I know this video is old but… I own this watch with having owned Tudor and Rolex equivalents. I think that in terms of quality and finishing all three brands are very similar. With movements I think that Rolex may have an upper hand. Design and aesthetics I prefer omega. The case, bracelet, and overall design is a lot more interesting. Rolex and Tudor just tend to be a little boring in my opinion.

I have this watch and it is great....could have purchased the new model but chose this model.... clean watch and frankly better than a rolex sub for the money

You are spot on regarding the helium release crown. I always hated it but ended up buying this model in black and within a day the valve just fades away being an issue. If anyone reads this in the future--don't let the helium release crown deter you.

Will have mine this week. First real Grail achieved. Can't wait!! Thanks for the in depth review!

I have this ceramic version in black, and I love it. I became interested in the older Bond Seamaster versions, and thought about getting a vintage piece..... until I tried on a ceramic version. It really popped! I had been on the fence about the bracelet but it's gorgeous and very comfortable. I'd say it rivals a Rolex Sub, and yet is less than half the price.

Awesome review 👍 This well be my next watch!

Quite simply the most comprehensive and best review I have ever watched on utube. Had a black ceramic sold it regretted that and am buying again. Just need to decide between the older or new. I think the new version gets my vote.

Omega makes great watches.

Thanks for the review Guy. This is my favorite watch! I love the iconic style...it is the Bond Watch for me. I think it perfectly serves as a tool/dress watch.

Contrary to most reviewers, I actually love the scalloped bezel. It gives it personality and uniqueness. And realistically, the only time we'd have a problem using it is if we were actually trying to time dives with it... Which nobody is doing. Just like nobody is gonna use the HE valve, and nobody is gonna use the diver extension. But can you picture this watch with a coin edge? ugh.. The HE valve wasn't my favourite at first, but it's grown on me. Again, you can tell its a SMP a mile off by that scalloped edge and HE valve. My only other gripes since owning mine would be the fit of the end links (and this seems to affect pretty much every Omega it seems). They could be a little tighter. Fix that and add a glide-lock style clasp like the new one and it would be the perfect watch IMO. Either way, I still find myself admiring mine several times a day, three years since I bought it. its insanely accurate at +1sec a day for me timed by watchcheck app. It's got to be the most beautiful-looking dive watch out there in my opinion. I'm really not a fan of the new one. I think it's a step back with the bigger bulkier size and addition of busy waves. And that new HE valve looks awful. They really hit the pinnacle (with a few improvements needed) on the pre-2018 generation. Still, makes me glad I didn't wait before buying. Edit: For anyone worried about the outside AR coating. I've had mine a few years now, and I don't baby it. It's gotten some scratches on the bracelet and even the head and edges of the bezel, but the AR is still flawless. So it's pretty dam tough stuff and 100% worth it for that "invisible glass" look. In a lot of lighting it really does look like it's all dial and no glass. If you sit a SMPc next to a Sub, your eyes will inevitably be drawn to the SMP's dial. Its just mesmerising. Outstanding.

Excellent review, like how you explain all the details 👍

Nice review. At around $2200-2500 preowned I’d say it’s unbeatable value-wise. A lovely watch, especially in blue. It’ll be interesting to see more reviews of the 2018 SMP’s also over the coming year. Those waves are growing on me A LOT. I’ve always been a Speedie fan, but am now convinced the SMP is the better buy for daily wear and tear, if you’ll agree.

Nice review. I have watched this four times already.

I have a clasp that is the same size as the stock one, but has the push button micro adjust inside. Definitely recommend it.

Bought mine OSM 212 today.. most beautiful watch!

Great review! I recently purchased a black SMPc; like you, I had always been unimpressed seeing it in photos, but it gradually grew on me, and when I finally saw it in person I was blown away by the finish and styling. Although the size is comparable to the Submariner, I find that the contours and bevels allow it to wear smaller and thinner, which makes it very well suited for thin wrists. The domed AR-coated crystal also makes the dial "pop" more, and really shows off the brilliance of the hands (which have grown on me after I noticed that they're skeletonized versions of the Plongeur hand style). Alas, I do agree that the bezel action is one of the weakest aspects of this watch -- hard to grip, and very clackety. If it had better feedback and the same coin-edge of the other Seamasters, I think I might actually prefer this watch over the Sub. (Incidentally, the person I purchased mine from had installed the micro-adjustable clasp, and it works quite well. No extra saddle-links required, as far as I can tell.)

Love these almost pulled the trigger on a blue model will own one one of these days

Best review I have seen of this watch. You even managed to pick that "negatives" up rightly in my opinion. Well done Sir. As my son owns this watch I had opportunity to play with it and my conclusion is that If they had swap glossy colour for matt one, it would improve overall appearance. I own Seamaster Proffesional which has black matt finish and personally I find it more attractive. Loud bezel clicks seems to be an "issue" with all Seamasters.

Love my black dial smpc! Like the size, wears well, really pops! Used to dislike the bracelet, but in real life it really suits the watch! Reccomend the smpc all day, not sure about the handset on the new one tho..

ahhh great way to chill after a long day

I actually like the old and the new equally. Can't decide. Gonna have to buy them both - ya, in my dreams.

Great review. I just seen the new versions at my AD. I hated them in photos but they are not that bad actually. My favorite was the two-tone black dial model. I'm not a two-tone guy but something about it just won me over. In fact it's on my list.

It was between this and a Speedy for me. Went for the Speedy. This watch is the definition for "pictures don't do it justice". Beautiful in the hand.

Good review - and spot on about the bezel and clasp …

Love me some loud stiff bezel action, lol! Awesome review as always.

Fantastic review. To be honest I've never finished watching a Pierce Brosnan Bond movie era about the watch. I am very well aware of why this watch is a grail for many watch lovers(I am one of them) and enthusiasts but hey I like it and I am going for it. Something about OMEGA that I prefer more than the others. Not to call out obvious other swiss brands that rival it but hey it's all about the watch I want, not about the watch that I wear and the other people want... 👍😉

On the strength of this review I went to my AD tried on both old and new and both AD manager and sales staff and my wife overwhelmingly concluded the old one had a better fit on my six and half wrist and that aesthetically the old one looked understated in a classier way compared to the gaudy looking new one, primarily due to wave dial and bright white bezel numbers. The new one just looked too big and thick for my wrist and so I settled with the old one. Fit wise I took 3 full links out and stuck a Hirsch anti allergic bottom watch sticky pad thing which helps to hone in on the fitness and help keep the watch head stable and in position. Works a treat! So no need to do the adjustable clasp replacement. I did the same with my moon watch and added two sticky pads and it did the job.

Always a pleasure to see your new video. I’m undecided on the black bay 58 or the Omega divers. Would love your opinion.

That was my first luxury watch. I loved it but my tastes slowly changed and the flashy bezel and the shiny links stopped working for me. Another “issue” I had is the readability. Anyway, it’s still an amazing watch and I recommend buying it if you like the looks of it

Really interested in the new variant Introduced at Basel 18. I love the changes in the bracelet and date at 6. I actually prefer the slick black dial without the waves but we will see how it looks when it comes out.

great description on omega seamaster!

Nice review. I have the blue dial omega seamaster 300m i love it because it's more solid and more heavy than the moon watch. I feel the weight on my wrist when wearing it.

Good review, that glade look system should be on all Omega's, agree about the diver extension just not useful for most of us, still too 90s and dated looking to pull the trigger on but enjoyed the infomitive review a lot 👍

I like the criticism here. I feel too many reviews are just jumping on the bandwagon and conceivable getting a watch by the company for enthusiastic opinions. And nice to hear actual upgrade prices. It's interesting that you still really like the watch. My enthusiasm was for it was dampened somewhat because of you. And that's good.

One of the best reviews I've seen on the SMPC Guy. I'm still tossing up between this (the superseded model) or the Heritage Black Bay 79230R-BK - BURSS

Great video, Guy. I bought the blue model of this piece earlier this year. My first luxury watch! Absolutely love it

Lol, I did the same upgrade fix on my 2012 Seamaster by buying the newer style, (2017) longer, micro-adjustable clasp. 👍🏻

I have the blue version and I love it

always not into the seamaster because of the escape valve But the bracelet is what attract me Didnt know about some play on the bracelet link The clasp could done better at this price range Very nice detail review

My 2531.80 is the reason I can’t see myself getting a pre-ceramic sub. It’s just....so good and slim and comfortable on the wrist. I’ll have to have a look at the new SMP but seriously, for the money none of these can’t be beat by any other Swiss diver. Good video, as always.

Definitely enjoyed this one. Does the bracelet articulate above and beyond, and wrap around the wrist with a a little jingle jangle?

Very nice review🎉I have this watch. At first I didn’t like the dial without wave texture, but now I slowly accept it. In addition, the clasp does not have a fine-tuning length design, which is definitely a failure. Also, Hong Kong Swatch Group LTD refused to sell the new design micro adjustment bracelet for me😂They claim that it is not suitable for the bracelet 😤

I miss the raised wavy dial I had on my 2254.50. The new laser cut wave 🌊 doesn’t grab me the same way. Great comparison vid!

I'd also love to see you do a review of the aqua terra, new and old. What are your general thoughts on that watch? Great videos, keep it up!

I have been on the fence about this watch for years but haven't been able to pull the trigger. Maybe the fact that I like the engraved caseback more than the dial has something to do with it. It's a shame that caseback is going away as the new version will have a display back, as others have pointed out. Another great review.

Guy, please do the AQUA TERRA review (Basel 2017 version). It's a very interesting and popular watch, but unfortunately rarely seen in videos. Thanks for your reviews, they are very good and informative)))

I have the blue version of this watch. I like everything about it except the bezel. I don’t mind the ceramic, but it really doesn’t have the best bezel action. I think my SKX is actually better in that regard. I’m also not a fan of the scalloped bezel, I think Omega was trying to mimic the “wave” look. Otherwise, it’s a great watch and if you can get one used, it’s a very good value, too. As always, an excellent review!

Such a pure Refined look

Dream watch

There is only one thing I really REALLY hate about this watch. When I turn my arm to check the time I look at my watch and think hot damn that is one good looking watch, look at it for a few second, then I'll put my arm down and I would realize I forgot to look at the actual time. So I have to do it all over again. So annoying ;-)

I am torn on two aspects of this watch. 1 is the bracelet it feels a bit outdated to me and 2 are the hands I also feel like its dated, the skeletonization especially. BTW speaking of speedmaster I can't wait for that review !

This model Omega has grown on me. Also, I agree with the helium crown being kind of ugly to look at. Thanks for the review.

my fav watch just love the style and the new version is better ... will get one, one day... shame about the braclet cheers good review

I'm not sure if you'll look at this comment Guy as this video is some years old. This is a brilliant review of this watch though. I do not have this particular watch but I do have the old non wavy dial chronograph version. I have to agree with the clasp missing any sort of micro adjust though it's so far not been an issue for me in the last few years. The same is true for my older Speedy 1863. I have to agree that these watches have to be seen in person though as like you the He valve was initially off putting from photographs, the same is true for the new versions. That He valve in the flesh just seems to blend in on the wrist in real life (my old chrono 3330 movement version used the He valve to hide the internal pusher to quick change the date on the heavily modified Valjoux 7753 movement within, column wheel + co-axial escapement keeping 4Hz frequency). When I saw the wavy dial versions it put me off, until once again a tried one at the AD and it looked great. From my experience the bezel action for me anyway will always feel second rate on almost any watch once you have a Submariner, the action of the bezel is just sublime, certainly compared to my 124060 no date.

Nice review, worth money to pay this previous model when came out new seamaster diver, and how about new Longines hydroconquest chronograph with ceramic bezel L3.783.4.96.6 this one ore previous omega seamaster?

The Baselworld 2018 SMPc is a lot thicker with that 8800 movement, and they should have just used the 8900 since it's the same size and has a quickset hour hand,. Plus the new SMPc has a see thru caseback. It's almost Black Bay levels of too thick to wear. Also Omega...for some reason...uses red loctite on the bracelet screws which makes them a beast to unscrew. And how do you set off your mines without the 10 o'clock crown? Duh! Last...I bought the Planet Ocean micro adjust clasp. Fantastic upgrade. No new end links needed for the SMPc.

Gday watch enthusiasts, been fighting myself for a while among Omega new SMP, Speedmaster(hesalite)and Tudor BB GMT, forget about dressy,versatility,budget,diver but if I ask according to value which would be the best buy which one you’d pick (off course I’ll try that on hand before buy), will really appreciate your suggestions, cheers. Very helpful video with deep infos bluefish 👍🏽

Any chance you could get your hands on a Planet Ocean 8900 to review from your jeweller friend’s? I’m saving for one and would like to hear your thoughts on this piece.

They had the new seamaster in the mall this weekend and wow! It makes the old seamaster seem so outdated. My oh my I’m in love! Could have talked the wife in letting me take one home with some sweet talking but I’m so close for enough money for either a tegimented U1 or a Spring Drive Tuna. But this one is a consideration to save some more.

Nice review. I always bounce between the SMP and the Tudor BB. Not sure which one I’d like as my first luxury watch. I’d like to see the seamaster in person. Didn’t realize the old one had no micro adjust

which one you like more? this model or the seamaster aqua terra?

Thank you for the review. Would you consider doing a review on the 39mm seamaster planet ocean ref. 215.30.40.20.03.001 ?

The lume at the 3 o’clock is painted on, this is part of the reason I would choose the midsize the dial layout is better

I am planning to buy my first luxury watch and I am thinking of the omega seamaster 300, tudor bb 58 or the rolex datejust, which do you recommend? Thank you.

In two minds between getting the speedy or this Seamaster? What's a "better" watch in your opinion for daily use?

Hi Guy. With the new 300m there is the update glide lock clasp like the sub. Also, the new 300m has a sapphire display back.

That watch fits your wrist perfectly.

I think they call in the SMPc in hobbyist circles because there is a need there to distinguish the model from the older one with aluminium bezel. Omega itself doesn't care about models from a decade ago and just needs a name for the current model.

Classic guy!

The SMPc doesn't use liquidmetal numbers on the ceramic bezel. It's some sort of metallic paint, but not liquidmetal. Hence the lower price of this watch over it's liquidmetal ceramic bezel counterparts. I should add also that the new SMP with the ceramic wave dial also doesn't have liquidmetal numbers on the ceramic bezel.

I’m one of the minority who enjoys the He valve crown. For me, it just adds a bit of visual appeal. Will I ever need it? Hell no. I don’t even dive in my SMP, I have a Seiko for that lol.

My SMP 2531.80 (Bond) had the best most comfortable bracelet ever.

Can you compare this to a Tudor bb58

nice.

Nice analysis... How much does this model sell for now used??

Another grrreat review. However i will keep my 2531.80 Seamaster

Btw guy' you don't have to replace the crystal when the AR coating gets scratched up. Just use a bit of jewellers diamond polish. Comes up real nice. Just my two penny's. Worth. ;) I'm British!

A decorated eta? I thought the co axial 2500 movement was in house?

Cette montre est une merveille ! Au départ, je voulais une Rolex Submariner 16610, mais les 5 à 7 ans d'attente m'ont définitivement dissuadé. J'ai choisi cette Oméga, et je ne pense plus à la Rolex.

I really didn’t like the styling of this watch in person. It’s just too shiny, like the submariner. The polishing around the bezel and the glossy insert are deal breakers for me. I’m sure the quality is there, but I’d take the Black Bay over both of them. Edit: I hadn’t noticed the lume outlining the skeletonized hands. Looks nice

Dang it Guy! When I looked at my Seamaster I always thought of James Bond, but now.... I think of Angry Birds

Please add the reference number to the notes. Thanks

I bought it last month , very happy ,and i found a great deal 2958$

Hi Guy. Enjoyed the video. Good pause during lunch. I have a question for the knowledgeable diver viewers: for a 300 meter divers does a helium escape valve is really necessary? I know it is the professional version, but is it really necessary. It is a pity from a purely aesthetic point of view, but if it is natural to have it, then nothing to critique there.

I also thought "ho,hum" of this watch for a long time. But then I got a Chinese homage of this, in order to mess with it, mod it, etc...... and I had the same reaction. (On a much lower budget scale of coarse)

I hate Matte finished bezels. The High gloss bezel is what makes it look so great. Same with the Rolex bezel!!

Wow, that is one gondo-huge crown guard. It's almost Panerai big/obnoxious.

I like the old bracelet better , the new flat bracelet just looks off

the second hand: i prefer orange color to the tip

I prefer the NEW Seamaster. New clasp with the micro adjustment, thicker side looks more robust and keeps the same thicknest of the watch, transparent case back, beautiful indexes pops-out from the dial. Hour handset looks like minute one and looks like from the same watch not like old one (two different shapes), helium escape valve is 90 degrees to the wheel shape of the bezel. And finally the dial .... silver version looks amaizing with these waves on it. I love it.

the 1st generation is best

Well made and fairly accurate movement but the bracelet looks outdated.

300m branding stands for..... 1000 feet :)

"this stupid DIVER'S extension" on a DIVE watch...........Next thing you know Zulu straps will be stupid because they're extra long for use over a wetsuit.....

New one is unnecessarily chunkier and the bracelet clunkier. Lost the refinement of what made the original seamaster which is more elegant. Also the wave is like a smeared thumbprint on the dial and the clasp is as big as the watch head! Huge clasp! Such a clown feature.

The new SMP is worse in every way other than the movement. Reese's peanut butter cup helium release, ugly minute track, ugly wave dial, more sport and less class. Just gross.

Call me biased but I think the old one is prettier 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️