2254.50 vs bond

[dligg72]

I have a one year old bond version automatic co-axial seamaster with steel bracelet and black face no 007 second hand (model #212.30.41.20.01.002). The watch works great and is far less expensive than the Rolex sub I was considering. I had no knowledge of the non-bond 2254.50 at the time of my purchase. This is my first Omega watch. This site seems to favor the 2254.50 which is no longer in production. My question: Is if the non-bond seamaster prefered? why? Are new 2254.50 available?. I personally like the look of the bracelet of the non-bond vs mine and im considering selling mine and purchasing a 2254.50.

[ulackfocus]

Welcome! It's generally agreed that the Bond style bracelet is more comfortable than the standard Speedy style. Now, which movement is better (co-axial 2500 vs. 1120) will be a subject that's debated until the end of time. Your bezel & wave pattern dial, along with several other features, are identical to the 2254. Even the bezel insert is similar. I happen to like the applied indices (lume inside metal then secured to the dial like yours) over the lume that's painted directly on the dial (like the 2254). The hands are personal preference. Ultimately the choice is yours. You could always buy a dial for a 2254 and swap it out, but keep the original.

[bczolone]

The hands and "Bond designation" label on the watch and dial kill it for me.

[aaron]

Hey dligg72,

The 2254 against the Bond from a non tech view (movement) comes down to personal taste.I have had a preference for black dial/bezel watches so hence I have had many Rolex watches and several 2254s.

Yes several of the 2254, having sold mine and then having a PO and then eventually going back to the 2254. I have also had the Bond GMT which for intensive purposes was a base that the co-ax Bonds were based. (That is apllied indices etc etc.)

The 2254 as you said is now deleted and if you were lucky you might find a new one somewhere but each day will make it harder as stock dries up, that is if it hasn't already.

Once again personal taste is basically the rule. One big feature I liked was the great lume at night. I also prefered the 2254s bracelet and absolutely loved the genuine rubber strap I acquired for it. (Youch, very expensive, but worth it. )

Good luck on your quest and remember that your Bond is a cracker of a watch and I would deal a 2254 for it if I had one.

Thats the trouble being a WIS, never satisfied with one or the the one you have.

2254.50.00 on bracelet


same again on genuine rubber


and the Bond Co-ax GMT


Cheers

[chainy]

I have the 2254 and love it. Saying that I'm currently looking for a LNIB black bond co-axial. I feel they are different enough to have both in my collection. If I had to Make a choice of only one? I'm not sure what I would go for. Tricky decision indeed! If you do decide to sell sooner rather than later, let me know

[dligg72]

bzcolone,

I can't stand the 007 second hand on the watch you are referring too however, my watch does not have that. There are two types of "Bond" versions. The one you are referring too is a special edition with a 007 box and has the 007 as the counter side of the second hand and a plain black face. The other has a wavy black face and no 007 on the second hand.

[zeki]

when people say "bond watch" they mean the seamaster with the round
1,2,4,5 etc hour markers and hollowed out hands (aarons 3rd picture),
and not the special edition watch with the red 007 on the second hands

[Aftermath]

2254.50

[aaron]

when people say "bond watch" they mean the seamaster with the round
1,2,4,5 etc hour markers and hollowed out hands (aarons 3rd picture),
and not the special edition watch with the red 007 on the second hands

Exactly, any blue faced, blue bezel is loosley called the Bond watch and the "007" second hand, case back and sometimes special dial or logos on dial watches are the LE models.

The other blue dial SMP is called an electric blue in some forums,
Like this old electric blue I had, a long time ago.


Cheers

[es335]

I have a one year old bond version automatic co-axial seamaster with steel bracelet and black face no 007 second hand (model #212.30.41.20.01.002). The watch works great and is far less expensive than the Rolex sub I was considering. I had no knowledge of the non-bond 2254.50 at the time of my purchase. This is my first Omega watch. This site seems to favor the 2254.50 which is no longer in production. My question: Is if the non-bond seamaster prefered? why? Are new 2254.50 available?. I personally like the look of the bracelet of the non-bond vs mine and im considering selling mine and purchasing a 2254.50.

Aside from the fact that the Omega Bond is a paid piece of movie product placement and lacks credibility as a tool watch, a primary reason the 2254 is preferred over the Bond comes down to the dial and hand styling. The 2254 pays homage to Omega's classic design history, while the Bond borrows heavily from the Rolex Sub, thereby making the Omega Bond a derivative piece.

For example, the Bond's circle and rectangle hour indices are borrowed from the Rolex Submariner, introduced in 1954. In addition, the thinness of the Bond skeleton hands mean reduced legibility in a diving environment.

In contrast, the 2254's radiating hour indices and sword hands have antecedents in Omega's own design heritage, namely the late 1960s Seamaster 300, a classic dive watch in its own right. The 2254's large indices and sword hands provide significantly more legibility than the "Bond" and make the 2254 actually suitable for diving. In addition, the lack of white gold hour surrounds give the 2254 a vintage appearance, bereft of the fussy and metrosexual bling on the Bond's dial which contains sparkling white gold applied hour index surrounds.

Here are some examples:

Bond (dial hour markers derivative of the Rolex Sub):



Vintage Sub (Note the Sub hour markers: Hours 1 - 11 are imitated on the Omega Bond)



1960s Seamaster 300



2254 (Omega pays homage to Omega's own design history, instead of Rolex's)