Welcome to my umpteenth watch review.
First I want to thank my good friend **b16a2** who sourced this watch for me in the UK. Amazing guy, amazing member. I won't go to the details here but I can say that people in this community never cease to amaze me.
My watch is 5 years old but in absolutely PRISTINE condition. Thanks again mate and I hope I can buy you a beer (or 10) if we ever meet in the future European GTG's.
This time I don't even bother to attempt a traditional review because it's a genuine watch. There's nothing to say that people haven't said about this watch before. "Bond" Seamaster must be among the most popular luxury watches on the planet, and probably the most popular gen among the RWG members.
It's also the most important and most successful model for Omega ever (along with the Speedmaster Moon Watch of course).
And if you consider its popularity and overall "status" in the watch world, it's actually perverse and weird that it doesn't cost more. It's every bit as well finished as my Rolex, just three times cheaper in the preowned market. Definitely a genuine bargain (no pun). The achievements of the "Bond" Seamaster don't surprise me one bit... even without connection to Bond movies this watch would be desirable. It's very unique and handsome watch.
I used to own a replica of this watch. I had it in my possession for 4 full years and traded it this spring to a fellow RWG member, sbreene. Wear it well Sean, it's a "special" piece.
I guess it's safe to say that I've worn this watch model more than any other watch in my collection. So in many ways this is not a "new" watch for me at all. Just an "upgrade".
I like the "Electric Blue" version a lot, and also the black SMP Professional (GMT and non-GMT) a lot but this "Bond" model was the only one I have seriously considered. The "Speedy" bracelet that Omega uses on its other SMP models isn't even nearly as desirable as the Bond bracelet. The bracelet, however, was replicated amazingly well on the old replica model. It was virtually 95%. I knew this of course, but it's still amazing how close it was. Unfortunately the bracelets of the new rep versions aren't as good.
After getting regular wrist time for 4+ years, this model didn't lost its appeal for me at all. Just like my previous 2 gen purchases, Aquaracer Chronograph and Rolex GMT Master II (both got "rep tested" as well), this is definitely something that I will keep for good. I always knew I was going to purchase the gen eventually. I have said it before and I'll say it again: Reps are perfect to "get to know" the model... and test whether some model has a long term appeal or not.
If the SMP rep had a shortcoming, it's the wave pattern on the dial. It wasn't apparent enough. However, replica of the Bond chronograph is much better in this regard, and also overall it's more accurate replication. I also have that chrono (rep) still in my collection and I love it just as much as the regular version.
In certain lighting the wave pattern is really, really strong on the gen.
SMP is "only" 42mm so it's perfectly balanced watch. I would say it's a big and bulky watch but today's standards are different. Perfect size for a sports watch, imho.
Are the gens worth it, and does the rep make any sense?
Well this is an interesting question, isn't it? I love reps as much as ever, but I don't really see a point of spending $350 for a rep (or $600 on a franken) of a watch that can be obtained for as low as ca. $1K - $1.3K preowned. The quartz version of this watch can be found for $600. Yes, it's "only" a quartz but it's still genuine, and something that you can proudly leave to your son (for example).
Now that the economy took a dive all around the US and EU, some very desirable models like Omega Seamaster, Breitling SuperOcean and TAG Aquaracer Chronograph are all 1K+ watches preowned. I already own 2 out of 3 as gens, and most likely SFSO blue will be my next gen purchase.
The rep factories/dealers must wake up and smell the coffee. Asking $400 + shipping for a SFSO rep isn't insanity... but buying one certainly is. Don't be a moron. I encourage you to take a look at places like TZ sales corner and witness yourself how great watches can be found for $1K (and even $600) now.
By all means, buy expensive reps of $5K watches like sports Rolexes, TT BCE, Ebel BTR or Zenith... or real high end pieces like Breguet, VC or Patek... but before you purchase ETA/7750-based standard TAGs, Breitlings and Omegas, follow the prices and at least seriously consider buying a gen.
I'm not saying this because I've become a "gen snob". I will never become one... reps are much more fascinating and some of them impress me even more than gens. But it's all common sense. The rep prices have reached a point where buying forgeries of "low end" luxury watches doesn't make any sense anymore (imho). I'm not pointing fingers at the dealers and/or factories, just stating the facts.
But of course, it's partly a personal preference and I used to think differently. My old SMP replica had 85% "quality feel" of the gen, and it was visually very, very close. That last 15% will cost you $700 - $800. I admit it's still a lot of money. A ridiculous amount of money for a watch (for any non-WIS type). But then again my ETA SMP was a $175 watch back in early 2005 when the prices were still reasonable.
Either way, when I look at all the small details and that 15% (which was previously missing) I'm really happy. Maybe I'm buying gens because after owning 50+ reps, I have reached a point where I know exactly what watches I want to have in my collection (long term). I have probably reached the "second level" of WISdom as well.
Hope you enjoyed this quick article.
