Appreciate the review of this piece. I've owned one since 1998 and it's been a staple in my attire until recently. Popped it on today . . . it feels small compared to other full-sized divers but it still looks good. "Normal" people (i.e. non watch folks) wouldn't notice the size. As an aside, Prince William wears this piece regularly!
I’ve owned my Seamaster Midsize Automatic (2551.80.00) for 25 years and except for the time it’s being serviced I wear it everyday no matter what I'm doing. I personally love the original bracelet. The issue you spoke to concerning the bezel is a known trait with this model in the Omega watch line. A trick to rotating the bezel is to push down as you turn, it's still going to be hard to rotate. It’s a beautiful watch and I’ve never desired another timepiece. In June of 1998 this watch sold for $1750 USD
I have the quartz version to wear temporarily. Bezel so so hard to turn!! But I love it. It made me want to buy the bigger version and I'm getting the 2541.80 Goldeneye.. Your rolex is gorgeous, and you're right - what a combo
@@luisantoniosilva5559it’s a sports watch, so can be worn as part of everyday attire. These days it is more common to wear steel/sports watches as substitutes for dress watches, so given it’s more petite size it can easily be a jack of all trades.
I have this same watch, automatic version, with the stock bracelet. May look dated, but I'd never consider another bracelet-- I think it is part of what makes the watch so cool. And agree, bezel not easy to turn. But I don't use it anyway so it doesn't matter to me. The lume on the indices is almost completely gone, but the hands all shine bright still.
The bezel is probably just stuck due to dirt and wear, the inner gasket just need to be cleaned and lubed. I had a similar issue with my new SKX009. The bezel was REALLY hard to turn, I often needed to take it off my wrist and use both my hands to turn it and it just discouraged me from using it. So I popped the bezel using the adequate tool and some tape to protect the case, lubed it with some petroleum jelly (I used a toothpick to apply it) and now the bezel is just a pure joy to use. Perfect resistance, I can turn it using only two fingers while wearing the watch!
I will probably take mine in for a service in the next year and have this addressed. Mine's tough to turn, but I'd never use it even if it was. Still, I want it to function properly.
Thankfully I've never seen that style bracelet on a 2551.80 Seamaster before. Do you still have the original 5 link bracelet? If you have difficulty turning the bezel try using toothbrush and some soapy water to clean around the bezel. Works a treat. I've worn mine daily since 2001. I never stop smiling when I look at it. It's a beautiful watch. I passed on a Rolex Submariner for this watch and still have no regrets about that decision.
I've thought about buying one of these for a while because I also love 36mm divers, but like you I really dont care for the stock bracelet. I have an uncle straps bracelet for one of my seikos and love it, so it's a super helpful tip that the speeedy reduced bracelet fits these watches. Thanks and great review!
Hello . Great video :) I would like to ask what is the reference for the new bracelet that you have now on the watch ? I want to make the same change and make sure that I order the correct one . Thank you very much !
Regarding bezel action -- It's an issue with other Seamasters but as others said, typically just needs a service (mine is much easier to use post-service without having to do the palm method) or a cleaning if you can manage it. There might be an issue with the click spring too. Question for you -- would you rather have this Seamaster or the new Tudor BB54?
Mine was actually perfect and only after service very difficult to turn because of a new spring :) Now after a year and lots of turning it's a bit looser again.
i just sold my 2531.80 41mm case or so. i thought it was too big for my wrist., i guess i ll buy this one. i saw specs difference betwren 2531.80 n the 36mm , same watch just sz difference.
@@cito7401 , thanks for reaching out. i sold my 2531.80 n got that the 36mm sz, i didnt care for the 36mm it, seemed to small on my wrist. i ended up the 2531.80 back. i guess i couldnt be wo it.
@@baikalc.4260 I just got the 36 and it seems so abnormally small, I’m tempted to already sell it to get the 41, which I previously thought was too big but in reality isn’t huge. Is there any other reasons you like the 41mm more? I just want to make sure I don’t have buyers remorse and end up making the same mistake as you 😂
@@cito7401 , i like the 2531.80 more just bcause , the 36 looked too small on my wrist. that s the only reason. also the original bonds s the 2531.80 firthermore , i fell that for future sell if i need to most prospective buyers will go for the 41mm n not the 36, unless thier wrist are really thin. yet, the 36 looks sick too but way better on someone with a rather thin wrist. also, hamolton just launched the hamilton expedtiion 37 mm that sz d most likeley look very good on my wrist. i m thinking about ti. too, but we couldnt ever go wrong with the seamaster.
Appreciate the review of this piece. I've owned one since 1998 and it's been a staple in my attire until recently. Popped it on today . . . it feels small compared to other full-sized divers but it still looks good. "Normal" people (i.e. non watch folks) wouldn't notice the size.
As an aside, Prince William wears this piece regularly!
I’ve owned my Seamaster Midsize Automatic (2551.80.00) for 25 years and except for the time it’s being serviced I wear it everyday no matter what I'm doing. I personally love the original bracelet. The issue you spoke to concerning the bezel is a known trait with this model in the Omega watch line. A trick to rotating the bezel is to push down as you turn, it's still going to be hard to rotate. It’s a beautiful watch and I’ve never desired another timepiece.
In June of 1998 this watch sold for $1750 USD
Excellent information - thank you! Glad to hear the bezel issue is not a "me problem" (as is usually the case, haha)
Ditto 22+ years on the wrist and no issues. I love this watch.
I just prematurity wore out my bezel spring. It turns a little too easy now, but I’d rather have that than too hard.
I have the quartz version to wear temporarily. Bezel so so hard to turn!! But I love it. It made me want to buy the bigger version and I'm getting the 2541.80 Goldeneye..
Your rolex is gorgeous, and you're right - what a combo
I have the 1995 quartz version. 36.25mm is just perfect. More versatile, it slides under the cuff and looks classy. Perfect for evwryday watch
Why do people wear it as an everyday watch? I believe it is a perfect match for an special date or event, buy there are alternatives for
@@luisantoniosilva5559it’s a sports watch, so can be worn as part of everyday attire. These days it is more common to wear steel/sports watches as substitutes for dress watches, so given it’s more petite size it can easily be a jack of all trades.
I have the quartz as well.
@@luisantoniosilva5559cus’ some people have money for better dress up watches in different dimensions for special events
I have this same watch, automatic version, with the stock bracelet. May look dated, but I'd never consider another bracelet-- I think it is part of what makes the watch so cool. And agree, bezel not easy to turn. But I don't use it anyway so it doesn't matter to me. The lume on the indices is almost completely gone, but the hands all shine bright still.
The bezel is probably just stuck due to dirt and wear, the inner gasket just need to be cleaned and lubed. I had a similar issue with my new SKX009. The bezel was REALLY hard to turn, I often needed to take it off my wrist and use both my hands to turn it and it just discouraged me from using it. So I popped the bezel using the adequate tool and some tape to protect the case, lubed it with some petroleum jelly (I used a toothpick to apply it) and now the bezel is just a pure joy to use. Perfect resistance, I can turn it using only two fingers while wearing the watch!
I will probably take mine in for a service in the next year and have this addressed. Mine's tough to turn, but I'd never use it even if it was. Still, I want it to function properly.
Thankfully I've never seen that style bracelet on a 2551.80 Seamaster before. Do you still have the original 5 link bracelet?
If you have difficulty turning the bezel try using toothbrush and some soapy water to clean around the bezel. Works a treat. I've worn mine daily since 2001. I never stop smiling when I look at it. It's a beautiful watch. I passed on a Rolex Submariner for this watch and still have no regrets about that decision.
I've thought about buying one of these for a while because I also love 36mm divers, but like you I really dont care for the stock bracelet. I have an uncle straps bracelet for one of my seikos and love it, so it's a super helpful tip that the speeedy reduced bracelet fits these watches. Thanks and great review!
My 2551 has a Matte dial, and I’m glad it is over having the glitter dial.
Anyone know if they sell 18mm seamaster rubber straps?
Mine is from 2010 and the bezel is stuck😢
Pry it off, clean in and push it back on.
Wd40
Hello . Great video :) I would like to ask what is the reference for the new bracelet that you have now on the watch ? I want to make the same change and make sure that I order the correct one . Thank you very much !
I have this exact watch. The bezel losened with wd-40.
thanks for review
Please tell me where did you get this oyster bracelet? Thanks.
Wondering the same thing! Where is this bracelet from??
@@rxl77it appears to be uncle seiko presidential bracelet. I have forstner’s version on my railmaster and love it
The bracelet in the video is a speedmaster reduced, from uncle seiko. Good fit it seems
Sounds super rattly and cheap
Great analysis and pov. Also, what’s your wrist size?
How do you find the model number?
Regarding bezel action -- It's an issue with other Seamasters but as others said, typically just needs a service (mine is much easier to use post-service without having to do the palm method) or a cleaning if you can manage it. There might be an issue with the click spring too.
Question for you -- would you rather have this Seamaster or the new Tudor BB54?
Mine was actually perfect and only after service very difficult to turn because of a new spring :) Now after a year and lots of turning it's a bit looser again.
Love everything about this watch except snub hour hand, wish they were solid fill and easier to see.
Good call on the bracelet swap. Much better than the original
i just sold my 2531.80 41mm case or so. i thought it was too big for my wrist., i guess i ll buy this one. i saw specs difference betwren 2531.80 n the 36mm , same watch just sz difference.
what size is your wrist? im in the opposite situation
@@cito7401 , thanks for reaching out. i sold my 2531.80 n got that the 36mm sz, i didnt care for the 36mm it, seemed to small on my wrist. i ended up the 2531.80 back. i guess i couldnt be wo it.
@@baikalc.4260 I just got the 36 and it seems so abnormally small, I’m tempted to already sell it to get the 41, which I previously thought was too big but in reality isn’t huge. Is there any other reasons you like the 41mm more? I just want to make sure I don’t have buyers remorse and end up making the same mistake as you 😂
@@cito7401 , i like the 2531.80 more just bcause , the 36 looked too small on my wrist. that s the only reason. also the original bonds s the 2531.80 firthermore , i fell that for future sell if i need to most prospective buyers will go for the 41mm n not the 36, unless thier wrist are really thin. yet, the 36 looks sick too but way better on someone with a rather thin wrist.
also, hamolton just launched the hamilton expedtiion 37 mm that sz d most likeley look very good on my wrist. i m thinking about ti. too, but we couldnt ever go wrong with the seamaster.
I thought they discontinued the 2551.80 in 2004? Curious how you were able to find one from 2006!
There's always a lot of old stock at retailers. Especially from brands like Omega who produce shitloads of watches that nobody wants.
bezel just needs to be oiled and cleaned
It’s frankly too small mate, the seamaster has a small dial so it makes it appear even smaller
Nah. Too big.