OMEGA SEAMASTER TITANIUM REF:2231.50

Surprise surprise... Did not think that this will be my 1st purchase of 2013.

Omega Seamaster Titanium Ref:2231.50.
A friend wanted to off load this and he let me have the 1st right of refusal, couldn't say no.

As far as I know, for this particular reference... there is a choice of electric blue dial or this one... the grey dial.
Dial features wavy textures that did not seem to show in these pics... I need to improve my photography skills...
Legibility is excellent with contrasting painted markers and sword shaped hands.
Newer watches now mostly have applied markers with white gold surrounds.

The whole watch is made of titanium.
This includes the bracelet and clasp... which makes this watch really light. Featherweight if you like.
Bracelets is nicely made.
Now, most people like to compare Omega watch bracelets with Rolex watch bracelets.
In my opinion, Omega makes a better bracelet, but Rolex makes more comfortable bracelets.

The clasp.

Single fold type.

Divers Extension.

Crown signed with the Omega Logo.
This picture shows it fully fastened.
Would have liked the logo aligned with the case but it was not to be.

The Helium Escape Valve... would have like it to be signed with a "He" instead of the same Omega Logo to differentiate between the crown and helium escape valve.
(Worth mentioning is that the newer Omega watches now signs the Helium Escape Valves with "He")

Standard caseback engraving for Omega... The Sea Monster and wavy texture representing the sea perhaps?
Powering this watch is the Omega Caliber 1120.
It's basically a reworked ETA 2892-A2.
Winding is smooth and timekeeping is within COSC... well, expected since it's a COSC Certified movement.

Dial printing is crisp and clear.
As stated, watch is water resistant to 30atm....

I believe this particular reference have been discontinued since 2006/2007.
My friend found this in new old stock in Hong Kong.
A way to tell if it's true is to look at the sweeping seconds hand.
It this watch is well worn, the red tip of the hands will start to fade and turn orange.
This is still bright red. So, this watch most probably haven't seen much surf and sun...

Overall, I am really pleased with the quality and built of this watch.
Watch is so light that I feel like I am not wearing anything.
41mm case size with 11mm height makes this watch easy to wear under shirt cuffs. Dress up or down... no problems.
This was an impulse buy which I think I will flip when the need arise for funding a new piece.
Lets see how it goes.

OMEGA SEAMASTER BOND 2220.80

With the upcoming release of the new Bond movie Skyfall, let's talk about the modern Bond watch which has been taken over by Omega since the Pierce Brosnan movie Goldeneye.

This model here, the 2220.80 is only worn in the movie Casino Royale during the poker game.
Previously, the Omega Seamaster that got the screentime was the older generation model, the 2531.80 which is powered by the Omega Caliber 1120 (Basically an ETA2892-A2 touched up by Omega)
This model is powered by the newer Co-Axial Caliber 2500.
The Co-Axial Caliber 2500 is basically a modified ETA2892-A2 to house the Co-Axial Escapement.
No complaints on the timekeeping as it is COSC certified.

Features a screw in caseback.
Water resistant is rated at 300m.
You can see the engraved Omega globe and also the little red dot on the right side of the picture.
The Omega globe is Omega's way to combat replica makers.
The red dot that is intact shows that the caseback have not been opened before.
After sending in the watch for servicing at the Omega Service Centre, the watch will come back with a blue dot.
Co-Axial movements are only to be serviced by Omega technicians as the oiling of the parts can be quite tricky.

The difference between the old model and the new model is in the details.
The luminious markers and Omega Logo and Branding is painted on the dial while the newer model it is applied.
Luminious markers are also applied and is surrounded by white gold surrounds,
Hands remain identical to the older version.

This is the last of the Seamaster Bond (as it is affectionately called) that comes with wavy texture dial.
This model is already discontinued and replaced by the latest model which comes with ceramic bezels and glossy dial.

And as some of you might have guessed, this watch is no longer in my possession. With the recent release of the new Bond movie Skyfall, just thought I'd share some ownership experience I had with it.
This watch have been with me to the Philippines and also countless island excursion for snorkeling and it still works like a charm.
I'd recommend those wanting a Seamaster Bond to go with this one as it can be had for quite a good price on the pre-owned market.
The newer ceramic models is at least a USD1000-1500 premium over this one which is pretty hefty considering the watch is essentially the same mechanically and the improvements is only cosmetic.