want..
Appreciate that and I agree. Budget is a primary factor for me which usually leads to a less than ideal outcome and costing more in the long run. I will learn someday. ;-)
Another problem is I want ALL the styles! HA! - a SMP, a Speedmaster and don't forget the chrono SMP, Aqua Terra and now the Plant Ocean!
The only thing I really know for sure is I want an Omega. The current gen white dial SMP is what got my juices flowing. I was at the Omega Boutique in DC in December and I thought, "This is going to be my grail watch." Then I dove head first into researching the SMP in general and the first gen Bond watch caught my fancy, and it is cheaper than the current gen.
Also, I totally ate up the sales experience at the boutique. I have custom ordered cars for exponentially more money and havent been treated as well. It was really a nice experience. I wouldn't get that on the gray or second hand market. There is a premium price for that too, though. I also have a major birthday milestone I would like to celebrate with a gift to myself AND a trip abroad I would like to have the watch for.
All this is to say, you're right. I really need to see these in person and/or maybe I save my pennies for the latest gen.

IMG_1699.webp
 
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