Which Seamaster Chrono Diver - Need help in deciding please

Hello Experts,
I have been a keen reader of the Omega forum,but this is my first post,and although I own an Omega AT already, I am a newbie in the world of automatics - so I seek license for Naive questions 😀

My Dilemma: Whether to buy Seamaster Chrono Diver Chronograph (Calibre 1164) or Seamaster regular Chronometer (Calibre 2500)

why am I confused ?

300m Chronograph (Calibre 1164) : 213.30.42.40.01.001
- Love the complication with 3 dial chronograph, but i have a 6.25 inches wrist, and it feels a bit too thick, although may be manageable and needs getting used to - not very sure
- I see good reviews about Calibre 1164 stating its sturdy etc. but is modified Valjoux 7750 a good one as a keeper ? I dont plan to sell it, so durability is important
- Discountinued model, so bit of a collectible
- may be its my mind,but the steel on steel felt more solid than the ceramic bezel one described below

300m Chronometer (Calibre 2500) : 212.30.41 20.01.003
- Smaller size in terms of thickness, fits my wrist better i think, but is understated
- Has a ceramic bezel : my jeweller is saying it might break, would be costly to replace
- No chronograph, plain and rather classy look than sporty
- Movement is Co-Axial, which on paper seems more advanced than 1164, but is it a real showstopper ?
- Its an in-production model

The prices are almost same. This is going to be a very special watch for me as it will be an anniversary gift from my wife, so i dont want to go wrong

Urgent help appreciated 😀


Many thanks

The 1164 is based on the Valjoux 7750 - a tried & true workhorse capable of very accurate timekeeping.

The 2500 is an ETA 2892-A2 that's had the co-axial escapment modified and stuffed into it - and not with great results. However, the 8500 has been engineered from inception to work with the proper version of the co-axial escapement and seems to have cured the sudden stopping issue of the 2500.

If I were you and was looking for an SMP, I'd search for a pre-2500 model that houses the caliber 1120 - which is the ETA 2892-A2 before the attempt to stuff the co-axial escapement into it. Otherwise the 1164 would be my choice.

+1, unless you really dig chronograph function (which probably not because your other option is plain Cal 2500), I suggest you check Caliber 1120 or its variation (with GMT for example). There are three models that I suggest: the black dial 2254.50, the Great White and the Electric blue dial (in SS or Titanium). All three of them mimic the design of the famous big triangle SM 300.
Here are in my collection: