The Breitling Watch Source Forums

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

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

Congrats Carl! I have the same exact watch (40mm though) and I love it. You will notice however the clasp picks up scratches very easily but its nothing some scotch brite pads cant handle. To switch things up a little I recently had my AD put a black Planet Ocean rubber strap with deployant clasp on. (Tight fit but looks great.) I'll try to post some pics to show you. And yes the lume on Omegas is almost unbeatable. Enjoy it, its definitely a classic.

I think the rubber would look great on the SMP. Omega has a wonderful way of making their rubber straps look like they are not rubber at all. The lug width on my SMP is only 19mm though, same as my Railmaster, so I doubt that I could get a strap like that to fit. I am always trying to remember the lug widths on the Omegas. It's my only complaint, that they don't state lug widths in the watch details on their website.
I really do love this bracelet, though. I like the small bit of polished metal between the links better than the new one with two pieces. It seems a very well made and sturdy strap and the clasp is excellent. It feels like it will never come loose. Thanks for the tip about the scotch brites. I will be wearing this at work - in a print shop - where I do everything from printing to bindery to finishing, so it gets inside lots of machinery.

Cheers,
Carl

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'63 Omega Seamaster, 2014 Omega Speedmaster MarkII

"Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied"

I'm glad those pics aren't yours Carl - that misaligned bezel is making me feel peculiar!

Nice pick up by the way!

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Driver8

Site Moderator

Yeah my lug width was 1mm smaller than the PO the strap was made for, but they were able to get it on there. And you are right, it is rubber but with stiching it makes it look more akin to leather. Which I favor over the tradition rubber band they offer for the model.