Omega 2521 Compared to a Rolex 1018

Today we're lookin at jumbooooo

A common complaint with vintage is that they’re too small for the modern wrist. In an era when people are wearing 44mm hunks of steel, we almost forget about a century of class where even Ali could rock a tank.

Even so, the modern consumer demands bigger watches. If I had a nickel for every time someone annoyingly called my 34mm Seamaster ‘boy’s size’ then I’d be a millionaire.

However, with the watches we’re talking about today, there’s no room for that ‘too small’ rubbish. Why? Because we’re talkin about some jumbos!

Vintage Style, Modern Presence

A benefit of vintage is the deals that can be had, and today, we look at the Rolex 1018 and Omega 2521.

The modern OP 36 is a $5,800 watch at its cheapest, and the Omega 1948 is a roughly $6,000 watch.

Their vintage counterparts, the Rolex 1018 is a ~$4,000 watch, and the Omega 2521 can be found under $1,000.

Both of these vintage models are known as ‘jumbo’ watches, in reference to the uncommonly large cases for the era. The vintage OP was almost always 34mm (with references like 6564 and 1002) matching the Omega Seamaster’s size of 34mm (with references like 2648 and 2577). Again, these were direct competitors with one another back in the day.

Starting with a look into the Rolex 1018 reference, we’ll be examining an example on the market. This is a very rare, desired timepiece, so seeing them pop up in this condition is exciting.

Not unlike the modern OP, this piece is complete with a 36mm oyster case, chronometer rated Rolex automatic inside. Uniquely, this piece has a matte white ‘polar’ dial, an iteration that carries clout in the vintage Rolex world.

One of the finest OPs currently on the market

This piece really has the feel of a vintage explorer like the 1016, yet the look of a refined everyday oyster.

Besides its rarity, the popularity behind the jumbo OP stems from its wearability and mass appeal to the modern market. When it comes to 36mm Rolex, not everyone wants that four digit DJ. There’s something obtrusive about a useless date window that the OP is completely void of. In my eyes, it’s in the 1018’s simplicity where you discover its true beauty.

Again, a $4,000 watch. To some, worth every penny, but in my eyes, it’s beyond overpriced. Why? Just take a look at the Omega 2521.

An example I recently added to my watch box

A 36mm ROUND case with those beefy lugs, this thing has some presence. No lume polar dial aside, the bezel alone is enough to set this one out from the pack of common Seamasters.

Interestingly with this one, the dial is so vast with little garnish thus creating a seemingly ‘larger wearing’ piece. While the Rolex has a few lines of text, this Seamaster is no frills, simply stating the brand, model, and movement type.

In a sense, this dial layout forces you to appreciate the truly artfully printed ‘Seamaster’ font, a detail that those in the community often overlook.

Complete with arrowhead markers that go insane in the light, this polar dial is finished to a matte texture that sets any vintage geek wild.

Price? Under $1,000 is where I found it. I probably wouldn’t sell that low, but it goes to show that deals still exist - such deals that put comparable Rolex models to shame.

Now, trust me, I’m by no means saying that the more traditional 34mm examples of these watches are any less of a timepiece. There’s just something about a jumbo that adds a little extra girth, spice, and wearability to your watch box. Trust me, that extra 2mm makes the world of a difference on wrist