Royal Navy Clearance Diver query

Posts
13
Likes
17
Hi

I am interested in getting an Omega Seamaster Royal Navy Clearance Diver 225780 currently listed with a reputable UK dealer for just under £7K. It looks in very good condition and the paperwork shows complete service by Omega in 2021. Is this a reasonable item to consider buying and is it likely to increase in value given that I believe only 150 were ever produced? The asking price seems about right although the age is not specified. I assume this could be obtained from the serial number? Any specific questions should be asking, not least how well is it running.

I have been collecting for a few years so know a little bit about automatic watches including Omega.

Many thanks

Jeremy
 
Posts
13,092
Likes
17,945
It is impossible to judge a watch without pictures. I was able to find a thread about this model.


In my experience, very few Omega watches increase in value after first retail sale, even if a “limited edition”. Snoopy Speedmasters are an exception.

BTW, I deleted your duplicate post.
gatorcpa
 
Posts
13
Likes
17
Thank you for your prompt response and apologies for duplicating my reply - although seems to have happened again when I clicked on the link you attached. I was more interested in general views about this model and value which seems to be around £6,500 to £7,500. They seem identical to the 2255.80 but with a dedicated caseback to Royal Navy Clearance Diver. This provenance presumably adds to the value and being a limited 150 edition which I see elsewhere as making the watch quite rare. Just wondered if this was a genuine military collaboration or as mentioned in the thread more of a marketing thing, like I suppose, the Tudor FXD/Marine Nationale collaboration.

Thanks
 
Posts
87
Likes
38
Watches aren't a good asset class for speculation, if you like it buy it, reasonable to not want to loose your shirt but don't expect 10% a year appreciation.
 
Posts
13,092
Likes
17,945
I think it was more of an affinity piece with the Royal Navy, although if enough veterans or active duty members wanted a particular logo, Omega would make a limited run of them.
gatorcpa
 
Posts
2,651
Likes
5,344
Seems like a big premium for the Navy insignia on back (watch otherwise identical to others in this reference) which seems like pure marketing ploy. But I guess all LE are just that.
If I loved this look I would try to find a good titanium one and have a better watch and big savings to boot.
But that’s just me. As my mother said there’s a lid for every pot.
 
Posts
1,376
Likes
2,802
There are 4 listed on chrono24 atm and so it looks like these are not hot sellers. But you can compare age and price there.

In a downward market this type of watch will not hold its value i believe. Rolex and tudor also have these badge editions - opposite to truely issued watches - like this as do some French brands for the Marine National.
For a "true" issued dive watch CWC cabot watch company also spring to mind, their Royal Navy diver is a cool piece as well for less, 1000 - 2000 euro.

Some more reading on this subject;

www.wornandwound.com/tag/military-watches-of-the-world/
 
Posts
23,107
Likes
51,596
There are so many limited editions and special orders that have been produced, and most have not done particularly well financially. Sometimes they do, but I wouldn't really pay extra for it as an investment.

Issued military watches, while not guaranteed as good investments, are generally more likely to remain interesting to collectors.