2220.80 vs. 212.30.41

LastJV · May 18, 2015

After lurking for several weeks, this is my first post and I'm hoping some of you might be able to offer some guidance. And apologies in advance if this has been discussed thoroughly on another thread. (I looked, but couldn't find it.)

I've been fascinated with watches for almost 20 years, and been in love with the Seamaster for the last 10, but have never pulled the trigger on one for quotidien reasons. (Mortgage, kids' tuition, etc.)

But I'm finally at the point where I can in good conscience spend a little bit. And I'm trying to figure out if I should get a 2220.80 or a 212.30.41.20.03.001.

Are there any factors I should be cognizant of besides aesthetics? Is the co-axial movement equally as reliable? Is the ceramic bezel a truly big upgrade? Heck--are there any questions I should be asking myself that I haven't even thought of?

This is going to be my every-day watch, an object that I love and treasure and, if things go according to plan, would ultimately like to give to my son when he graduates from college in 15 years or so. And whatever I decide, I'm likely to try to buy gently-used with box, papers, etc. from a reputable seller. (Unless, again, you tell me this is a terrible idea.)

Again, thanks for any advice and insights you might share and apologies if I've duplicated a thread elsewhere.

iinsic · May 18, 2015

The best advice I can give you is go to the nearest AD/OB and try on the SMPc. Once you see it in person, I think you will be smitten. The 2220.80 is nice, but even a 20-year lover of the wavy guilloche dial like me has come around to the clean ceramic dial on the SMPc. Technically, both watches have the cal. 2500.

And, FWIW, I would never recommend that your planning to bestow a watch on a son (or anyone else) at a later date figure into your selection process at all. You have no idea what he will be into with regard to timekeeping 15 years from now (heck, for all we know, almost everyone under 30 will be wearing the latest Apple Watch). Buy what you want to wear ... period. If 15 years from now your son is into watches and covets your watch, then you have a great graduation present. But you might not be ready to give it up then, either.

LastJV · May 18, 2015

That's sage advice, especially about trying to anticipate my son's future tastes. As you can probably tell, I'm still in the early parts of the fatherhood game.

Thank you.

iinsic · May 18, 2015

LastJV said:
That's sage advice, especially about trying to anticipate my son's future tastes. As you can probably tell, I'm still in the early parts of the fatherhood game.

Thank you.

My boys are in their 40s, and neither wears a watch. o|

DocJekl · May 19, 2015

Definitely the 212.30.41.20.03.001 and if you enjoy it as I think you will, your son will enjoy it as much as you did after you hand it down.

mpalmer · May 19, 2015

Welcome to the forums!

mrwatchusername · May 19, 2015

Get the ceramic one. I was also conflicted between the two, but after I saw the SMPc in person, I was smitten.

It's nice how the ceramic bezel doesn't scratch (?!). My other watch bezels are all scratched up, which is inevitable if you wear the watch in your daily routine.

MikeCfromLI · May 19, 2015

Yes but 2220.80 has the waves

clintfca · May 19, 2015

I opine that it depends if you prefer a vintage look or modern look. I personally think the ceramic bezel and solid dials are cleaner looking but bland and that the old aluminum bezel and wave dials have much more character. I also feel the same with the new ceramic bezel Submariners and much prefer the previous models with aluminum bezels. Regardless, any SMP300 will be a good daily watch:

Good luck in your decision.

LastJV · May 19, 2015

Thanks so much for your input, fellas. I'm going to stop in at an Omega Boutique this week and have a look at the 212.30.41 in person . . .

watchvaultnyc · May 19, 2015

Do the ceramic bezel inserts shatter? I've never heard of it happening. And it probably wont unless there's a freak pinpoint impact on it, the sides seem to be well protected.

Asking because the bezel inserts of non-ceramic are always prone to scratches and fading.

DocJekl · May 20, 2015

watchvaultnyc said:
Do the ceramic bezel inserts shatter? I've never heard of it happening. And it probably wont unless there's a freak pinpoint impact on it, the sides seem to be well protected.

Asking because the bezel inserts of non-ceramic are always prone to scratches and fading.

Any ceramic bezel can shatter, but like you I have not seen a report of one on a Seamaster Pro or PO 8500 breaking.

2220.80 vs. 212.30.41

LastJV

iinsic

LastJV

iinsic

DocJekl

Attachments

mpalmer

mrwatchusername

MikeCfromLI

clintfca

LastJV

watchvaultnyc

DocJekl

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities