I can’t decide which one. ( I have a 6 inches wrist)

I’m planning to buy my first luxury-ish watch. I personally like tool watch. But which one should I pull the trigger. BB58 (39mm) or SMP 2254.50 (41mm), and why? (both pre-owned)

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I’d go for the BB58. The dimensions work a lot better with a 6in wrist. I’d also consider the Seamaster 300 Heritage (non diver) as it wears a bit smaller than the diver version. It’s also a bit classier, like the BB58. Plus, it’s also thinner than the BB58.

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My preference would be Tudor ( owning BB Pro ), simply don't like Seamaster design. Really tried to like it as it is great watch, bought this one

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but sold it in less than 6 months. It was heavy, hate the helium release valve, bracelet is outdated design with enormus clasp... In any case both are great watches so decide based on your preferences.

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Case (from 12 to 6) on both these watches is 39mm and case length is about 47mm. The bezel on the Seamaster is around 2mm wider at 41mm and the thickness is around 12mm for both. The Seamaster looks bigger (by virtue of the bezel) but doesn't feel bigger since the actual case is almost the same.

That said, I don't think you can size down the bracelet of the 2254.50 down to 6 inches because it has 4 fixed links on each side (I wear my 2531.80 like that on a 6.25 inch wrist). It will be a little loose on 6 inches most likely. The 2531.80 (and those with the Brosnan style bracelet) goes shorter because it doesn't taper and it can be shortened to 3 links each side, and has half links. Does it have to be the 2254.50, if so are you okay with the Brosnan bracelet with it (could be a fix, should one be necessary at all)? The B58 has a nasty clasp because the last link doesn't pivot so it may not sit well. I own a 2531.80 and I have tried the BB58 a dozen times but the stiff links around the clasp kill my desire for the watch every time.

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UnsignedCrown

Case (from 12 to 6) on both these watches is 39mm and case length is about 47mm. The bezel on the Seamaster is around 2mm wider at 41mm and the thickness is around 12mm for both. The Seamaster looks bigger (by virtue of the bezel) but doesn't feel bigger since the actual case is almost the same.

That said, I don't think you can size down the bracelet of the 2254.50 down to 6 inches because it has 4 fixed links on each side (I wear my 2531.80 like that on a 6.25 inch wrist). It will be a little loose on 6 inches most likely. The 2531.80 (and those with the Brosnan style bracelet) goes shorter because it doesn't taper and it can be shortened to 3 links each side, and has half links. Does it have to be the 2254.50, if so are you okay with the Brosnan bracelet with it (could be a fix, should one be necessary at all)? The B58 has a nasty clasp because the last link doesn't pivot so it may not sit well. I own a 2531.80 and I have tried the BB58 a dozen times but the stiff links around the clasp kill my desire for the watch every time.

If the 58 can swap with T- fit clasp, it would be nice imo.

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SergioMath

I’d go for the BB58. The dimensions work a lot better with a 6in wrist. I’d also consider the Seamaster 300 Heritage (non diver) as it wears a bit smaller than the diver version. It’s also a bit classier, like the BB58. Plus, it’s also thinner than the BB58.

Yeah, the 58 is impressively thin and the blue dial is really nice in person though.

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Mare0104

My preference would be Tudor ( owning BB Pro ), simply don't like Seamaster design. Really tried to like it as it is great watch, bought this one

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but sold it in less than 6 months. It was heavy, hate the helium release valve, bracelet is outdated design with enormus clasp... In any case both are great watches so decide based on your preferences.

I am considering a BB Pro as well. But its quite a thick boy that watch.

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🤯 shocked the Tudor is winning! The Seamaster is in a different league, a tier above. Especially the 2254 an icon rather than a homage to an icon like the Bland Bay....

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Inkitatus

🤯 shocked the Tudor is winning! The Seamaster is in a different league, a tier above. Especially the 2254 an icon rather than a homage to an icon like the Bland Bay....

These two watches caught my eyes because the prices are very similar. (Circa 2500-3000usd). I’ve tried the 58 once, fell in love with it. The SMP is my poster watch since the brosnan’s era. But never try one in persone.

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phumthiti

These two watches caught my eyes because the prices are very similar. (Circa 2500-3000usd). I’ve tried the 58 once, fell in love with it. The SMP is my poster watch since the brosnan’s era. But never try one in persone.

It's a tricky one, but you really need to try one & see.

Both are great watches tho, look forward to seeing what you get & some pics on here when you do 😉 GOOD LUCK 👍

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Inkitatus

It's a tricky one, but you really need to try one & see.

Both are great watches tho, look forward to seeing what you get & some pics on here when you do 😉 GOOD LUCK 👍

Thank you, I need to save a bit more right now hahaha

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The BB54 may be a better choice given your wrist size

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Warrior75

The BB54 may be a better choice given your wrist size

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I’ve tried one as well fit perfectly with my wrist, but the crowd is very small. And I think its lacking some wrist presence.

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I too have a 6-ish inch wrist and prefer a 38-40mm watch. as a previous poster pointed out you might want to try 'em both on before making a decision. Both are FABULOUS lookin' watches ... but there's something alluring about that Seamaster 😎

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phumthiti

I am considering a BB Pro as well. But its quite a thick boy that watch.

Don't assume, try it on if not already. I had same concerns and don't like the faux rivets but the thickness is not an issue for me ( 19,5cm wrist ) and don't notice the rivets anymore. It is a bit thick profile so not for nato/straps, also could be top heavy. But on bracelet it wears really well and would recommend to try it on first

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They are both Swiss but one has an ugly fart valve. That thing will catch on everything.

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BB54 👍

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2252.50

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Jodydavis

2252.50

Considering one too, but the lug width is I guess 18mm?

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Either is a fine watch, but there’s no way that anyone else can know what will truly make you happy over the long term. I can’t vote, because if you can’t decide what is best for you surely I cannot know.

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TheMightyOz

Either is a fine watch, but there’s no way that anyone else can know what will truly make you happy over the long term. I can’t vote, because if you can’t decide what is best for you surely I cannot know.

I like them both. Maybe I might get the BB58 first, then adding the Omega at some point later.

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phumthiti

Considering one too, but the lug width is I guess 18mm?

Yes, but no taper on the bracelet. So it feels pretty substantial. The 20mm lug width with no taper might feel a bit much for a 6” wrist.

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Pick the one that speaks to you the most! Personally, I try to avoid opinions of others because we are all different people with differences in tastes, requisites and experiences. Go with your heart, but be sure to try them on before you commit to buy.

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Normally i'd say go for the Omega every time of the day over a Tudor. But just from the design, i like the BB58 more than this Version of the SMP300. If it were between the BB58 and a 210.30.42.20.04.001, I'd say Omega hands down.

Also, consider this:

  • SMP300 has a huge ass bracelet, it's like a Handcuff

  • SMP300 is a modern diver, with modern looks (except this one looks already dated ... like 90s)

  • BB58 has no easy microadjust

  • BB58 looks really good and vintage

Alternatives:

The Seamaster 300 (234.30.41.21.03.001) on the other hand, has:

  • proper tapering bracelet

  • easy microadjust

  • good traditional looks like the BB

  • excellent Movement, nice seethrough caseback

  • but costs probably 30% more than your current choices.

  • also it might wear similar to the SMP300, which is not small

BB54

  • proper clasp with microadjust

  • traditional Looks (imho even better than the BB58)

  • probably fits your wrist better due to smaller size

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mer1981

Normally i'd say go for the Omega every time of the day over a Tudor. But just from the design, i like the BB58 more than this Version of the SMP300. If it were between the BB58 and a 210.30.42.20.04.001, I'd say Omega hands down.

Also, consider this:

  • SMP300 has a huge ass bracelet, it's like a Handcuff

  • SMP300 is a modern diver, with modern looks (except this one looks already dated ... like 90s)

  • BB58 has no easy microadjust

  • BB58 looks really good and vintage

Alternatives:

The Seamaster 300 (234.30.41.21.03.001) on the other hand, has:

  • proper tapering bracelet

  • easy microadjust

  • good traditional looks like the BB

  • excellent Movement, nice seethrough caseback

  • but costs probably 30% more than your current choices.

  • also it might wear similar to the SMP300, which is not small

BB54

  • proper clasp with microadjust

  • traditional Looks (imho even better than the BB58)

  • probably fits your wrist better due to smaller size

Yes, the BB54 is growing on me. It’s fit my wrist perfectly, only thing I don’t like is the crowd, it is small imo. But overall its nice, and I may have to wait a bit for pre-owned one. Or get a second hand 58 because the 54 list price is little bit out of my budget range.

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phumthiti

I like them both. Maybe I might get the BB58 first, then adding the Omega at some point later.

If you truly love both, buy whichever you can get at the best deal. Then buy the other later. If you really want both this much, this is how and why collections begin. Both are fine watches, and are popular enough that future availability shouldn’t be an issue.