Hi, although I have admired from afar for many years, I am fairly new to the watch world and new on this forum. Last year I purchased 2 watches as my first foray, they were a Rolex GMT master 2 black ceramic 2015 and a very tidy Omega seamaster 300m 41mm (blue) quartz 1999. Both classics, to my taste anyway. Both watches have Box and papers. I have recently been thinking about updating the Omega to a newer watch. Although the blue is classic Bond spec I really like the 300m in Black ceramic. I cannot stretch to a 2018+ model but I have found a very nice 2017 ‘flat dial’ automatic 41mm in black (with box & papers). It will cost me approx £1k additional to change. Wondering if anyone could advise on this deal and if I’m potentially letting a future classic slip away?

 

Id keep the classic bond personally especially as its not trying to compete with the 2018 model which blows the old ceramic one out of the water.

 

Older one is wayyyy better. The bracelet on the 2500 ceramic feels unrefined and stupid heavy for no reason. Bezel action is also worse than the classic. They fixed the bezel feel on the 2018 SMPs, but the bracelet still feels dumb and now the larger He valve is an annoyance.

 

An answer to your question is "Probably Yes".
The quartz models of Diver 300m, like 2264.50 or 2541.80 (which is yours) probably ain't gonna be any cheaper, that said I guess you shouldn't hold your breath for their prices skyrocketing to $5-6k.

If your GMT master 2 is a keeper and you already know you like 2018 SMP ceramic model - I would have sold 2541.80, wait a little bit longer to save up the money, and would add blue/silver 2018 Omega, so you will have two nice watches in two different colours.

Btw, 1k quids is approx. $1.3k.
I do not quite belive this is what you should pay to upgrade from the quartz 2541.80 to the black ‘flat dial’ cermic model.
The gap in a market value between these watches is probably $800-900 imo.

 

Ceramic, is much better than aluminum

 

Have you considered a 2220.80? I've had mine since 2012, and a 2254 prior to that. If you go after one of these pre-ceramics, make sure you get one with a half-size bracelet link. These older models don't come with micro-adjustment clasps, so the half-link is essential for some people to get a better fit. Some find the lighter clasp on the older pre-ceramic SMPs to be more comfortable.

The bezel font is also different. I like the smaller, discrete font size on blue pre-ceramic SMPs. The reason I let go of my 2254 in favor of a 2220 is because I didn't like how large the bezel numbers are. Also worth pondering for you is whether you have affinity for the wave pattern on your 2541.80. I personally prefer the aesthetic of the pre-ceramic SMP wave dials, compared to the lacquered shine of the ceramic ones or the more-contrived modern wave patterns on the 2018+ models.

I second Vitriol's observation about the cash difference. 1k pound sterling is too much for this particular upgrade.

 

I’m always keen to recommend the 2254 Seamaster.

Modern classic, better bracelet style (imo), rarer and something slightly different, in a good way.

 

2254 is well worth a look - quality, reliability, accuracy & exclusivity...

 

I wandered into a local AD today wearing my 2255.80 and tried on a couple of the newest wave dial Seamasters. Whilst they are handsome watches, the proportions of my 2255.80, especially the slimmer profile, meant they simply did not work for me. Still, horses for courses and all that

*edit* gratuitous photo added

 

I love my 2254.50, but "exclusivity"? Not sure why... please enlighten me.

 

this is the best

 

I highly recommend the black SMPc. I wear mine regularly and like how comfortable, versatile and durable it is. I wear it while diving and it still looks as shiny and new as the day I bought it. I've can't say I have any complaints about the bracelet or bezel either...

 

I also love my 2254... and glad I kept the old hands now … future classic and all that :0)

https://omegaforums.net/threads/225...-it-change-hands-the-future-of-vintage.92024/

 

If it was me I would keep the classic quartz but then I’m biased as I have one as a daily wear, beach and pool watch!!

It’s nice to have some variation from your GMT too!

 

Obviously this thread detoriates away from the OP's initial intention to a 2254-recommendation-thread.

So let me help here, please



OP: for me the 2541 wouldn't be worth keeping if my heart is eying on another younger thing. Would be different if the candidat to swap would have been a 2531 or the shown 2554.

my 2ct

 

What he said

 

I would save for this amazing beauty:

 

Big triangle 2254.50 for me. That cone shape design of helium valve from newest SMP300 is like came out from nowhere.

 

"Big triangle" - looks more like an isosceles trapezoid to me

 

Ok so I pulled the trigger today ! Many Thanks for all the assistance and suggestions. A couple of guys mentioned the relatively high cost to change, it was a retail px so I’m happy with them making a few extra £££ in the deal in exchange for the convenience and trust. Love the watch, can’t wait to give it some wrist time, either on the beach or discreetly under a shirt sleeve.