January 9 advisory is now common knowledge among ADs.
My first notice that the Seamaster 2531.80.00 was likely to be dropped came in an eMail directly from Omega SA, on January 9. Recall, this is their second watch worn by James Bond in the films. So the broader context of my dialogue with Omega officials at that time was how the new Casino Royale watch would affect the current Bond line.
“…in any case (the) 2531.80 will be equipped with a co-axial movement,” said this high-placed source at Omega Switzerland.
Since then, I’ve kept my ears open for anything I might hear from Authorized Dealers in my area, that I deal with in other areas, and in the watch Forums, for information trickling down mainstream. In the last two weeks, everyone I’ve dealt with has “brought this to my attention” (unprompted, but keenly aware of my Bond watch interests).
Don’t expect formal confirmation much before Baselworld 2006, which opens March 30. (Hey, with my background in trade shows, I’ve written books on the marketing power of product announcements via exhibitions!)
To the collector, however, disappearance of the 2531.80.00 means an end to M-5 Contemporaneous Tomorrow Never Dies watch production: Fixed and diminishing supply, likely increases to now-vintage status pre-owned and NOS pieces. The 2541.80.00, as a quartz, is in a separate class of timepiece, making informed speculation difficult. But it will, without a doubt, be left as the only M-5 Brosnan-era Bond watch available new.
Timing of this is a bit interesting, in that I’m seeing a bit of chatter on the watch Forums regarding “sudden stop syndrome” among the caliber 1120 movements in these watches. I regularly let my current Bond Seamaster 2531.80 run down to a stop (off wrist), then pick it up later, wind it, and head off for wear on special occasions. This watch was bought new, from an Authorized Dealer; never a problem.
On the other hand, I owned a 2000 vintage 2531.80 that the Omega Authorized Service Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, disclosed to me had been manufactured with a 1993 movement installed.
That watch was darn hard to re-start once it stopped.
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