Omega

Omega Men's 2221.80.00 Seamaster 300M Quartz "James Bond" Blue Dial Watch

• Precise Swiss-Quartz movement
• Domed, anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
• Case diameter: 41 mm

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Omega Men's Seamaster Blue Dial Watch makes its statement with a sporty deep blue dial with luminous hands and hour markers, and a calendar window that sits at the 3 o'clock. This timepiece also features quartz precision movement with rhodium-plated finish for greater precision, stability, and durability of the movement, a stainless steel case and bezel, and a stainless steel band. The blue bezel is offset with white markers and Arabic numerals. The watch also features a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal coated on the inside with anti-reflective treatment, and a calendar window at the 3 o'clock. Designed for skin diving and other water sports, the Seamaster is water resistant to 1,000 feet.

The Omega Story

The Omega watch story begins in 1848, when founder Louis Brandt began hand assembling key-wound precision pocket watches from parts supplied by local craftsmen in his principality La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the northwest corner of Switzerland. However, the Omega name didn't appear until 1894, after Louis Brandt had passed away and his watchmaking traditions were taken over by his sons, Louis-Paul and Cesar Brandt. Omega watches have long been associated with glamorous screen and sports stars--the Omega Seamaster is famous for being the watch of choice for James Bond--with current ambassadors including Pierce Brosnan, Nicole Kidman, tennis player Anna Kournikova, and swimmers Michael Phelps and Ian Thorpe.

But Omega is more than just a fashionable watch. In 1965, the Omega Speedmaster chronograph was "flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions" as the only wristwatch to have withstood all of the U.S. space agency's severe tests, including passing grades for extreme shocks, vibrations, and temperatures ranging from -18 to +93 degrees Celsius. The greatest moment in the Speedmaster's history was undoubtedly 20 July 1969 at 02:56 GMT, when it recorded man's first steps on the Moon's surface as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Omega watches rocketed off to space on many subsequent missions, including visits to Skylab and the historic Apollo-Soyuz link-up of Soviet and American astronauts in 1975.

In more recent years, Omega created the world's first self-winding wristwatch with central tourbillon in 1994 and made history in 1999 with the first mass-produced watch incorporating the co-axial escapement, developed in conjunction with renowned English master watchmaker George Daniels. In simple terms, the escapement is the heart of a mechanical watch, generating the impulses that make the mechanism move. Omega's Co-Axial Escapement drastically reduces the friction among the parts that transmit energy to the other components, producing greater stability and precision and reducing service requirements.

Today, Omega is known for its rigorous testing of new movements, cases, and bands. Each new Omega movement is tested on the wrist in existing Omega models, while various laboratory tests are conducted to determine temperature-resistance, shock-resistance and vibration-resistance.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000NIFAZ4
• Item model number: 2221.80.00
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,906 in Watches (See Top 100 in Watches)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars James Bond is Back in Casino Royale, February 24, 2007

By 

G. Petrof (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This 2006 edition of the famous James Bond watch made its debut in the movie Casino Royale. Actually, there are two Omega watches in the movie; the limited edition Omega Seamaster Plant Ocean Big Size 2907.50.91 and the limited edition Omega Seamaster Chronometer 2226.80.00. The watch offered here carries on the James Bond style without the limited edition price tag.

This style of the James Bond watch first appeared in the movie 'Golden Eye' (1995) and is still available as the full size gents automatic chronometer model 2531.80.00 and the same in a quartz model 2541.80.00. The new 2006 quartz model 2221.80.00 has several refinements that you should consider over the previous (but still available) model. Most notably is the appearance of the watch face. The blue wave dial is a deeper shade blue with a more distinctive wave pattern and the Seamaster script is a subtle red. More apparent is the hour markings are now encased in stainless steel mountings instead of painted on as in the previous model. This alone cleans up the watch face and makes it look like it costs thousands more.

Bear in mind that any Omega watch purchased on the internet voids the International Warranty, so read the seller's warranty terms carefully. This watch is also available in an automatic chronometer with the new Co-Axial escapement movement as model 2220.80.00.

If you desire a James Bond series watch at an affordable price, this is the one.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true piece of art trumps price, June 19, 2009

By 

Crazy pilot dude. (Germany) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Omega Men's 2221.80.00 Seamaster 300M Quartz "James Bond" Blue Dial Watch (Watch)

Like the title says, a true piece of art trumps price, every time. This watch is the perfect mate of beauty, class, craftsmanship and usefulness.
The watch immedietly stands out a quality time piece to even the most casual of observer. It sets itself apart from minor details; details that speak of expierence, care and attention to quality.

I cannot give an honest pro/con list of the watch's qualities at this time because I haven't owned it long enough. This review is my initial impressions. Although I conducted an immense amount of research before purchasing this particular model, and from the reviews, personal testimonials and widely-available resources, this watch is as sturdy and reliable as it is beautiful.

Details: This watch is like any fine jewlery product. From the images posted on Amazon you cannot get a feel for how this watch feels and looks in person. All metal parts are either finely brushed or beautifully polished. This watch stands apart from every lower-end watch in the spectrum. All the laser etchings are crisp and clear and fonts are classic and clean. It is the small details such as the font, exact mechanical tolerances and minor touches of class that make this watch the fine piece that it is.

The root purpose of this review is not to brag about the watch though, there are plenty of people that do that already. The point I want to clarify is that customers shopping from Amazon can do so without hesitation. Amazon IS NOT, an official Authorized Dealer (AD). Therefore, the Omega warranty is void! If you are looking for a watch from an AD that will cover the full Omega warranty - DO NOT order the watch from Amazon. Although, I will say this: Amazon does provide a comprehensive and detailed warranty and support network for customers. If your not concerned about the Omega International Warranty, then you can purchase this watch without concern. Amazon provides the official hang tags, outter box, inner red leather box, instruction manual, official and authentic pictogram and International Warranty card (which is not endorsed by an Omega AD so therefore the Omega warranty is no good). I felt completely comfortable purchasing this watch from Amazon despite not having the Omega support available. When I purchased the watch on June 14th, my only concern was the shipping and condition upon delivery. When I recieved the watch a mere five days later (shipped on the 15th, arrived on the 19th overseas to an APO address), there was no damage to the product or the packaging whatsoever. In fact, I was surprised and pleased at how quickly the watch arrived.

To keep this as short as prudent, I won't get into the details of Quartz vs. Automatic but if you have questions or want more details, you can search online where there is a plethora of information or contact me and I will be happy to explain it. But suffice to say, I was very happy with the quartz watch.

Bottom line: If you an Amazon customer wishing to purchase this watch and your NOT concerned with having the Omega Warranty, go for it, dive in and enjoy every wonderful detail this instrument provides. If your a collector and stickler for having the warranty then I suggest moving on to your local jeweler or AD.

Jeff

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Quartz 2221.80.00, September 7, 2011

By 

David Easley (Colorado USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Omega Men's 2221.80.00 Seamaster 300M Quartz "James Bond" Blue Dial Watch (Watch)

Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Quartz Watch 2221.80.00

My wife bought this watch for me as a gift after I had researched and decided on this one. I received it September 3, 2011. I chose the Seamaster quartz model because of the accurate time keeping. Quartz watches simply keep time better than mechanical watches. I can check it when daylight savings time changes and not have to worry about its accuracy otherwise. The stainless steel bracelet and case will not show wear over time like gold plating will and is much less expensive and more scratch resistant than 18 karat gold. Other models are available in a Titanium case to save weight but be aware that Titanium is softer and scratches more easily than stainless steel. The stainless steel bracelet and case with a blue dial and bezel really gives this watch an understated classic look. It has a look of quiet elegance without being flashy.

Experts say Omega compares favorably with Rolex on all meaningful points, at a fraction of the price. Because Rolex is the most recognized watch name in the world, the style is the most copied. This makes it difficult for Rolex to have a unique style because so many other watches are copies. Omega stands a better chance of having a unique style because it is less known and therefore, less copied. As a result, Omega can give you a unique style, quality comparable to a Rolex and a price that is far less than Rolex. This is why reviewers say Omega provides a very good combination of luxury, quality, style and value. The Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Quartz is a luxury watch that is tough enough for everyday use.

The bracelet on the Omega Seamaster 300M Quartz is heavy and masculine, with a double pushbutton release on the clasp. The synthetic Sapphire crystal is very scratch resistant. It is rated a 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness with a cubic zirconia being an 8, a diamond is 10, hardened steel is 7.5 to 8 and tungsten carbide is 9 to 9.5. The wave pattern on the dial and the scallop design on the outer edge of the bezel add to the unique look of the Seamaster along with red accents on the second hand and the Seamaster name on the dial. The luminous markings on the watch face glow brightly after exposure to light. In very low light, when the glow begins to fade, the skeletonized hands are not quite as easy to read as sword hands would be. However, the skeletonized hands do allow you to read the date even as the minute hand is passing over the date window. The diving extension folds out to give the bracelet an extra 1 3/16 inch to fit over a wetsuit. There is no fine user adjustment on this watchband. If you need it adjusted you will have to have a jeweler add or remove links to fit your wrist or purchase the jeweler tools needed to do it yourself. This watch complements almost any attire from a suit to blue jeans or at the beach or poolside. If you have never worn a diver watch, be aware that they are big and heavy. You may find a slight interference with extreme wrist movement. It may take some getting used to.

The crown has three positions. Screwed down it is water resistant. Unscrewed and pulled out to the first stop, the second hand continues to keep time but by rotating the crown you will cause the hour hand to jump forward or back in one hour increments. This allows you to adjust for daylight saving time or time zone changes quickly without having to stop the second hand and lose accurate time. You can also rotate the hour hand through 24 hours to change the date at the end of a short month. The third position, unscrewed and pulled to the second stop, stops the second hand and allows you to rotate the minute and hour hands. The serial number is in very small numbers on the back of the lug at the 7 O'clock position. The folding clasp is solid, secure and is released by squeezing the buttons on either side of the clasp. The single direction rotating bezel allows you to time minutes elapsed.

The Helium escape valve at the 10 O'clock position is used mainly by saturation divers who spend days at depth, in chambers, breathing special helium/oxygen mixtures under pressure. Helium diffuses through the seals and allows the pressurized gas to enter the watch case. The valve is unscrewed as they decompress so pressure inside the case can escape without damaging the seals inside the watch or popping out the crystal. The watch is designed to keep out water under pressure, not to hold in gas under pressure. Hence, the escape valve for decompression. Check the escape valve regularly to make sure it is screwed down along with the crown. The watch is not fully water resistant if either is unscrewed.

I was fortunate enough to find an excellent authorized dealer in Bayside, New York who sized the bracelet, engraved the watch to personalize it and shipped it overnight all for no additional charge. Alicia's jewelers has been in business almost 30 years and gives excellent service. Tell Kathy Rota you were referred by Dave Easley in Colorado. As a referral from an existing client, she will be more than happy to help you get exactly what you want. Because they are an authorized Omega dealer you get the international warranty.

Almost any cheap quartz watch will keep accurate time but if you would be satisfied with a cheap watch you probably would not have read this far. Make no mistake; you are not buying just a watch for timekeeping, you are buying, and paying for, quality, branded men's jewelry with fine Swiss watch works inside. The Seamaster has been described as a piece of art, a thing of beauty. It exudes quality, craftsmanship, attention to detail with excellent build quality and fit and finish. Omega promises to have parts available for 20 years after a model is discontinued so this watch may last a lifetime and may be fought over by your heirs.

You may encounter those who will say you should buy a mechanical watch (also called self winding or automatic). The arguments of mechanical vs. quartz would fill a book, perhaps a library. Watch connoisseurs love to watch the second hand sweep around the dial rather than make 60 stops. Each mechanical watch has its own sound when held to the ear; it hums, sings and talks to you as the gears, springs and mechanisms whirl inside. Some fine watches have see-through backs so you can view the parts at work. Prior to the twentieth century the finest, most delicate and most advanced machines made by mankind were watches. Even in the twenty-first century they are nothing less than marvels of engineering and design, still being improved upon by master watchmakers who have devoted their entire lives to their craft. A rare few mechanical watch owners may be able to maintain and regulate their watches to within a minute a year. The much more usual drift is between 30 seconds and two minutes a month. Fine quartz watches are often within a few seconds a year. People do not buy mechanical watches for their accurate timekeeping. They buy them because of their appreciation of the craft of watch making, its history and romance, much as those who appreciate art or other fine crafts.

Some snobbish mechanical watch devotees look down their noses at the owners of quartz watches, because quartz watches are more electronic than mechanical. However, mechanical watches are more expensive to buy, more easily damaged by shock or rough handling, require more frequent and more expensive maintenance and are more expensive to repair than quartz watches. If you don't wear a mechanical watch for a couple of days it will stop, unless it is placed on an automatic watch winder. It has been said that the owner of a quartz watch knows what time it is, while the owner of a mechanical watch is never sure. You should buy which ever watch suits your lifestyle, personality and function. If you prefer mechanical, you will have a large club of associates. If you prefer quartz, do not let anyone belittle you for your choice. Quartz watches are rugged and allow you to set it and forget it, for 3 to 5 years, until the battery needs changing. Quartz technology is the culmination of a centuries long quest to create the most accurate watch and Omega has one of the best quartz movements out there.

Thank you for your attention through this rather lengthy review. I welcome comments, corrections, suggestions, and questions to help make this review more complete and helpful. I would appreciate it if you would take the time to click whether this review was helpful to you. If you did not find it helpful, please send me a note telling me how I can make it better. Again, thank you for your kind attention.

September 17, 2011 update: In the two weeks I have had my Seamaster it has gained less than one second when measured against navigational time signals.
October 3, 2011 update: I have had my watch one month and it has gained one second when measured against navigational time signals. September was a short month so I pulled out the crown to the first stop then turned the crown to jump the hour hand 24 times. That changed the date to October first. All this happened while the second hand kept running, keeping perfect time.
November 3, 2011 update: My Omega Seamaster is now two months old and has gained two seconds. When daylight savings time changed on November fifth, I unscrewed the crown and pulled it out to the first stop, then turned it to jump the hour hand back one hour while the second hand kept ticking. It couldn't be much easier.
January 3, 2012 update: My Omega Seamaster is now four months old and has gained five seconds.