Review: Omega Seamaster 2537.80 Replica – James Bond Edition

[sanflex]

So, I decided to pick up a cheap replica of the Omega Seamaster 2537.80 from AliExpress, just to see how it holds up for around 90 bucks. As a Bond fan, the 007-themed details were definitely the main selling point for me. Now, let’s break down the pros and cons.

First Impressions & Design

At first glance, the watch actually looks decent. The blue wave dial with the 007 branding gives off that classic James Bond vibe, and the engraved case back celebrating 40 years of Bond adds to the aesthetic. The bracelet is the familiar Omega Seamaster-style with polished mid-links, and while it’s a bit stiff, it doesn’t feel terrible on the wrist.

One of the first things I noticed, though, was the misaligned second hand, which is a common issue with cheaper reps. The bezel insert also feels off—it lacks the crispness of the gen, which is why I plan to swap it for an aluminum insert to bring it closer to the original look.


Specs & Wearability:

• Case size: 42mm – perfect for medium to large wrists

• Movement: Likely a Seiko NH35A automatic movement (reliable, but nothing fancy)

• Bracelet: A bit stiff, but feels okay once adjusted

• Lume: Practically nonexistent (not surprising for a cheap rep)

• Crystal: Likely mineral glass, definitely not sapphire

On the wrist, the watch feels solid despite being a budget rep. The case finishing is surprisingly decent, but you can tell it’s not as refined as the real deal.


Final Thoughts

For €100, I wasn’t expecting a high-end rep, and that’s exactly what this is—a cheap homage with Bond branding. The 007 details are fun, and the movement is at least automatic, unlike some quartz reps out there. If you’re looking for a super accurate replica, this isn’t it. But if you just want a fun Bond-themed beater watch, it’s pretty solid for the price.

Once I replaced the bezel for the aluminum bezel I will compared to a gen I own, the 2541.80.


Would I recommend it? If you’re okay with some flaws and enjoy modding, sure. But if you want a more accurate rep, you’ll need to spend a bit more. But it’s hard to find some vintage reps

 

[pippo]

These are the threads I like the most!
Scouting Alix looking for good cheap reps!

 

[sanflex]

These are the threads I like the most!
Scouting Alix looking for good cheap reps!

Thanks mate! I have to say, after wearing it for two days so far, it’s quite good ngl. If you like modding it only takes a few steps to make this watch a lot better. It has a good base for modding.

 

[sanflex]

A quick review update:

After wearing the watch for a week now, I have to say it feels much better on the wrist than I initially expected. The bracelet, while a bit stiff at first, actually gives off a solid “Bond watch” feel. The NH35A movement runs at +15 seconds per day—not the most accurate, but honestly, it doesn’t bother me for a budget rep.

I swapped out the original bezel insert for an aluminum insert to bring the look closer to the classic vintage Bond Seamasters. The difference is clear—the watch now has a much more authentic aesthetic, reminiscent of the older 2537.80 model and gives the Vintage feeling, really fun.



Comparison to the Gen

I’ve included some side-by-side shots with my genuine 2541.80. Of course, there are noticeable differences—especially in the dial, hands, and crown finishing. But for its price, this rep holds up surprisingly well.



My finals thoughts

It’s far from a perfect rep, but considering the price, it delivers solid performance. The new bezel mod makes a big difference, giving it even more vintage charm. If you’re looking for an affordable Bond-style Seamaster, this one, with a few mods, can definitely get the job done.

I would like to know your opinions one the comparison, so let me know.

 

[pippo]

Hi mate, thanks for sharing!

It looks good indeed. The insert is even better than the one I have received many months ago.

The bezel itself is spot on.

I would just consider to swap the crystal for a better one.

I might buy one rep just to test to swap the rep steel bezel on one of my gen as it's not in great shape.
Although I am aware it would b a miracle to have a rep bezel that we can swap directly on a gen SMP.

Good job!

 

[sanflex]

Hi mate, thanks for sharing!

It looks good indeed. The insert is even better than the one I have received many months ago.

The bezel itself is spot on.

I would just consider to swap the crystal for a better one.

I might buy one rep just to test to swap the rep steel bezel on one of my gen as it's not in great shape.
Although I am aware it would b a miracle to have a rep bezel that we can swap directly on a gen SMP.

Good job!

Hey mate,

Thanks for your feedback! Yeah, I was also quite surprised by how good the insert turned out—definitely a step up from some of the older ones. The bezel itself really made a difference in the overall look.

Swapping the crystal is actually a great idea, I’ve been considering it too. If I find a decent one that fits well, I’ll let you know.

And yeah, trying to fit a rep bezel on a gen SMP is definitely a gamble. But ever considering just changing the insert? Maybe that’s a bit easier to fit in, but maybe you get lucky with one that works decently. Let me know if you end up testing it!

Cheers!

 

[Chesterfield]

Great work. You got a link to the model on Ali Express?

 

[Jip7645]

Looks a good starting point for some modding work! Would be interested in getting one

 

[pete9012s]

I have one of these - it keeps good time, but the date change is way, way out - I keep meaning to take it apart and fix it, but never seem to get round to it.
Mine came with quite a substantial 'Omega' box!

 

[dax007]

Ty ty for this thread. I am addicted to these type of threads of comparisons. Just realy get into them. I am hoping someone does 1 of the planet ocean.... but all the rolex and tudors comparison i really like when users do them vs the factories because u just don't know how legit the factory comparison is...


I can tell you this on the Titanium omega PO bracelets are total interchangeable with gen. Gen claps is however much nicer. Wish the rep parts were easier to get!

 

[sanflex]

Great work. You got a link to the model on Ali Express?

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

 

[sanflex]

Looks a good starting point for some modding work! Would be interested in getting one

It’s great as a daily beater

 

[sanflex]

I have one of these - it keeps good time, but the date change is way, way out - I keep meaning to take it apart and fix it, but never seem to get round to it.
Mine came with quite a substantial 'Omega' box!

Thanks for your comment! Yeah, the timekeeping on mine is solid too, but I get what you mean about the date change – it’s definitely one of those things you keep telling yourself you’ll fix but never actually do, luckily mine works fine by now haha.

That Omega box sounds interesting! Was it a decent quality rep box or something more unique? Do you have pictures?

 

[sanflex]

Ty ty for this thread. I am addicted to these type of threads of comparisons. Just realy get into them. I am hoping someone does 1 of the planet ocean.... but all the rolex and tudors comparison i really like when users do them vs the factories because u just don't know how legit the factory comparison is...


I can tell you this on the Titanium omega PO bracelets are total interchangeable with gen. Gen claps is however much nicer. Wish the rep parts were easier to get!

Glad you’re enjoying the comparison! I also love seeing these kinds of threads because it’s fascinating to see how close some reps get to the gen. A Planet Ocean comparison would definitely be interesting! And yeah, I’ve heard about the titanium PO bracelets being fully interchangeable I actually change the bracelet of the alix watch with a one I got from a rep from the VSF factory – but it’s a shame rep parts are so hard to come by, especially when the gen clasps are that much better. Would love to see more comparisons on those!

 

[sanflex]

I have to say, the longer I wear it, the better it feels haha

 

[dax007]

Glad you’re enjoying the comparison! I also love seeing these kinds of threads because it’s fascinating to see how close some reps get to the gen. A Planet Ocean comparison would definitely be interesting! And yeah, I’ve heard about the titanium PO bracelets being fully interchangeable I actually change the bracelet of the alix watch with a one I got from a rep from the VSF factory – but it’s a shame rep parts are so hard to come by, especially when the gen clasps are that much better. Would love to see more comparisons on those!

I agree. I am a big fan of raffles rolex rep bracelets amazing for money but the SS OMEGA PO bracelet might look like gen like but clasp suck compared gen. Fyi

 

[pete9012s]

Here's mine and the box - nothing too special really.

 

[sanflex]

I agree. I am a big fan of raffles rolex rep bracelets amazing for money but the SS OMEGA PO bracelet might look like gen like but clasp suck compared gen. Fyi

Nice one! Always cool to see another one in the collection. The box actually looks pretty decent – better than what some of these come with. How’s the overall quality on yours? Any major issues apart from the date change? The case is looking nice with the helium escape valve

 

[sanflex]

Here's mine and the box - nothing too special really.

Nice one! Always cool to see another one in the collection. The box actually looks pretty decent – better than what some of these come with. How’s the overall quality on yours? Any major issues apart from the date change? The case is looking nice with the helium escape valve

 

[sanflex]

I agree. I am a big fan of raffles rolex rep bracelets amazing for money but the SS OMEGA PO bracelet might look like gen like but clasp suck compared gen. Fyi

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?