Blue diver under $3,000. Omega Seamaster 2531.80 or Tudor BB58?
Hello, given the opportunity to only have 1 diver under $3,000 would you choose the Omega Seamaster 2531.80 or the Tudor BB58? This will be my desk diver, traveling watch, swimming watch, GADA! :)
2531.80
PROS
-Bond Watch
-Slim (wears like a sub 11mm on the wrist)
-Great caseback design
-Easily serviceable 1120 caliber (2892 base) by any watchmaker
-Any parts easily replaced by Omega on request
-Modern Styling
CONS
-Bracelet is non-tapering
-Bezel is hard to grip
-Slightly larger than BB58
BB58
PROS
-Smaller and better proportions
-Slim as well with domed sapphire
-Comfortable tapering bracelet
-5 year Tudor warranty
-Higher power reserve
-Vintage styling
CONS
-Only serviceable by Tudor
-Clasp has sharp edges
-Lume pip issues (sunken pip, pip falling off)
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Dave
Speedmaster Date Panda 3511.50, CW C65 Cranwell Series II, Maen Hudson GMT 38, Omega Speedmaster 3861, Speedmaster Moonswatch, Omega Seamaster 300M Mid Size 2552.80.00, Omega Speedmaster Triple Calend...
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6.25” / 15.88 cm
New Aquis date or Longines Legend diver - both in blue are stunning imo
The Omega has a dial that is made on a rose mill / engine. It’s not the usual laser cut dial. On that alone it’s a great choice.
The Omega has a dial that is made on a rose mill / engine. It’s not the usual laser cut dial. On that alone it’s a great choice.
I didn't know this. Thanks!
Oris Aquis is a good one under $3K.
Kamasu bc of funds
But omega if I did have them.
Nodus Deep
Baltic Aquascaphe Dual Crown
Something a bit different, Unimatic U1S-Rev
Also interesting though just outside your budget, Nomos Club Atlantic
Something different maybe, the Tutima M2 Seven Seas.
I have the 2531.80 and the black BB58. The BB58 is a well built watch and lovely to wear but for me the Omega is the winner. Mine is 17 years old, runs at +2 secs per day and has a build quality that is first class. It is all down to personal preference but both are an excellent choice.
To me the SM is better watch from a better brand. The BB is either trying to look the like the Blue Sub or the SMP. Either way it not as original as the SM and it doesn't have the history.
Plus one for the 2531.80. Mine is my daily wear.
If I may admires one of the listed cons….it takes to straps and other brackets well. As intype this, mine is on the OEM bracelet but I have two other bracelets and countless NATOs that I sub in and out.
Also super cool,
ZRC
I have both. The Omega is a class above the Tudor, but both are great watches.
New Aquis date or Longines Legend diver - both in blue are stunning imo
I’d also consider the 2255.80 Seamaster. Its electric blue dial is beautiful, the steel bezel shines like a mirror and it has stick markers with insane amounts of lume! Although I have mine on the Omega steel Milanese (very expensive but lovely) the bracelet it comes on is a speedmaster bullet one and tapers.
Or Doxa
Or Montblanc
One of Omega pros that should be cons for me is the old 1120 movement, i always care much on movement 😬😬😬
There is nothing wrong with the Caliber 1120. Higher beat rate than Omega 2500 CoAx. It's a thin movement. It's also based on the 2892 which is an excellent movement and easily serviced and parts found and IMO better than the 2824 (which is found in almost all divers under $2000).
Yeah but it too old, no co-axial escapement, and cant compete with tudor mt5402, in my opinion 😬
In timekeeping it can absolutely compete with Tudor MT5402, because it can be regulated by any experienced watchmaker and not require proprietary Tudor tools.
I'd go Omega I would also go for a doxa 200 Caribbean.
Or Montblanc
Underrated
BB58. Much more versatile, you can wear it with just about anything
Happy to hear the Seamaster served well for so many years, but a bracelet of any kind could fail after that amount of time. Same could be said for the Tudor. The Tudor BB58 screws could be a point of failure. Cross threading, corrosion due to sweat/water, or deformation of the links could make it nearly impossible to remove the screws in the future. The Tudor has the fold over on the clasp that over time will get "worn down" or get smaller with more sanding/polishing, the Omega doesn't have fold over on the clasp, only dual push button. Both are excellent designs but I think each has it's flaws.
I have both blue bond and bb58 but in black OG. Love both watches but have to say Omega is a bit more special wave dial, Seamaster history story.
I went with a gently used 2531.80 Seamaster full kit from Japan. Looking forward to it. This picture did it for me...
I went with a gently used 2531.80 Seamaster full kit from Japan. Looking forward to it. This picture did it for me...
Congrats! Japanese watches are well looked after. Hope you like it!!
Something different maybe, the Tutima M2 Seven Seas.
I just tried one on (Tutima M2)whilst buying my Hanhart 417 es & the Tutima oozed high quality, the bracelet is a work of art & the finishing as good as any Tudor or Omega. I'm an Omega fan & was considering a used speedie in 40mm but honestly the value in these Tutima's has me second guessing. 500m water resistance too!!