Well, folks, I finally did it. My last Breitling - 2009 Avenger Seawolf - was traded at my AD today as even exchange for an Omega Seamaster Pro with the Caliber 1120, the non-coaxial Omega movement prior to the 2500. Also, the smallest size at 36mm and 11mm thick, compared to my 45mm Seawolf, which was 17mm thick. I have absolutely no qualms about the new Seamaster, nor about the older 1120 Caliber, nor about trading my Breitling. The purchase of my Aqua Terra 8500 last March gave me a new appreciation of the Omega models, especially the Seamaster line. My purchase last week of my small Railmaster gave me a totally new appreciation of the smaller watches, especially - again - the Seamaster line.
I haven't had the chance - and admittedly my photographic skills are limited - to take any pics yet, but these are some that I got from a website. Hopefully I will see my buddy and his iPhone tomorrow morning, and can get him to take some wrist shots of my new treasure.
As soon as I saw this slightly older version of the SMP 300 at my AD a couple of weeks ago, all doubts about replacing my Seawolf with it were gone. I prefer the dial and the bracelet to the newer models, although they have the newer coaxial 2500 caliber. No problem. The 1120 is a proven, tried and true movement based on the ETA2892-A2, I believe. I think that the newer 2500 is also based on the ETA2892 as well, but being coaxial makes me wonder. I am not at all an expert on the mechanics of the movements, but I do know that Omega's refinements to the ETA movements have been very successful. I have heard very few complaints about any of them, and mostly praise.
In praise of the smaller watches, I have to say that the Railmaster and the SMP have exceeded my expectations. The Aqua Terra 8500 41mm is now my "big" watch.
The Seamaster Pro really does have excellent workmanship and detailing, and I particularly like the bracelet. Also, the lume is quite exceptional.
Cheers,
Carl
