Overview
This is a review about the Omega Seamaster 300 2254.50. The watch was sold along the ‘Bond’ Seamaster 2531.80 and its differences to the 2531.80 are sword hands, indices, bracelet, colors and big triangle dial. The “big triangle” on the dial along with the rectangular indices are a throwback to the classic 166.024 and 165.024 Seamasters.
| Manufacturer | Omega |
| Reference | 2254.50 |
| Movement | 1120 |
| Diameter | 42mm |
| Thickness | 11,7mm |
| Lug to lug | 47mm |
| Lug width | 20mm |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 300m |
The distinctive features of the 2254.50 are its thinness, sword hands and speedmaster style bracelet with slight taper to the clasp.
However, to keep Omega references complex, Omega released a few other similar, but different models, such as the 2255.80 electric blue and steel, 2533.50 America’s cup with black dial and steel and the 2054.50 which nearly identical to the 2254.50, but mounted on the 5-link Bond bracelet.
| Year Production | Reference Number | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 2531.80 | Round indices, skeleton hands, both in tritium and luminova. Black dial, blue bezel, 5-link bracelet. |
| 1997 | 2254.50 | Big triangle, painted rectangular indices, sword hands. Black dial, black bezel, speedmaster bracelet. |
| 1997 | 2054.50 | Big triangle, painted rectangular indices, sword hands. Black dial, black bezel, 5-link bracelet. |
| 2255.80 | Big triangle, painted rectangular indices, sword hands. Blue dial, steel bezel, speedmaster bracelet. | |
| 2533.50 | Big triangle, applied rectangular indices, sword hands, America’s Cup printed on dial. Black dial, steel bezel, 5-link bracelet. |
Hand-winding Experience
The Omega cal 1120 derived from ETA 2824-2 is a workhorse and can be enjoyed for its utilitarian aspects. It is neither pretty or advanced, but it does the job. The advantage of the movement is that most watchmakers are able to service it.
The hand-winding experience of the 2254.50 is close to standard ETA 2824-2. There is really nothing new to anyone who has handled an ETA 2824-2. While the winding experience is quite far away from modern in-house luxury watch movements, the watch gives satisfiable clicks to notify when it has been fully wound.
Nato Strap
The 1610/930 bracelet of the 2254.50, even with its modest taper, is not for everyone. For a person with a smaller wrist, it can fear bulky and cumbersome and for those whose wrists swell a lot, the bracelet can be uncomfortable as it lacks micro-adjustment. The 2254.50 is a relatively thin watch and compared to the watch head the bracelet can feel big. Because of its 11mm thickness, the 2254.50 wears perfectly on a nato strap.
Therefore, it is possible to use some of the thicker Nato straps with keepers, such as Blushark Orca. Even with a 1,5mm thick waffle weave Orca, the 2254.50 is at 14mm of thickness. This is still 1,5mm thinner than a cal 8500 PO.
My preference is to wear it on a Nato strap over the excellent Speedmaster-style bracelet. Luckily, most watches come with the bracelet, so you can decide for yourself.
Modifications
| Mod | Part number |
|---|---|
| Non-America’s Cup Dial | 064WZ3121001 |
| Planet Ocean Second Hand | 066WZ4315 |
| Micro adjustable clasp | Clasp: 117STZ001154 (large) Clasp: 117STZ004666 (small) Sadle-link (2x): 0118ST1589 Pins (2x): 0128ST0166 Screws (4x): 0124ST3307 |
Non-America’s Cup Dial: In this mod, the dial of the 2254.50 is changed to the Non-America’s Cup Dial. In this dial the indices and Omega text are applied vs painted / printed.
Planet Ocean Seconds Hand: In this mod the second hand is changed to PO seconds hand which some think fits better the sword hands. Also the tip of the seconds hand is brighter.
Micro-adjustable clasp: In this mod the normal clasp is changed to the more modern micro-adjustable clasp. This requires changing the last links to ones with screw ends. This gives the wearer three different positions to adjust the watch thorough the day.
Conclusion
The 2254.50 is a great watch. The bracelet and the bezel action of the 2254.50 is a letdown. The size, sword hands, lume and dial make up for its downfalls. People who suffer from swollen hands should definitely look into the micro-adjustment mod. The watch is simply great and works well with bracelet and even better on a Nato strap.
Pros
- Size
- Serviceability
- Sword hands
- Lume
Cons
- Heavy, only slightly tapering bracelet that depends on half-link for micro-adjustment
- Bezel action
