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trailboss99

Review of genuine OMEGA Seamaster "Bond" + general thoughts

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trailboss99

Welcome to another great review by By-Tor.

 

 

First I want to thank my good friend **b16a2** who sourced this watch

for me in the UK. Amazing guy, amazing member. I won't go to the

details here but I can say that people in this community never cease to

amaze me.

 

 

 

My watch is 5 years old but in absolutely PRISTINE condition. Thanks

again mate and I hope I can buy you a beer (or 10) if we ever meet in

the future European GTG's. happy.gif

 

 

 

 

 

This time I don't even bother to attempt a traditional review because

it's a genuine watch. There's nothing to say that people haven't said

about this watch before. "Bond" Seamaster must be among the most

popular luxury watches on the planet, and probably the most popular gen

among the RWG members.

 

It's also the most important and most successful model for Omega ever (along with the Speedmaster Moon Watch of course).

 

 

 

And if you consider its popularity and overall "status" in the watch

world, it's actually perverse and weird that it doesn't cost more. It's

every bit as well finished as my Rolex, just three times cheaper in the

preowned market. Definitely a genuine bargain (no pun). The

achievements of the "Bond" Seamaster don't surprise me one bit... even

without connection to Bond movies this watch would be desirable. It's

very unique and handsome watch.

 

 

2-11.jpg

 

 

I used to own a replica of this watch. I had it in my possession for 4 full years and traded it

this spring to a fellow RWG member, sbreene. Wear it well Sean, it's a

"special" piece.

 

 

 

I guess it's safe to say that I've worn this watch model more than any

other watch in my collection. So in many ways this is not a "new" watch

for me at all. Just an "upgrade".

 

 

 

I like the "Electric Blue" version a lot, and also the black SMP

Professional (GMT and non-GMT) a lot but this "Bond" model was the only

one I have seriously considered. The "Speedy" bracelet that Omega uses

on its other SMP models isn't even nearly as desirable as the Bond

bracelet. The bracelet, however, was replicated amazingly well on the

old replica model. It was virtually 95%. I knew this of course, but

it's still amazing how close it was. Unfortunately the bracelets of the

new rep versions aren't as good.

 

 

 

After getting regular wrist time for 4+ years, this model didn't lost

its appeal for me at all. Just like my previous 2 gen purchases, Aquaracer Chronograph and Rolex GMT Master II

(both got "rep tested" as well), this is definitely something that I

will keep for good. I always knew I was going to purchase the gen

eventually. I have said it before and I'll say it again: Reps are

perfect to "get to know" the model... and test whether some model has a

long term appeal or not.

 

 

 

5-4.jpg

 

 

If the SMP rep had a shortcoming, it's the wave pattern on the dial. It wasn't apparent enough. However, replica of the Bond chronograph

is much better in this regard, and also overall it's more accurate

replication. I also have that chrono (rep) still in my collection and I

love it just as much as the regular version.

 

 

 

In certain lighting the wave pattern is really, really strong on the gen.

 

 

 

1-9.jpg

 

 

SMP is "only" 42mm so it's perfectly balanced watch. I would say it's a

big and bulky watch but today's standards are different. Perfect size

for a sports watch, imho.

 

 

wristie.jpg

 

 

Are the gens worth it, and does the rep make any sense?

 

 

 

Well this is an interesting question, isn't it? I love reps as much as

ever, but I don't really see a point of spending $350 for a rep (or

$600 on a franken) of a watch that can be obtained for as low as ca.

$1K - $1.3K preowned. The quartz version of this watch can be found for

$600. Yes, it's "only" a quartz but it's still genuine, and something

that you can proudly leave to your son (for example).

 

 

 

Now that the economy took a dive all around the US and EU, some very

desirable models like Omega Seamaster, Breitling SuperOcean and TAG

Aquaracer Chronograph are all 1K+ watches preowned. I already own 2 out

of 3 as gens, and most likely SFSO blue will be my next gen purchase.

 

 

 

The rep factories/dealers must wake up and smell the coffee. Asking $400 + shipping for a SFSO rep isn't insanity... but buying one certainly is. Don't be a moron. I encourage you to take a look at places like TZ sales corner and witness yourself how great watches can be found for $1K (and even $600) now.

 

 

 

By all means, buy expensive reps of $5K watches like sports Rolexes, TT

BCE, Ebel BTR or Zenith... or real high end pieces like Breguet, VC or

Patek... but before you purchase ETA/7750-based standard TAGs,

Breitlings and Omegas, follow the prices and at least seriously consider

 

 

 

I'm not saying this because I've become a "gen snob". I will never

become one... reps are much more fascinating and some of them impress

me even more than gens. But it's all common sense. The rep prices have

reached a point where buying forgeries of "low end" luxury watches

doesn't make any sense anymore (imho). I'm not pointing fingers at the

dealers and/or factories, just stating the facts.

 

 

 

But of course, it's partly a personal preference and I used to think

differently. My old SMP replica had 85% "quality feel" of the gen, and

it was visually very, very close. That last 15% will cost you $700 -

$800. I admit it's still a lot of money. A ridiculous amount of money

for a watch (for any non-WIS type). But then again my ETA SMP was a

$175 watch back in early 2005 when the prices were still reasonable.

 

 

 

Either way, when I look at all the small details and that 15% (which

was previously missing) I'm really happy. Maybe I'm buying gens because

after owning 50+ reps, I have reached a point where I know exactly what

watches I want to have in my collection (long term). I have probably

reached the "second level" of WISdom as well. laughing.gif

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this quick article.

buying a gen.

 

 

wallp.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by TB99 on behaslf of By-Tor.

 

 

 

 

 

__________________

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oscarmadfish

great review as always

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Novesh

Love the watch, review sure, but the watch...a classic!

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jmd33

Perfect review of a great watch!!!!!

 

+1 to all of it.

 

I love and own Omega watches (both gen and rep). The reps allow a great test drive to see if the gen would be worth it to you, and prior to the co-axial hype they were the best value in watches (IMO). Even when you replace your rep with the gen, the rep still has utility for wearing to the park, in the yard, etc... because people are used to seeing you with that model on so they just assume the rep and gen are the same watch.

 

Recently I was at the AD and looked at the black bond. I liked it so much I am currently test driving the rep (which, so far, I like a lot). If I get the gen I'll keep the rep - again to have an interchangeable model for no worry wear.

 

Thanks for the review!

Edited by jmd33

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houndoggie

Nice pics, great review!

 

I agree 100% with the ideas conveyed. Now is definitely the time to get that gen you always wanted, the used market is very good right now and excellent watches can be had for cheap.

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Member X

Thanks for the review :popcorn:

 

It doesn't speak to me personally but it is a good looking watch with a classic design. It's also good to know that, through rep collecting, you worked out what exactly would work for you, and that meant you could get what you wanted and would love straight off, rather than spending $$$$ on something that you got bored of and made a loss on when you traded it in for something else.

 

That's exactly the reason why reps are a good idea, but so many gen owners don't understand it!!

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P_Diddy

how much would this particular gen, cost on the used market now?

 

anyone have an idea of availibility and price in UK ?

Edited by P_Diddy

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P_Diddy

HD

 

not as good looking as the two Omega gens that you own?

 

Nice pics, great review!

 

I agree 100% with the ideas conveyed. Now is definitely the time to get that gen you always wanted, the used market is very good right now and excellent watches can be had for cheap.

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houndoggie
how much would this particular gen, cost on the used market now?

 

 

$1000+ depending on condition.

 

probable $1200 at the top end.

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houndoggie
HD

 

not as good looking as the two Omega gens that you own?

 

Nice pics, great review!

 

I agree 100% with the ideas conveyed. Now is definitely the time to get that gen you always wanted, the used market is very good right now and excellent watches can be had for cheap.

 

 

 

I like this Bond Seamaster.. I had the rep awhile back and was considering get the gen but I decide to get a TAG instead.

 

(I've got 5 gen Omegas, :popcorn:)

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P_Diddy

that converts to about £670 - £800 approx but I have not seen anything that low in UK market.

 

how much would this particular gen, cost on the used market now?

 

 

$1000+ depending on condition.

 

probable $1200 at the top end.

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houndoggie
that converts to about £670 - £800 approx but I have not seen anything that low in UK market.

 

how much would this particular gen, cost on the used market now?

 

 

$1000+ depending on condition.

 

probable $1200 at the top end.

 

I see that a used Midsize (37mm Bond) Automatic in decent shape is FS in UK for £475... not the same, but similar

http://www.thewatchforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=48792

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P_Diddy

thanks HD

 

pesky TZ Uk site only allows you to view Sales section after 25 post count!

 

any other good GEN sales sites ?

 

Thanks

PD

 

 

that converts to about £670 - £800 approx but I have not seen anything that low in UK market.

 

how much would this particular gen, cost on the used market now?

 

 

$1000+ depending on condition.

 

probable $1200 at the top end.

 

I see that a used Midsize (37mm Bond) Automatic in decent shape is FS in UK for £475... not the same, but similar

http://www.thewatchforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=48792

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P_Diddy

HD

 

I like your recent Gen Omega purchase but I doubt that I can find that for less than £800 in UK? :rolleyes:

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houndoggie
thanks HD

 

pesky TZ Uk site only allows you to view Sales section after 25 post count!

 

any other good GEN sales sites ?

 

Thanks

PD

 

 

that converts to about £670 - £800 approx but I have not seen anything that low in UK market.

 

how much would this particular gen, cost on the used market now?

 

 

$1000+ depending on condition.

 

probable $1200 at the top end.

 

I see that a used Midsize (37mm Bond) Automatic in decent shape is FS in UK for £475... not the same, but similar

http://www.thewatchforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=48792

 

 

 

Try this site: http://www.elitedealseeker.com/index.cgi?category=watches

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sconehead
how much would this particular gen, cost on the used market now?

 

anyone have an idea of availibility and price in UK ?

Look here, http://www.miltonaires.com/others_soldExcluded.asp it's a reputable pawn shop in my neck of the woods, google for similar in your area, here's some prices,

 

Steel mid-size Omega Seamaster quartz with blue dial and bezel. Many customers find this a more manageable size than the full-size worn by 007 Pierce Brosnan. Priced very keenly to reflect some marks to the bezel.

£525.00

 

X19166

Steel mid-size Omega Seamaster quartz bracelet watch with blue dial & bezel. Superb condition, just one very small mark on the bezel.

£599.00

 

578096-1A

Gent's Omega Seamaster quartz bracelet watch, model ref 2264.50.00 with black dial and bezel. Comes with boxes, manual, swing-tag & warranty card from November 2003. The NEW equivalent is now £1,160! This is stock from our Chester shop, but available at Miltons in St.John's, Liverpool.

on deposit £599.00

 

SSMC-S1499

Mid-size Omega Seamaster automatic bracelet watch, blue dial and bezel. This is a more manageable size for some gents who still want all the style of the classic Pierce Brosnan 007 look. Some slight wear to bezel, but movement serviced in April 2009. A huge saving against the cost of a new equivalent!

on deposit £599.00

 

X18702

Gent's steel Omega Seamaster quartz bracelet watch, model 2541.80.00 with blue dial and bezel. The classic design made popular by Pierce Brosnan's 007 in Goldeneye, in lovely condition and complete with original Omega box, manual & UK card from David M. Robinson dated 21/6/2002.

£699.00

 

582310-1A

Classic full-size Omega Seamaster automatic model 2531.80.00 with blue dial and bezel, complete with boxes, booklet and our own warranty card. This model has been a best-seller since 007 Brosnan started wearing Omegas in Goldeneye.

£699.00

 

161957-1A

Gent's steel Omega Seamaster quartz bracelet watch, model 2541.80.00 with blue dial and bezel. The classic design made popular by Pierce Brosnan's 007, in lovely condition and complete with original Omega box.

£699.00

 

:rolleyes:

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greg_r

Very interesting link, Sconey. Thanks.

 

All I have to do now is resist... :rolleyes:

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sconehead
Very interesting link, Sconey. Thanks.

 

All I have to do now is resist... :rolleyes:

Resistance is futile... :)

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P_Diddy

What's the opinion on Omega:

 

Automatic or Quartz, which one would you go for?

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sconehead

I'm a mechanical watch person, so it'd be an auto for me. However, the quartz version is cheaper second-hand, probably more accurate timekeeping wise and would probably serve you better as a daily beater. Be aware though, the mid-size versions don't hold their price as well as the full...:rolleyes:

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greg_r
Very interesting link, Sconey. Thanks.

 

All I have to do now is resist... :rolleyes:

Resistance is futile... :)

 

:drunksing:

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Member X

I knew there was a reason for that smiley :D LOL :Whistle:

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jmd33
What's the opinion on Omega:

 

Automatic or Quartz, which one would you go for?

 

I like both for different reasons. The autos have a soul, but the quartz are accurate, reliable and you can pick it up after a week and just put it on. I have about half and half and like the features of both almost equally.

 

Decisions.....decisions......[or you can just get both - lol]

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mad dawg

I agree with the sentiments entirely, especially the philosophy that reps are a means to deciding which gen to buy.

 

MD

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Slim

My 007 Sub (mid-size, I have a relatively small wrist and it's my ideal size - same size as my IWC Inge and my Mk XII) is a quartz one. I love mechanical watches but it's great to have a couple of nice watches that you can just pick up and wear without setting the time, and that you know will be accurate to within a second or two. The other one is a Breitling Aerospace.

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