The one watch to rule them all?

SpecsDiameter: 36mm
Lug to lug: 43mmThickness: 11.5mm
Lug width: 18mmWater resistance: 300mMovement: Caliber Omega 1120, Chronometer, 44 hrs power reserve

TLDR

No, it’s not the one watch to rule them all. I just happen to be reading LOTR right now, sorry. It’s a great little watch, but it isn’t a keeper. The main drawback for me is the tight bezel action, which seems to be very common with older Seamasters.

The Meat n’ Taters (because LOTR)

This is the second Seamaster that I’ve had the privilege to wear, the first one being the classic Bond Seamaster quartz. In both cases, I went for the “midsize” 36mm case because, as my reader (aka editor girlfriend) knows, I have 6.5-inch wrists and prefer to avoid those Alpha Chonky McChonksters. I’m looking at you IWC Big Pilot. Beyond the size though, this watch didn’t have too much appeal for me. I’d already owned a 36mm Seamaster and I wasn’t sure that the Peter Blake version would be as exciting on the wrist. However, I was given an offer (trade+ cash) that I couldn’t resist and decided to hang on to the 2252.50 for a couple months.

There is a lot to like about this watch. It has the iconic Seamaster case with its curling lugs, that extremely impractical but sexy scalloped bezel, and unlike the more common Bond references, it comes on what I’d consider a less anachronistic and more refined 3-link bracelet (though there is something charming about that bizarre, dated 5-linker).

I’ll get right to what I don’t like about my particular example here. The biggest issue for me is the bezel action. As with the Bond Seamaster that I previously owned, the bezel is very stiff and hard to turn. Yes, I know you’re supposed to apply downward pressure as you turn! If, like pretty much every other diver out there, it had a better grip like a common coin-edge bezel, this might not be such an issue. But because of Omega’s unique choice of a scalloped bezel, I am unable to turn it with my fingertips. I have to use my pointer finger knuckle and thumb and really put some elbow grease into it in order to get it to budge. In both cases, I’ve had multiple watch repairmen tell me that that’s simply what happens to these guys with time. I’ve tried turning the bezel daily, and underwater in order to dislodge any gunk that has potentially built up under there, but still the thing puts up a fight every time. This is just my experience and perhaps your Seamaster bezel turns just fine, but do beware of the common issue when buying one yourself. Make sure to ask the seller about the action before purchasing and decide whether it’s an issue for you.

Another issue I have is not with the watch itself, but with the bracelet. While I do think it’s an absolutely stunning bracelet, it doesn’t taper. That’s not an issue I’ve really worried about on watches in the past, but I notice it here and it looks somehow less refined as a result. I have a good friend who owns the full-size titanium edition of the Peter Blake and that bracelet does indeed taper. I believe it has to do with the smaller form factor, but I think it’s disappointing that Omega chose not to apply the same design choices to the smaller bracelet. Because it is only 18mm, it doesn’t look too large on the wrist, it just doesn’t look as elegant as its full-sized equivalent. Just another little nitpick that you may want to keep in mind if you’re deciding between the two sizes.

For those of you who in the future will actually read these things, I apologize for being such a downer thus far. Let’s talk more in detail about the things I enjoy about this lad/lass. As I have already mentioned, this case is iconic and undeniably unique. Many of the older examples of these pieces have significant cosmetic wear on them that seem to soften the sharp edges and blur the lines between high polish and brushing. This one, however, is in fantastic condition and the contrast between the different finishes (is that a word??) is clear. The twisting lugs play really well with light as the polished edge twists over and broadens towards the bracelet making this tool watch shimmer like it ain’t one. The super annoying scalloped bezel edge also creates many opportunities to catch and reflect light from many different angles. While I will never have any practical use for the helium escape valve on the top left side of the case, I do enjoy the aesthetics of it. Many people are turned off by that little knob at 10 o’clock, but I love it. It wouldn’t feel like a Seamaster without it and it’s fun to turn every now and then when my fidget spinner has runnoft again.

The wave dial is just great. I loved it on the Bond quartz and I love it here. Unlike those Bond SMP’s, however, the Peter Blakes don’t feature applied indices, a rather fitting lack of decorum for a professional dive watch. The lume is painted on and it glows brighter than any other watch I’ve owned thus far. Not even the logo is applied. At 3 o’clock we have a color-matched date window, a small detail that I wish brands would use more often. This no-frills approach (ok except for the wave pattern that literally covers the whole dial) really makes the Blake seem like a truer “professional” diver when compared to its more iconic cousin.

All said and done I think that this is an incredible little watch that would make the perfect daily wear. It’s casual, shower safe, cooking oil splash safe, has a (stiff) bezel for timing that oily dish, displays the date and time simply and legibly, and at 36mm it doesn’t draw too much attention to itself. That being said, it isn’t the perfect daily for me. I just never really connected with it. As with many watches though, I will find it hard to part with this one, especially after editing (with varying degrees of success) photos that highlight the quirky beauty of this lesser-loved SMP.

-G