It’s amazing what changing the bezel and dial color can do for a watch.  The 2255.80.00 Seamaster in this review is mechanically identical, and cosmetically quite similar to the 2254.50.00 I reviewed back in June of 2003 (click HERE to read the 2254.50 review).  Yet to be so very similar, they are indeed different.  

The black dial Seamaster has the classic diver/tool watch look and feel that carries on the tradition of the older vintage Seamaster 300’s.  This electric blue dial model Seamaster however seems just too darn pretty to be considered a true “tool” watch.  It’s big (41mm according to Omega latest description on their web site) and very “shiny” – the iridescent qualities of the dial demands attention.  The polished bezel insert, and the polished accents on the bracelet sparkle and dazzle.  The 2255.80.00 is a very fashionable watch that feels very contemporary without being “trendy.”  The all stainless watch will look good with most casual dress choices, but will also compliment a suit nicely.

There are some aspects of the 2255.80.00 which one could be critical of, depending on your perspective.  The polished bezel and matching insert for example – cosmetically, it’s very attractive.  However, it can be difficult to read in bright sunlight due it’s highly reflective nature, and is a bit harder to grip and turn than other Seamaster bezels I’ve used.  So if I were evaluating this watch purely on its functionality as a dive watch, I’d probably be more critical.  However, in my mind, this watch isn’t a true tool/dive watch – it’s a fashion watch.  As such, I’m not going to be critical because the bezel was designed primarily for cosmetic appeal, and not tool functionality.

 Of course, that’s not to say that couldn’t dive with the 2255.80.00 – absolutely you can.  It has the same 300m/1000 ft. water resistance that every other Seamaster Professional has.  It also has the wonderfully designed (best I’ve seen on a dive watch) Seamaster standard integrated dive suit extension in the bracelet, and external helium escape valve.  The high contrast provided by the bright blue dial and the white markers and hands make for excellent visibility above or below the water’s surface.  The generous surface area that is coated with Super Luminova on the sword hands and markers also puts the 2255.80.00 in the same category as the 2254.50.00 as one of the most legible watches ever in low light conditions.

In addition to good looks and impressive pedigree, the “electric blue” Seamaster also boasts the Omega Caliber 1120 movement.   The Omega cal. 1120 is an amazing movement, and an excellent choice for this watch.  The movement was first introduced in 1996, and Omega uses the ETA 2892-A2 as the base ebauche, and heavily modifies it to produce the 1120.  The base ETA 2892-A2 is widely considered the best movement ever produced by ETA (first introduced in 1975, with a lineage going back much further with Eterna).  Many, many high end watch manufacturers (like IWC and Cartier) also use the 2892-A2 as a base movement.  Why?  Well, cost is no doubt a factor.  However, I submit that many watch companies all come to the same conclusion:  They could spend the money to design and manufacture their own movement in-house and still not match the technical marvel which is the 2892-A2.  Don’t take my word for it – research the treasure trove of articles on Timezone by such horological luminaries as Walt Odets and others who closely examine the attributes of the 2892-A2. 

 So Omega doesn’t begin with a low end movement in the 2892-A2; neither do they simply slap a coat of paint on it to create the Omega 1120.  Two extra jewels are added to the 2892-A2 (the 1120 is a 23-jewel movement), rhodium plating, and other extensive modifications designed to increase precision, durability, and quality – the end result is a chronometer grade movement and a true marvel of Swiss ingenuity and engineering.  The Omega 1120 may not be an “in house” movement (designed and manufactured completely by Omega) but it certainly is what I call an “in family” movement – ETA and Omega are both divisions of the Swatch Group.  To those who would dismiss the Omega Cal. 1120 simply on the basis of it not being an “in-house” movement, I invite you to read an article by Carlos A. Perez entitled, "On The Ebauche Tradition."   This particular example came from the dealer running at an impressive +3 seconds per day – well within the standards needed to earn the COSC certification this watch has (COSC eligibility requires a variation of no more than +6 or -4 seconds per day).

Omega is successful in creating model variations that not only ensure that at least one Seamaster style will appeal to everyone, but also motivate Seamaster fans to buy several model variants that look and feel quite different.  From this perspective, I say the 2255.80 is a Seamaster variant which should be one of the most popular choices in the Seamaster Professional line up.  

Looking for an Omega Seamaster watch of your very own? You can find an amazing selection of quality watches online. While some people prefer an electronic gadget or a new set of golf clubs, a watch makes a sophisticated and distinguished gift.  

*All text and images contained in this review are the original work of the author, John B. Holbrook, II and are copyright protected. Use of any of the information or images without the permission of the author is prohibited.
 

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