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Thanks! The 1st gen bracelet is really a work of art. The slider clasp may not be the most strongly built, but it excels in function and form. Functionally, the bracelet is super easy to put on as it opens very wide. As for form, like you said the clasp is invisible and it adds essentially no thickness or bulk to the bracelet.

Is that en easy enough swap to make?

Micro adjust is so useful. Lately, I've been using some JDM Citizen watches which have a simple micro adjust mechanism built into the clasp. It really helps with comfort throughout the day. If Citizen was able to offer this feature on much cheaper watches over 10 years ago, Omega really has no excuse to have not implemented them across all their watches by now. I've heard mixed reviews on the micro adjust they have included with the newest Aqua Terra, but I'm glad they finally are including that feature on them.

It is really hard to criticize the 1st gen Aqua Terra, such a balanced design in every way.

Thanks

The titanium used on the older Omegas I believe is called 'grade 2' and it is untreated, therefore it scratches very easily, but the scratches can also be brushed out easily as well.

A very valid critique...have you seen the NB1050 or NB1041 from Citizen? Similar quality to the Signature (slightly below in my opinion, though still very good), with more classic and less gaudy designs.

Thanks. I believe the primary reason for the thicker bezel is the thicker white gold insert that it has to accommodate, but it may also have to do with the dial as well. The case dimensions, particularly the thinness, are my favorite aspect of these watches. That's good info regarding the speedy clasp which can be attached to these bracelets. Always nice to have more options!

My wrist is thin, about 6 3/4. The Spirit of Liberty is large but on the thinner side so it does not feel bulky. Also, the wide lug width of 22mm helps make the case diameter not appear as large.

Thanks! Those types of local finds are the best.

Yes I believe so. I've seen people put the 2254 bezel insert on the GMT. If you are willing to use an aftermarket insert, some have a different, smaller and more modern font for the numbers. I believe there is even an all black aftermarket version with the same style as the OEM GMT bezel insert, which looks better than the OEM in my opinion. Also, since there is no "pearl" at 12 o'clock for the GMT bezels, the aftermarket ones look very close to the OEM.

Yeah the 1120 (ETA 2892) is bulletproof and thin

I think they will eventually do a reissue of the 2254...the demand certainly exists. I just hope they use the 2500 movement and not the newer thick ones to keep the proportions true to the original.

Absolutely agree. They could even reissue it with upgrades like ceramic bezel insert and dial. I would also hope they use a 2500 movement to keep the case thin like the original. Thanks for the info on the German name for the electric blue version!

@@omegawatchfan "schwerty" is the lovely community name for all omega watches of this Collection, cause "schwert" is sword in english cause of the markers, so any watch from omega with a sword from this years is a "schwerty" ^^

Very welcome!

Great video btw

Thanks!

I think the no wave version will be a future classic.

Not too much rotor noise on mine.

Haha I'm usually not picky but I wanted to try to highlight the differences (albeit small) between the two versions. I agree the 8900 is a gorgeous and comfortable watch. I still have mine.

Congrats that's a beautiful one! I used to have the 2518.80 (36mm blue quartz), Omega used the perfect tone of blue on these 1st gen Aqua Terras.

Between the 2531.80 and 2220.80 I would say the 2220.80. The applied indices make a big difference to me, makes the dial more engaging and interesting to look at.

The sapphire is great to have on these. Because the crystal really does not have any protection from the bezel, the mineral ones get very scratched up easily.

Thanks. There is really no difference in the type of steel used nor any difference in scratch resistance. Where the difference lies is more in the manufacturing. The tolerances for the bracelet are much less on the Omega resulting in a more well put together finished product (though the Hamilton is not bad in this regard). You will also see better finishing of edges and design elements that require more work to produce (such as the twisted or lyre lugs on the Omega). The crystals are different as well, with the Omega having excellent anti glare coating while Hamiltons usually completely lack that feature. The dials on both are nice but the Omega's is more intricate and almost glows especially in combination with the superior crystal. Despite all this, I still believe the Hamilton is an excellent product for the price and I wear mine regularly.

It really is a great case back on the quartz AT. SMPc also has a nice solid case back.

They truly are fantastic quality for the price, and even more impressive given they have been around for about 30 years.

@@omegawatchfan and discontinued. I really dont get people missing out on this watch. It is build like a tank. I had it serviced and polished back to look straight out of the Omega factory. And it is my for life watch. I dont wear my " journey watches" anymore. I reached my final watch...with exception of a Rolex Explorer 1. It will be my Dynamic Duo.

Agree, hard to find a better GADA. Especially the quartz versions which are low maintenance. The 2nd gen quartz AT (38.5mm case) is probably my 1st choice in that regard, followed closely by the 1st gen quartz AT.

Perhaps I am in the minority but I prefer the older 8500 movement Aqua Terra. I like the case shape and bracelet design better on that one. It has longer lugs and the bracelet links are less flat, giving the whole watch a more "sculpted" look for lack of a better word. The dials on both the 8500 and 8900/8800 are beautiful and the clasp on the 8900 I find to be more comfortable, but I have to give the edge to the 8500 due to the overall appearance.

@@omegawatchfan Thank you! I'm in agreement, I prefer the vertical lines as opposed to the horizontal.

The blue of the SMPc is a beautiful subdued color, but I think black Seamasters (whether SMPc or the predecessor) are a more versatile choice so if I had to pick only one, I'd go with the black SMPc.

@@omegawatchfan Thank you! and thank you for the channel, really enjoying the videos!

Thanks, I hope it was helpful!

I completely agree on the bezel and believe it's one of the few shortcomings of an otherwise great watch. The bezel looks nice but it is not very useful and difficult to turn. And if the bezel becomes worn through wear or polishing it becomes near impossible to get a grip on it. The Planet Ocean bezel in comparison is very easy to turn.

I don't have a measurement but it is noticeably thicker and the watch is more top-heavy as well. While I like the 2230 dial a lot, I think the 2254 ultimately has better proportions and is superior in comfort.

I’m thinking about buying a 2230.50 right now and swapping the bezel insert. Do you think that’s a good idea? Would that resolve the top heavy issue? I really like the slimness of the 2254.50 but if 2231.50 is noticeably thicker then I might not do that.

Hi, I just saw this reply. The bezel insert for the 2254 is thinner than the one for the 2230, so it may sit too low in the 2230 bezel (the 2230 bezel itself is thicker than the 2254 bezel, to accommodate the thicker insert). However, I have never seen that done before so maybe it would look ok. I think a straight swap of the bezel might be better than only swapping the insert. It is a shame, some years ago it was possible to get those nice dials and just swap them into the 2254, but parts are much harder to find now.

You're welcome and thanks for your comment. I really hope Omega brings back this design one day.

Are you looking for a particular version? I got my nice one at a good price from a non-professional seller (on eBay) after a lot of patient searching. I believe if you restrict your search to watch stores alone, you may end up paying too much. That being said, I have had a few good experiences on Chrono24 and would definitely include them in any search.

Yes, they are interchangeable

I am very open to switching bezels and trying out different looks, but the smaller numerals generally match up better with the dials that have the small indices and vice versa. Though that did not stop me from putting a 2264.50 bezel on a 2532.20 (white dial "bond" smp), which I really like despite the mismatched dial and bezel.

Thank you, I hope it was helpful

The OEM bracelet is definitely heavier than the Forstner and better balanced with the weight of the watch head. As you said, the steel of the Forstner feels quite light, however, I still find it comfortable even with my co-axial Seamaster which is slightly heavier than the quartz Seamaster. Considering the Forstner is much less costly than the OEM, I can live with the lack of weight.

@@omegawatchfan Yes, and slightly lighter metal in the summer feels nice, like Titanium.