An alternative Omega SMP Case

[takashi]

This one looks to have a correct He valve position, however, as I have written a few years ago, the dimension is totally incorrect. I used to believe that this is the closed factory version, however it is NOT the closed factory version. He valve position alone can't be the tell of such piece.

This is the piece that I am talking about:

Look at the He valve... correct position but the sapphire has glass bottle effect (like many Panerai watches), too shallow rehaut depth and wrong case dimension as compared to the gen article.

Then come along this closed factory version which I believe has very accurate dimension (notice that genuine bezel fits very well). However, the construction of the bezel attachment is slightly different. This one has a nylon retainer ring and doesn't click as solid as the genuine counterpart.

 

[Kahn]

Wish I read this post a couple days ago! I just bought that same watch.
I was thinking of transplanting my "Old-Factory" over to this case:

And now for a very poor pic of my current SMP!

Both have ETA (old has real ETA and new has a clone ETA). I was hoping that the
swap would be seemless. Have you done this? Is it a bad decision?

 

[R2D4]

Takashi, you are scaring our friend Kahn. :wink: Both cases are spot on IMO and they should both accept the gen bezel. The rehaut issue is not like that of the Sub. I have the coke bottle effect crystal version, it has no plastic retainer and the gen bezel fits and works. Dimensions? Well they look spot on to me. I have the gen at home so I cannot measure 1 to 1 but if my memory serves, these were identical except for the thickness. (2824 being the thicher). Kahn you did fine on your purchase.

 

[Kahn]

Kahn you did fine on your purchase.

Have I told you that you are the coolest ever?
WELL YOU ARE!

I kinda felt like it would work!

 

[takashi]

Well... Kahn, I think I bought exactly the same watch as yours pictured. From what I can tell, distance from upper lug to lower lug is off as compared to the gen article. The rehaut depth is indeed quite serious as it affects on how the dial looks, etc. Most importantly is the coke bottle effect on the crystal. I can't live with that

I will do comparison with my gen SMP soon in near future.

 

[R2D4]

From what I can tell, distance from upper lug to lower lug is off as compared to the gen article.

If it is above the 10 your good to go. Any closer and you would have purchased the gen. It will not be called out in public at all.

 

[takashi]

The coke bottle effect on the glass alone is an instant tell

Someone who are pretty familiar with this piece can call out this piece easily (despite correct He valve position). Well but to find that someone is definitely a hard thing to do

 

[By-Tor]

I love this watch. For me, the good old version with bad HE position and not-so-good crown guards is sufficient. It doesn't make much sense to start modding it excessively, as the old gens can be obtained for as low as $900 (if you're not anal about the condition).

Mine was purchased early 2005 and it has gen ETA. I'm happy with it (despite the small inaccuracies). I only wish I could find a better pearl/insert for it.