Review: Omega Seamaster 2537.80 Replica – James Bond Edition

[pete9012s]

My only gripes as it was only about £80 (I think) is that it doesn't have sapphire crystal, and the date change is way way out.
I could live without all the prominent 007 markings on the clasp too!

I seem to remember a watch repair guy on youtube repairing a genuine one of these and then because it had no bracelet, fitting one like my rep.
I actually looked quite decent overall.

 

[sanflex]

My only gripes as it was only about £80 (I think) is that it doesn't have sapphire crystal, and the date change is way way out.
I could live without all the prominent 007 markings on the clasp too!

I seem to remember a watch repair guy on youtube repairing a genuine one of these and then because it had no bracelet, fitting one like my rep.
I actually looked quite decent overall.

Yeah, I totally get what you mean! For £80, it’s still quite decent, but the lack of sapphire and the weird date change can be annoying, especially since watches like pagani which are often a bit cheaper also have sapphire crystal.

I also feel like the 007 branding on the clasp is a bit too much, that’s why I actually swapped it with another bracelet.



Interesting about the YouTube repair – I’ve seen a few where they mix rep and gen parts, and sometimes it actually works out surprisingly well! Would be cool to see how your rep compares to a gen in terms of feel and finish.

 

[RepPossessed]

I’ve tried time and time again to find these in a decent quality but they all have those strange end links on the bracelet which don’t curve

 

[sanflex]

I’ve tried time and time again to find these in a decent quality but they all have those strange end links on the bracelet which don’t curve

totally get that! The end links on most of these reps are always a weak point – they just don’t sit right on the wrist like the gen. I’ve seen a few attempts at modding them to curve better, but it’s tricky, also it stiff and looks more like the newer seamaster bracelet, than the vintage one, that’s why I swapped it.
But If you ever find one with properly curved end links, let me know!

 

[Chesterfield]

Thanks man! And yeah sure:

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EvedsCc

If it doesn’t work anymore, you can try to search for 007 watch or James Bond watch, you can also write gioio watch, since it’s advertised as a “gioio” watch but it’s always just a rep.

Back than when I was just looking for some watches to make a build I discovered that every watch shown on Alix with “gioio” is always a rep of the watch model shown. There also a Speedmaster one I will tried that next

Thanks for the insight.

 

[dax007]

Totally agree with you! Some of these rep bracelets are surprisingly close to gen, but yeah, the SS PO bracelet definitely has its weak points, especially the clasp. The finishing on the gen is just next level. Raffles does some great stuff for the price, though! Have you tried swapping any other rep bracelets with gen ones?

I have always been a big fan on 4 and 5 digits rolex , Tudor, and Omega PO... to the point where I have to buy them gen
compare it, then ALWAYS SELL the gen... just because I don't want to bang up a 5 to 8k watch especially when the REP is 99%

The only gen I have not resold was my LHD PELAGOS.. mainly because I wont break even..lol or even loose 200$ it will be a disaster ;o)
I am also left handed so the LHD is cool!

my brief experience!
4 & 5 digits rolex
I am a huge fan of Italian bracelets only because they get all the details RIGHT!! but 350 vs a 50$ Raffles? The raffles is def good enough
especially if u can source a gen clasp in great condition for a 200$,, Those deal are out there but usually close to 300$
Raffle for some reason cannot get the 8 holes on the clasp right vs a gen or Italian,, The Rolex 78360 has 8 holes on side of the clasp ALL REPS only have 7 The Italian has 8!! Overall the value of the raffles is best just markings are not 99% more like low 90s

Omega PO Titianium -- The rep bracelet if u can find it is amazing!! GEN LIKE 99% but its impossible to find!! I wish the factory atleast sold titanium links for 45$ they would make a killing imhop

omega PO SS-- the rep from raffle looks good but def feel bulkly on edge vs gen and clasp is needed a bunch of refinement.. rather bite the bullet and buy a gen bracelet for a hiend OMega PO SS.... the beater PO then I guess its find

Omega butterfly rep clasp are amazing... I took one to the Omega boutique and played dumb ... told them please ensure this is gen.. they took it in the back, came back and said YES 40$ vs 320$ for a gen

TUDOR TITANIUM vs gen titanium. its so close... really is. not sure long term durability but XF and ZF Pelgagos are dam nice for the money. wish I could find a rep LHD! but ZF don't make them any more

 

[purplehaze89]

Yeah, I totally get what you mean! For £80, it’s still quite decent, but the lack of sapphire and the weird date change can be annoying, especially since watches like pagani which are often a bit cheaper also have sapphire crystal.

I also feel like the 007 branding on the clasp is a bit too much, that’s why I actually swapped it with another bracelet.



Interesting about the YouTube repair – I’ve seen a few where they mix rep and gen parts, and sometimes it actually works out surprisingly well! Would be cool to see how your rep compares to a gen in terms of feel and finish.

Hey man - was just wondering where you got the insert? I have a similar one and I ordered an insert also from aliexpress but it doesn't seem to fit the bezel. Thanks man

 

[sanflex]

Hey man - was just wondering where you got the insert? I have a similar one and I ordered an insert also from aliexpress but it doesn't seem to fit the bezel. Thanks man

Ofc

https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ew8qhbW

For anyone who’s interested in the bezel as well

 

[sanflex]

I have always been a big fan on 4 and 5 digits rolex , Tudor, and Omega PO... to the point where I have to buy them gen
compare it, then ALWAYS SELL the gen... just because I don't want to bang up a 5 to 8k watch especially when the REP is 99%

The only gen I have not resold was my LHD PELAGOS.. mainly because I wont break even..lol or even loose 200$ it will be a disaster ;o)
I am also left handed so the LHD is cool!

my brief experience!
4 & 5 digits rolex
I am a huge fan of Italian bracelets only because they get all the details RIGHT!! but 350 vs a 50$ Raffles? The raffles is def good enough
especially if u can source a gen clasp in great condition for a 200$,, Those deal are out there but usually close to 300$
Raffle for some reason cannot get the 8 holes on the clasp right vs a gen or Italian,, The Rolex 78360 has 8 holes on side of the clasp ALL REPS only have 7 The Italian has 8!! Overall the value of the raffles is best just markings are not 99% more like low 90s

Omega PO Titianium -- The rep bracelet if u can find it is amazing!! GEN LIKE 99% but its impossible to find!! I wish the factory atleast sold titanium links for 45$ they would make a killing imhop

omega PO SS-- the rep from raffle looks good but def feel bulkly on edge vs gen and clasp is needed a bunch of refinement.. rather bite the bullet and buy a gen bracelet for a hiend OMega PO SS.... the beater PO then I guess its find

Omega butterfly rep clasp are amazing... I took one to the Omega boutique and played dumb ... told them please ensure this is gen.. they took it in the back, came back and said YES 40$ vs 320$ for a gen

TUDOR TITANIUM vs gen titanium. its so close... really is. not sure long term durability but XF and ZF Pelgagos are dam nice for the money. wish I could find a rep LHD! but ZF don't make them any more

I totally get where you’re coming from! It’s crazy how close some of these reps have gotten, especially when you compare them side by side with the gen. I respect the method—buying gen, comparing, and then flipping it to avoid the depreciation hit while keeping a near-identical rep as the daily beater.

What’s the next rep you’re eyeing? Any specific models you think are due for a major upgrade in the rep scene?

 

[Valaj]

Man. Going through this thread made me buy the same watch on AE. I also got the bezel insert. I got the non-007 version though since I already have a VSF SMP300 007 OHMSS edition. I've always wanted an old Seamaster just to wear as a beater.

Quick question. For the bezel insert swap, did you just use a caseback knife to pop the bezel off and then pushed the bezel insert off using your fingers (I believe that's how I saw it done on a gen on YT). If not, can you give me some tips? I'll be getting the watch and insert next week and the first thing I'll do is the bezel insert swap. Followed by fixing the date change if it's as simple as removing and reinstalling the hour and minute hands at the desired time.

 

[RepPossessed]

Man. Going through this thread made me buy the same watch on AE. I also got the bezel insert. I got the non-007 version though since I already have a VSF SMP300 007 OHMSS edition. I've always wanted an old Seamaster just to wear as a beater.

Quick question. For the bezel insert swap, did you just use a caseback knife to pop the bezel off and then pushed the bezel insert off using your fingers (I believe that's how I saw it done on a gen on YT). If not, can you give me some tips? I'll be getting the watch and insert next week and the first thing I'll do is the bezel insert swap. Followed by fixing the date change if it's as simple as removing and reinstalling the hour and minute hands at the desired time.

Just tape it and wedge something in there and pop it.

 

[sanflex]

Man. Going through this thread made me buy the same watch on AE. I also got the bezel insert. I got the non-007 version though since I already have a VSF SMP300 007 OHMSS edition. I've always wanted an old Seamaster just to wear as a beater.

Quick question. For the bezel insert swap, did you just use a caseback knife to pop the bezel off and then pushed the bezel insert off using your fingers (I believe that's how I saw it done on a gen on YT). If not, can you give me some tips? I'll be getting the watch and insert next week and the first thing I'll do is the bezel insert swap. Followed by fixing the date change if it's as simple as removing and reinstalling the hour and minute hands at the desired time.

Hey Valaj,

cool that you got yourself the Seamaster as well! I totally get why you went for the non-007 version—your VSF 007 OHMSS is already a fantastic piece.

As for the bezel insert swap: Honestly, I did it in a rather unelegant way using a needle. I managed to lift the insert with it and carefully remove it. If you want to do it more cleanly, you could try using a thin plastic tool or even dental floss to avoid any damage. Removing the entire bezel first with a caseback knife or a thin pry tool would definitely be the safer approach. And the video recommended is great.

Regarding the date change: Yes, in theory, it’s pretty simple—just remove the hands and reset them at the desired time. Just be careful to position them precisely; otherwise, you might run into issues with the date change alignment later.

Looking forward to seeing your results! Feel free to post pictures once you got the watch and when you’ve finished the swap.

Cheers!

 

[Valaj]

Hey Valaj,

cool that you got yourself the Seamaster as well! I totally get why you went for the non-007 version—your VSF 007 OHMSS is already a fantastic piece.

As for the bezel insert swap: Honestly, I did it in a rather unelegant way using a needle. I managed to lift the insert with it and carefully remove it. If you want to do it more cleanly, you could try using a thin plastic tool or even dental floss to avoid any damage. Removing the entire bezel first with a caseback knife or a thin pry tool would definitely be the safer approach. And the video recommended is great.

Regarding the date change: Yes, in theory, it’s pretty simple—just remove the hands and reset them at the desired time. Just be careful to position them precisely; otherwise, you might run into issues with the date change alignment later.

Looking forward to seeing your results! Feel free to post pictures once you got the watch and when you’ve finished the swap.

Cheers!

Haha yes. After your review and going through pics of a gen of the same reference, I found myself interested in it all that much more. Gave in after AE had a decent sale. Got the watch and insert for around $85 iirc. I should be getting it sometime next week.

I have removed the bezel on my VSF 126610 using a caseback tool. I hope the AE Seamaster is similar. I'll try and get it out without removing the bezel. And the idea of using a needle is fantastic. I can't think of anything else that would probably fit in such a tight space. I won't be worried about the bezel insert breaking when I take it out since I'll probably just throw it away irrespective.

The hand though needs more expertise than I believe I have. I definitely want to do it but let's see.

I will post pics after doing the bezel insert swap and lubing the bracelet with some dry lube. It worked wonders on my VSF and hopefully it should on the AE bracelet as well!

 

[wilko59147]

I've just ordered the same with the bezel insert you recommend. Thanks for this as I've been trying to get a 2541 re p for ages. I'm definitely going to try and change the "crystal" for a more accurate one, let us know if you get round to this mod, I'd like to know what works.

Great thread!

 

[RepPossessed]

Anyone found any nice versions of the orange bezel planet ocean? I’ve always missed the one I sold years ago.. never come across a good one since

 

[sanflex]

Haha yes. After your review and going through pics of a gen of the same reference, I found myself interested in it all that much more. Gave in after AE had a decent sale. Got the watch and insert for around $85 iirc. I should be getting it sometime next week.

I have removed the bezel on my VSF 126610 using a caseback tool. I hope the AE Seamaster is similar. I'll try and get it out without removing the bezel. And the idea of using a needle is fantastic. I can't think of anything else that would probably fit in such a tight space. I won't be worried about the bezel insert breaking when I take it out since I'll probably just throw it away irrespective.

The hand though needs more expertise than I believe I have. I definitely want to do it but let's see.

I will post pics after doing the bezel insert swap and lubing the bracelet with some dry lube. It worked wonders on my VSF and hopefully it should on the AE bracelet as well!

Thanks for the detailed follow-up! Glad to hear you pulled the trigger on the watch — for that price it’s a no-brainer, especially if you already own the OHMSS. I feel you on the beater idea, that’s exactly why I went for mine too.

Good to know the caseback tool worked well on the VSF 126610. I think you’ll be fine with the AE Seamaster too. As for the needle trick — yeah, it’s not elegant but surprisingly effective. Just go slow and be patient with the pressure. Worst case, like you said, the insert’s disposable anyway.

And yes, hand setting is definitely a next-level task, but doable with the right tools and calm hands. Looking forward to your pics and results after the swap and bracelet lube — sounds like a solid plan!

Let me know how it goes!

 

[sanflex]

I've just ordered the same with the bezel insert you recommend. Thanks for this as I've been trying to get a 2541 re p for ages. I'm definitely going to try and change the "crystal" for a more accurate one, let us know if you get round to this mod, I'd like to know what works.

Great thread!

I went with the 2537.80 rep from AliExpress myself — mainly because I was a bit worried the indices/markers around the date window might be way off on other versions. You never really know with AE reps; it can be a bit of a gamble sometimes. That version felt like the safest bet, and luckily it turned out pretty solid!

Looking forward to seeing your progress with the crystal swap — definitely curious how that mod goes! At the moment I’m not skilled enough to change the crystal myself ^^

 

[sanflex]

Anyone found any nice versions of the orange bezel planet ocean? I’ve always missed the one I sold years ago.. never come across a good one since

Idk how good you want the rep to be, but here is a cheap one:

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJH5lYM

 

[RepPossessed]

Idk how good you want the rep to be, but here is a cheap one:

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJH5lYM

Much better than that for sure.. thanks though

 

[sanflex]

Much better than that for sure.. thanks though

Than I would recommend a TD