Where would you trust to buy a 2531.80 - Brosnan Seamaster

watch_my_six

There are many of these on c24 and eBay, which are both generally safe. You could start there to get a sense of pricing/condition (assuming there are none here FS; I haven't checked), and then look for the dealers' names and try to find their own websites. Often their prices are lower there due to no c24/ebay fees, and they often discount further eg if you pay by wire. I don't think there are many fakes of these. And I would think "a good one" pretty much just depends on condition since you're saying you're looking for a full set. I would also look for a tritium example (pre-~'98), since patina'd lume is much more pleasing IMO. They would also be less likely to be faked I think. So "good condition" would be a clean dial, in-tact lume of a pleasing color, all original parts (typically the bezel and hands in this case), a minimally polished case, a not-too-scratched bezel, etc. Good luck!

Jakeys

Yep in addition to the notes above, also make sure the serial number hasn't been polished off the rear of the lug. That used to happen to some grey market watches back then, apparently. Have seen that catch some people out on here. And broadly, stick with sellers with lots of sales and positive feedback.

Also, subjectively, I don't love the tritium dialed Bonds. I feel like the egg yellow lume clashes with the blue, and tritium models seem more likely to have faded bezels and red seconds turned white as well. Personally, I'd aim for a 1998+ Super LumiNova model with the original minty white lume. But that's just me.

watchthinker

I can't disagree - Some of the models immediately following are also great.

KeithS

You can't go wrong with the 2531.80! I second the recommendation for Exelonman – I've purchased from him in the past without any issues. If you can find a well-cared for example with a Super-LumiNova dial, it's really easy to freshen up its appearance with a blue NATO strap or a mesh bracelet.

KeithS

You can't go wrong with the 2531.80! I second the recommendation for Exelonman – I've purchased from him in the past without any issues. If you can find a well-cared for example with a Super-LumiNova dial, it's really easy to freshen up its appearance with a blue NATO strap or a mesh bracelet.

asloper6001

Got inspired here. Thought the grey strap worked well with the faded bezel.

LesXL

Such a classic watch, I got a small wrist so I have the medium size one, can't remember the reference number... Aside from its bracelet, I've worn it with a green straps, a mesh bracelet, even on a white rubber.

Very versatile

Jakeys

Very cool combo, nicely done. Out of interest, is the seconds hand a service replacement? Often when I see these ghost bezels, the red on the seconds hand has faded white as well. They also usually seem to be tritium models for some reason.

watchthinker

Hi Everyone,

Despite being a decades long Omega fan and having a few - I've never bought pre-owned. I love my 300Ms - and my white one is frequent daily driver. Lately, however, I've been thinking how fun it would be to 2531.80 - box and papers.

Yet - it is a watch of increasing popularity and ( as ever ) I'm concerned about fakes. Assuming I have a bias for professional dealers - where would you go? Where would you look? How would you know you've got "a good one"? Do you think it is safe on eBay?