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greck · 20 March 2008, 02:23 AM

I'm thinking of getting a Seamaster Professional - either the 300M Quartz or the 300M Diver. I'm curious to hear peoples' opinions on the automatic vs. the quartz movement question. Preferences, problems etc...

applebook · 20 March 2008, 03:03 AM

Stay away from the quartz model

JJ Irani · 20 March 2008, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greck

I'm thinking of getting a Seamaster Professional - either the 300M Quartz or the 300M Diver. I'm curious to hear peoples' opinions on the automatic vs. the quartz movement question. Preferences, problems etc...

Pay a little extra and get the auto model.....much better.

JJ

mdx77 · 20 March 2008, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by applebook

Stay away from the quartz model

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Pay a little extra and get the auto model.....much better.

JJ

A big X2

DSJ · 20 March 2008, 03:05 AM

I have the automatic, reference 2552.80. I have owned this watch since May, 2000, and just got it back from its first service last week. For the most part it has been a great first "higher end" watch for me, and I have no plans to get rid of it. I prefer the automatic because I like mechanical watches better. The quartz is a fine timepiece too, but there are also costs involved in ownership of that watch. Crowns and the He valve will have to be replaced at the same interval as the automatic, and battery life will likely not last as long, meaning that the watch will have to be opened, then re-tested for pressure, meaning the cost of maintenance will likely be somewhat similar. While there will be disagreement about this, I venture to say that the Seamaster Professional ("SMP" in TRF jargon), especially with the newer Co-Axial movement (2500) is very similar to the Submariner in quality at about 1/3 the price. Mine has the 1120 movement, which has also been solid until shortly before service where it was losing about 28 sec/day.

John Holbrook has written some nice comparisons between a couple SMP's and the Sub/SD. He admires both Rolex and Omega, and has websites devoted to both:

http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/articles/

http://www.seamasterreferencepage.com/

Tools · 20 March 2008, 03:08 AM

Greg,

They're both Divers and rated for the same 300meter depth. You can't go wrong with either.

Plus, they look the same except the mechanical says "Automatic" on the dial.

To me, this is a case of personal preference. I would get the mechanical because it's part of my love for mechanical watches, but the Quartz SMP is a top notch watch..

If you hang out with a bunch of watch enthusiasts, then you might want the mechanical because you get some "braggin' rights" with it.

If you want a very accurate watch, with little maintenance, at a reduced cost, then maybe the quartz is the one for you.

Robb · 20 March 2008, 03:31 AM

I would go for the automatic!!! Like Larry said, both are great.... but I love automatics!!

roadcarver · 20 March 2008, 03:58 AM

I just love automatics - my own personal preference. Both will require maintenace, but I believe a quartz won't require as much in terms of movement service (from what I know).

C.J. · 20 March 2008, 04:58 AM

The 2254.50 (automatic) is one of my all time favorite watches. The advantages of getting one are way too long to list. the only disadvantage is that the rest of your collection will start collecting a lot of dust

applebook · 20 March 2008, 05:22 AM

I defy anyone to name one modern watch under $1500 that is as well made and beautiful as the 2254.

The quartz model has a nice case, dial, and bracelet

not worth $1 grand.

DSJ · 20 March 2008, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by applebook

I defy anyone to name one modern watch under $1500 that is as well made and beautiful as the 2254.

The quartz model has a nice case, dial, and bracelet

not worth $1 grand.

5035 in a used OQ? Some can be found for $1,500.

I know nothing about the 2254, care to enlighten us?

How about the 1538/ETA 255.461?

fear · 20 March 2008, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greck

I'm thinking of getting a Seamaster Professional - either the 300M Quartz or the 300M Diver. I'm curious to hear peoples' opinions on the automatic vs. the quartz movement question. Preferences, problems etc...

1120 baby!!!!!!!!!

haakon59 · 20 March 2008, 06:07 AM

I would go for the automatic and I would guess that this will be true of people who like collecting them.

Scarface · 20 March 2008, 06:20 AM

I own a Seamaster Professional Chronograph (Titanium-Gold) with automatic movement since 2001.
Overall it is a very good and impressive watch - it looks almost as new as when I bought it 7 years ago - as you can see in the pic - even though I have heavily used it.
Problems? well, some very small ones:
1) The watch clasp broke down (after 6yrs) and I had to replace it - 164 euros.
2) Once it fell down and the chronograph function got stuck. I took it to the watch lab - opened the case, no repair, just moved it a bit and it worked again. But I wouldnt expect this from a Rolex.
3) Again the chronograph: it got stuck sometimes (maybe 5 times over the 7 years) but gets back to functioning with a little play with the buttons. Understanable, I guess - but still annoying.

greck · 20 March 2008, 12:36 PM

Thanks everyone for your input. I was always leaning towards the automatic, but was being persuaded by someone (who, incidently, was trying to sell me his quartz) that the automatic was much more expensive to service.

timackerman · 20 March 2008, 02:48 PM

I really enjoy the automatic aspect of a watch.

The sweeping hand, the sound, the precision, etc..

The 2254.50 is the way to go

sub2004 · 20 March 2008, 03:42 PM

Get the auto vesion, you will thank yourself in a few years as Omega is slowly moving into the 'higher" end watch pricing. Quartz doesnt have the same 'feeling' and as WIS most of us prefer mechanical, better value, tradional and style in an auto.

Its a great watch for the price. Aim for a good discount of around 20-30% if possible.

etp095 · 20 March 2008, 03:55 PM

i've got the seamaster pro quartz,i bought it 9-10 years ago.it's never let me down,only had to replace the battery once i think(don't remember).this was the first swiss watch that i bought and i've worn it just about everyday for the last 9-10 years.i've never had any problems with it at all,and i've beat it up quite a bit,i don't think you can go wrong on this model,i sure didn't.

SPACE-DWELLER · 20 March 2008, 07:45 PM

I really like the Omega SMP 22.54.50, automatic. The ETA movt. inside is one of the best movts. made, comparable to the Rolex Cal. 3135, although it does not have a free-sprung balance.

I will definately get one of those.

Perdu · 20 March 2008, 10:47 PM

There is no logical reason not to wear a quartz, but I always wear an automatic because I'm mezmorized by mechanicals. Another vote for the 1120 movement and the 2254 diver.

vukotab · 21 March 2008, 07:44 PM

I had recently an oportunitty to buy Seamaster Pro Quartz for GREAT price,new,with box and papers.I didn`t do it just because i prefer the automatic model...and I was WRONG!
They`re both great models and if you can get quartz for reasonable price,go for it!
But,my heart is still beats for mechanical watches!

evy411nia · 22 March 2008, 02:32 AM

I have the SMP "Bond" watch with the 1120 movement. I think this movement has a smoother second sweep than the new 2500 co-axial (just an observation) and I like the dial more with the painted markers and no red lettering. Beautiful watch and very solid. I prefer the blue mil-sub dial to the black version. I love the look of the bracelet but wish it tapered down to 18mm. A little heavier than my SD, it seems just a hair big on my 6.75" wrist. Great quality watch but not finished off as well as my Rollies. Great bang-for-the-buck.

20 March 2008, 02:23 AM	#1
greck "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Canada Watch: GMT 16750 Posts: 66	Seamaster Professional - Your Opinions.... I'm thinking of getting a Seamaster Professional - either the 300M Quartz or the 300M Diver. I'm curious to hear peoples' opinions on the automatic vs. the quartz movement question. Preferences, problems etc...

20 March 2008, 03:03 AM	#2
applebook "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: vancouver Posts: 1,918	Stay away from the quartz model __________________

20 March 2008, 03:05 AM	#5
DSJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: USA Watch: your step! Posts: 7,882	I have the automatic, reference 2552.80. I have owned this watch since May, 2000, and just got it back from its first service last week. For the most part it has been a great first "higher end" watch for me, and I have no plans to get rid of it. I prefer the automatic because I like mechanical watches better. The quartz is a fine timepiece too, but there are also costs involved in ownership of that watch. Crowns and the He valve will have to be replaced at the same interval as the automatic, and battery life will likely not last as long, meaning that the watch will have to be opened, then re-tested for pressure, meaning the cost of maintenance will likely be somewhat similar. While there will be disagreement about this, I venture to say that the Seamaster Professional ("SMP" in TRF jargon), especially with the newer Co-Axial movement (2500) is very similar to the Submariner in quality at about 1/3 the price. Mine has the 1120 movement, which has also been solid until shortly before service where it was losing about 28 sec/day. John Holbrook has written some nice comparisons between a couple SMP's and the Sub/SD. He admires both Rolex and Omega, and has websites devoted to both: http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/articles/ http://www.seamasterreferencepage.com/ __________________ Rolex. The Rolex of watches. 16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II, 2552.80 SMP

20 March 2008, 03:08 AM	#6
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,499	Greg, They're both Divers and rated for the same 300meter depth. You can't go wrong with either. Plus, they look the same except the mechanical says "Automatic" on the dial. To me, this is a case of personal preference. I would get the mechanical because it's part of my love for mechanical watches, but the Quartz SMP is a top notch watch.. If you hang out with a bunch of watch enthusiasts, then you might want the mechanical because you get some "braggin' rights" with it. If you want a very accurate watch, with little maintenance, at a reduced cost, then maybe the quartz is the one for you. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

20 March 2008, 03:31 AM	#7
Robb 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Robb Location: USA Watch: BLNR Posts: 4,939	I would go for the automatic!!! Like Larry said, both are great.... but I love automatics!! __________________ 126610LN l 166610LV l 126619LB l 116710BLNR l 126710BLRO l 126720VTNR l 126718GRNR l 116500 white l 116500 black l 116508 john mayer l 116519LN l 116503 white l 126655 l 226627 Ti Master l 116518LN

20 March 2008, 03:58 AM	#8
roadcarver "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Vernon Location: C-a-n-a-d-a Watch: 16600 Posts: 5,641	I just love automatics - my own personal preference. Both will require maintenace, but I believe a quartz won't require as much in terms of movement service (from what I know). __________________ I'm just a cook...

20 March 2008, 04:58 AM	#9
C.J. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: * Posts: 10,196	The 2254.50 (automatic) is one of my all time favorite watches. The advantages of getting one are way too long to list. the only disadvantage is that the rest of your collection will start collecting a lot of dust __________________ Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there

20 March 2008, 05:22 AM	#10
applebook "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: vancouver Posts: 1,918	I defy anyone to name one modern watch under $1500 that is as well made and beautiful as the 2254. The quartz model has a nice case, dial, and bracelet not worth $1 grand. __________________

20 March 2008, 06:07 AM	#13
haakon59 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,571	I would go for the automatic and I would guess that this will be true of people who like collecting them.

20 March 2008, 12:36 PM	#15
greck "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Canada Watch: GMT 16750 Posts: 66	Thanks everyone for your input. I was always leaning towards the automatic, but was being persuaded by someone (who, incidently, was trying to sell me his quartz) that the automatic was much more expensive to service.

20 March 2008, 02:48 PM	#16
timackerman "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Tim Location: Calgary Posts: 1,117	I really enjoy the automatic aspect of a watch. The sweeping hand, the sound, the precision, etc.. The 2254.50 is the way to go __________________ Daytona 116520

20 March 2008, 03:42 PM	#17
sub2004 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South Pacific Watch: SS Daytona Posts: 643	Get the auto vesion, you will thank yourself in a few years as Omega is slowly moving into the 'higher" end watch pricing. Quartz doesnt have the same 'feeling' and as WIS most of us prefer mechanical, better value, tradional and style in an auto. Its a great watch for the price. Aim for a good discount of around 20-30% if possible.

20 March 2008, 03:55 PM	#18
etp095 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: rudolph Location: chicago burbs Posts: 2,026	i've got the seamaster pro quartz,i bought it 9-10 years ago.it's never let me down,only had to replace the battery once i think(don't remember).this was the first swiss watch that i bought and i've worn it just about everyday for the last 9-10 years.i've never had any problems with it at all,and i've beat it up quite a bit,i don't think you can go wrong on this model,i sure didn't. __________________ tt date circa 69' 5513 circa 81' ss sub w/date (z) pepsi gmt for dad(D) polar expy II(z) 1675 gmt circa 68' ladies datejust on jubilee for mom (z) sea dweller16600(M) SS Sub-C(g) Omega Planet Ocean,45.5 on mesh(2500D)

20 March 2008, 07:45 PM	#19
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	I really like the Omega SMP 22.54.50, automatic. The ETA movt. inside is one of the best movts. made, comparable to the Rolex Cal. 3135, although it does not have a free-sprung balance. I will definately get one of those. __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

20 March 2008, 10:47 PM	#20
Perdu "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Gary Location: GMT-6 Watch: GMT Posts: 3,350	There is no logical reason not to wear a quartz, but I always wear an automatic because I'm mezmorized by mechanicals. Another vote for the 1120 movement and the 2254 diver. __________________ Omega Seamaster 300M GMT Noire Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 8500 Benson 1937 Sterling Silver Hunter

21 March 2008, 07:44 PM	#21
vukotab "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Real Name: Vukota Brajovi Location: Belgrade,Serbia Watch: ing movies! Posts: 3,812	I had recently an oportunitty to buy Seamaster Pro Quartz for GREAT price,new,with box and papers.I didn`t do it just because i prefer the automatic model...and I was WRONG! They`re both great models and if you can get quartz for reasonable price,go for it! But,my heart is still beats for mechanical watches!

22 March 2008, 02:32 AM	#22
evy411nia Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: John Location: Houston Watch: Sea-dwller Posts: 255	I have the SMP "Bond" watch with the 1120 movement. I think this movement has a smoother second sweep than the new 2500 co-axial (just an observation) and I like the dial more with the painted markers and no red lettering. Beautiful watch and very solid. I prefer the blue mil-sub dial to the black version. I love the look of the bracelet but wish it tapered down to 18mm. A little heavier than my SD, it seems just a hair big on my 6.75" wrist. Great quality watch but not finished off as well as my Rollies. Great bang-for-the-buck.

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