Hello folks,

I've been around this wonderful forum for a while now and need some help/guidance again.

As of now, I own three watches.
145.022 Speedmaster on 1039 bracelet from 1969
Eterna Majetek from 1938 on leather strap
168.029 Constellation on 1040 bracelet

The Constellation was bought with the intention for my wife to wear it, but occasionally I wear it as well. She's not really a daily watch wearer.

I'm not a flipper. I buy to keep.

I then contemplated buying a Heuer Camaro, but prices went too crazy, too fast, for me...

I find myself wearing the Speedy a lot less now, since it gained a lot of value from when I bought it...
The Eterna is nice, but lacks a steel bracelet and at 80 years old and handwind it's not the perfect beater.
Connie, my wife's watch as stated.
All of them not ideal for playground action with the kids.

Now, my hunt for a new watch is motivated by a few factors.
Not above 42mm diameter
Not below 34mm diameter
No gold
No Black dial
Preferably Tritium dial
Steel bracelet option, preferably BOR
Should go with a suit
Hard limit below $3000
Preferred limit below $2000


So there I was thinking, just buy a nice vintage Connie or Seamaster... Or even other brands, I'm not set on Omega. But recently I thought about buying something from a more modern area. Performance, service and durability wise. I'm not knowledgeable enough in that area though.

The only two options coming to my mind:

1. Omega SMP 2531.80 from the mid 90s
Probably automatic, as I've not owned a Quarz watch to date.


2. Omega PO 2201.50


And then I draw blanks
My wife says I will grow tired of both models rather quickly.
Therefore I'm happy for your guys imput.

Thanks a lot.

 

If you're looking for a beater that can take playground abuse, the Camaro is not the watch.

I've owned the quartz version of the 2531.80. Used, probably around $1k mark? The perfect no-worries beater, imo. And cheap too.

Just make sure the gaskets are good and you also get WR.

 

That was one of my initial thoughts as well.
Iconic design!

 

Can't go wrong with a 42 mm PO!

 

How about a Seamaster 120m? They come in many different dial colours, 36mm case, quartz or mechanical, fairly rugged and dressy at same time.

 

Omega chrono

 

Actually a good suggestion.
That particua particular model does not much fit me, but I will look into them. Thanks!

Happy to hear more thought or suggestions.

 

2531.80 has my vote; I wore one for ages in all kinds of conditions and never had a hiccup.

 

My vote is the 2201, I had a 2531 & grew tired of it. I actually have a 2500D on its way later this week after searching for one for months.

 

Modern Seiko Diver. These jump to mind. You can get about 5 radically different ones for 2k...



https://www.fratellowatches.com/hot-take-seiko-5-sports-collection-our-thoughts-on-the-big-news/

 

So I ended up buying a vintage Seamaster

I have to admit it was a bit impulsive.

Still not sure where that leaves me, beater wise...

 

You can even explore the world of Oris or Hamilton Field watches. And even Seiko as mentioned by @eugeneandresson They are quite nice and hard to beat price wise, so you wouldn't have to worry too much about going down slides or taking it on the swings

 

and just realized you bought a vintage seamaster haha congrats, send a photo!

 

I will once I have it in hands

 

Yeah, vintage and beater seem a bit contradictory — unless perhaps for a vintage Seiko from the late 60s that’s been serviced to restore some sort of water resistance with new gaskets?
That’ll set you back $1500 or so and you’ll still have a historic watch that’s truly sturdy.

 

Well said. “Beater” used in the same context as “vintage” or any price point over $500 makes me queasy. That’s what Seiko 5, Casio and Timex are for.(LE’s excluded)

 

Late reply to this thread, but I wore a Seamaster Aqua Terra 2503.80 daily for 16 years. At 39mm It's a great dress watch, but with the twisted lugs and 20mm bracelet there's still a sport feeling to it. It's really the best bracelet Omega has made I think. Also a beautiful deep blue sunburst dial, applied logo and white gold indices. It's also nice and thin on the wrist, with a sapphire display back.

To me this is a really underated watch. It's really a high point for Omega design I reckon, combining the best elements of the Speedy and Seamaster lines. In contrast, the new Aqua Terras have a smaller 19mm bracelet, are thicker and the dial has an extra seconds track which makes it look generally less elegant. the 2503.80 is a future classic. Anyway, wore it for 16 years and only stopped to give it service. Average price is about us $2400.

 

Thanks for the replies gents.

I've bought a Timex Q to try it as a beater.

Also sold the Seamaster.
Now I'll probably go for another Omega in a few months.
Most likely either 2531 or 2201.50