Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Ref. 2531.80.00 (The 'James Bond' Watch)
Professional Dive Watch · Omega (Swatch Group). Luxury tier, recognized for its heritage in exploration, military, and cinematic horology.
Period: Neo-Vintage (1990s-2000s). Stylistic indicators include the aluminum bezel insert, printed wave-pattern dial, and the iconic five-link Bond bracelet.
Type
Professional Dive Watch
Brand
Omega (Swatch Group). Luxury tier, recognized for its heritage in exploration, military, and cinematic horology.
Movement
Omega Caliber 1120. Self-winding automatic chronometer, 44-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, 23 jewels. Based on the ETA 2892-A2.
Dimensions
41mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 47mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. Known for its slim profile compared to modern divers.
Description
The Ref. 2531.80 is a cornerstone of modern watch collecting, bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern reliability. It defined the look of the Seamaster for a generation, characterized by its low-profile case and the blue 'wave' dial that became a hallmark of the 007 franchise.
Key Features
Wave-pattern dial, skeletonized hands, manual helium escape valve at 10 o'clock, and the distinctive scalloped bezel grip.
Dial Description
Matte blue with a laser-etched wave pattern. Printed luminous round and baton indices (Tritium or Super-LumiNova), skeletonized hands with luminous tips, and a red-tipped seconds hand.
Case Material
Stainless Steel (316L) with a mix of brushed and polished finishes. Features the signature lyre-style twisted lugs.
Crystal Type
Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside.
Bezel Details
Unidirectional rotating bezel with a blue scalloped edge and aluminum insert featuring a 60-minute diving scale.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down crown at 3 o'clock with integrated guards; manual Helium Escape Valve (HEV) crown at 10 o'clock.
Bracelet or Strap
Five-link 'Bond' style stainless steel bracelet (Ref. 1503/825) with a divers extension and a push-button folding clasp featuring the Omega logo.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down caseback featuring the large Seamaster Seahorse (Hippocampus) medallion and serial number engraving.
Movement Type
Omega Caliber 1120. Self-winding automatic chronometer, 44-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, 23 jewels. Based on the ETA 2892-A2.
Water Resistance
300 Meters (1,000 feet). Professional grade, suitable for recreational and professional scuba diving.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. Movement is a highly modified and COSC-certified ETA base.
Age Estimate
Circa 1993–2006. This specific example appears to be from the mid-to-late run (approx. 1998-2004) given the lume condition.
Cultural Significance
Credited with revitalizing Omega's popularity in the 1990s, it shifted the brand's image toward adventure and luxury through its long-standing partnership with the James Bond film franchise.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The bezel shows minor signs of fading (ghosting), and the lume remains white without significant patina. Minor surface scratches on the polished lug surfaces.
Value Estimate
$3,000 - $4,500 USD depending on the presence of the original red box and pictogram cards.
Care & Maintenance
Service interval of 5-8 years. Ensure crowns are fully screwed in before water exposure. Pressure test once a year if used for swimming.
Similar Watches
Omega Seamaster 212.30.41.20.03.001 (Ceramic Bezel version); Rolex Submariner 16610 (Thicker, no wave dial); Tudor Black Bay 58 (No crown guards, vintage aesthetic).
Interesting Facts
This exact reference was worn by Pierce Brosnan in 'Tomorrow Never Dies', 'The World Is Not Enough', and 'Die Another Day'. It replaced the quartz version (2541.80) from GoldenEye.