Personally, I feel that the 2254.50 is the "classic" of the late model Seamaster line. If I could only have one Omega it would be the 2254.50

The 2230.50 is not nearly as popular as the 2254.50. I don't know if it was produced in less numbers or if demand is just less.

I like the 2230.50, and have it on my list of watches to buy. I like the raised numbers of the bezel, so much that I bought the rose gold version of the watch, which is the 2136.50.

As far as being more or less versital, both watches are very similar, so they both would probably fit with the sporty look. I don't see much difference there.

 

My vote's for the 2230.50. Worst case scenario, you don't like it, and I'm sure you'd have no trouble at all trading it for a 2254.50;-)

 

My 2254.50, Stage 1, upon arrival last Christmas:

My 2254.50, Stage 2, upon dial swap in June:

My 2254.50, Stage 3, as of last week:

Fr. John.

 

I really like the watch at stage 2. The applied markers are so much better:-!

 

I was about to leave for an appointment and did not have time to answer your questions which I will attempt to do now:

Which do you prefer?

I prefer Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3. :-d

I would be happy with any of the three configurations.

I always hear the 2254.50 being epitomised as a classic watch and was wondering if the 2230.50 is regarded similarly? Is it as versatile a watch as the 2254.50?

Yes, although I have some concerns about bumping the WG bezel.

Stage 2 would probably be the better "tool watch" with Stage 3 being more dressy and formal.

Can the 18ct WG bezel/bezel insert of the 2230.50 be easily changed or swapped with a 2254.50 one?

My watchmaker said the insert could not be changed but then he could not change the bezel either. I had to send the watch off to have the bezel changed out.

Fr. John+

 

Both watches are stunning but I love the 2230.50. It really stands out. With that said, I've been in love with your stage 2 watch for a long time John.

 

Get the non-AC! You know you want to. b-)

Mine says hi :-d

 

Get the non-AC! You know you want to. b-)

Mine says hi :-d

Ah, Br. Hippocampus. My inspiration!

BTW, my project inspired "my" AD to follow suit. Rather than keeping the one 2230.50 he had in stock, he sold it. He considered it to be the ultimate SMP so took one of the 2254.50s he had and build his own custom.

Imitation is the greatest compliment. ;-)

Fr. John+

 

The 2230.50 is very nice, however, from a purely aesthetic perspective, I have to go with your Stage 2 model Fr.John !
:-!

 

I love all the seamasters. But at the risk of ruining the party, I actually prefer the 2231.50 - the titanium SMP. To me its the ultimate late-model SMP. Its on my short list for sure.

But back to the original question, the 2230 white gold is my favorite, and it looks sweet on the PO rubber strap. :-!

brad

 

I love all the seamasters. But at the risk of ruining the party, I actually prefer the 2231.50 - the titanium SMP. To me its the ultimate late-model SMP. Its on my short list for sure.

Brad, The TI is nice, and different for sure.

I've owned the 2231.50 and the X-33 but found that over time, I prefer SS over TI.

But that's why we have chocolate and vanilla, right? :-d

Fr. John+

 

Great pics and information guys!

Love the transformation pics Jim! you've morphed your 2254 into a 2230

I thought switching the bezels/bezel inserts wouldn't be as simple as doing a quick swap, but it's good to be reassured of that now.

Thanks again for everyone's input.

 

Am I missing something here? I can't see the difference between stage 1 and stage 2?

 

You may check Omega Logo :-!

 

The markers and Omega symbol are applied instead of painted in Stage 2.

Personally I prefer the painted markers (I know, call me weird). The applied omega logo is nice though

 

Weird.
To me, the non-AC is the nicer watch (& the one I want), but the 2254.50 is the classic.

 

I really like the applied markers! its kind if like the 2531 vs 2220

 

anyone here selling their Non-AC? i've made up my mind on this model (after looking at several others, including the AC). unfortunately it's too rare and in the off-chance that i do find someone selling theirs, they ask for too much. please do contact me at well_snail@yahoo.com thanks :thanks

 

I feel silly for asking, but what does "AC" mean when referring to this watch?

 

AC = America's Cup

Omega was the official timer for the America's Cup in 2000. In celebration of the event, Omega created the ref 2533.50 in collaboration with Sir Peter Blake, captain of the New Zealand team. It came with the standard wave-pattern SMP dial (no applied markers) emblazoned with the America's Cup logo. Its most notable feature was the 18k white gold bezel. The model was available in a limited, numbered series of 9,999 pieces. For some reason, the LE AC was not a big seller and NOS specimens frequently show up on the famous auction site. Omega subsequently introduced the 2230.50 SMP (referred to as the non-AC) without the AC logo but with the 18k bezel and raised markers. This model was a hit and Omega's entire production rapidly sold out.

Fr. John†

 

thanks fr. john. makes sense to me

 

Thanks mate, appreciated it.

 

Stage two has a different dial with applied markers and logo. I prefer this dial, and personally prefer the w/g dial of stage three, but then again I have the 2230.50. I prefer this look because I feel that the standard black bezel tries to conform too much to modern divers watches like the submariner and turns out looking like a Tag aquaracer... I just ordered a black croco strap with deployant clasp for my 2230.50 and can't wait to see how it looks, will make it a dressier watch, and since I'm a young guy I feel I can pull it off in most situations - and if not, I'll wear my yachtmaster.

 

I've owned a non-AC. The best thing about that watch is the applied markers on the dial. The white gold bezel (very Rolex Yachtmaster-esque which can be good or bad) gets lost in a sea of stainless steel when worn with the OEM bracelet. So I would choose Stage 2 if you planned to use the OEM bracelet.

On a strap, the white gold bezel seems to work much better.

 

how much was the white gold bezel ? Omega has a tool for removing bezels that cost 1000 $ .. do you need this in order to remove the bezel ? or is it like any other bezel job?

 

Hey KSanders...

Do you still have your 2136.50, and if so, would you like to sell it? When did you get it, and when were they produced?

Thanks,
L.