Advice on buying an Omega SMP

bothyhead

Hi Guys,

My dear old citizen broke recently, and had to be sent off for repair. This got me thinking about buying a new watch. After doing some research, I think that I've decided on an Omega SMP with a co-axial movement. It will probably be some months until I'm in Dublin, so I'll fire off a few questions here, if you don't mind.

I've been looking at WatchFinder and Blower's and it looks like I can pick up a 2220.80 for about 1,800 to 2,000 eur. What would be the approximate retail price be in an AD's in town? A couple of you have used WatchFinder and found them very good; however, on another forum I was looking at it was reported that they were dodgy and not to go near them. Are they (and their watches) legit? Have any of you used Blower's? Do they both deliver to Ireland?

Another thing I need to consider is which size to get. I've small wrists (EDIT: 6.5" circumference) and wonder if the mid-sized version might be more appropriate. I'm wearing a 32mm cheap thing at the moment, which looks really tiny.

Of course, I won't make a purchase until I get to an AD and have tried both versions on. But in the meantime, I'm curious ... your advice would be really appreciated!

Many thanks

bogmanfan

bothyhead wrote: »

I've small wrists (7.5" circumference) and wonder if the mid-sized version might be more appropriate. I'm wearing a 32mm cheap thing at the moment, which looks really tiny.

I also have 7.5" wrists, and they would be considered above average. In fact, on my Seamaster I only removed one link on the bracelet. It's all a matter of taste of course, but I think a mid-sized SMP would be too small for you. In fact, you may even find the full-size one wears quite small.

bothyhead

After reading your reply, I realised that I must have measured incorrectly ... I'm only a wee fella It looks like I'm 6.5"

Wibbs

I'm a wee fella too. Wrists like a 7 year old girl I can wear watches up to say 43mm and they sit fine. My most worn watch is a 41 mm(minus lugs). Actually I would say its all about the individual fit of the watch. The angle and design of the lugs, the thickness of the watch case. I can wear a big watch OK but not a thick one. It looks like its wearing me Ive also found and dunno if this is just me, but I can wear a bigger watch on a strap compared to a bracelet?

I'd try one on. Go for as big as looks the part. While as a vintage type guy I wear smaller watches(and am glad my wrists are smalll for that),most nowadays prefer the bigger and I can see why.

foxyboxer

bothyhead wrote: »

it looks like I can pick up a 2220.80 for about 1,800 to 2,000 eur. What would be the approximate retail price be in an AD's in town?

The 2220.80 is €2,180 (full and mid-size) in town excluding a discount of say 10%.
I have the 2221.80 quartz full size which is the right size for me (wrist is 6.75 in). I find that whilst the 5 link 825 bracelet is beautiful, the clasp will scratch very easily!

bothyhead

Thanks everyone, you've all been very helpful.

@FoxyBoxer Thanks for the info on the RRP. At that price I would be probably purchase straight from the AD, and if I did get 10% knocked off, that would bring it down to on-line prices.

bothyhead

foxyboxer wrote: »

I find that whilst the 5 link 825 bracelet is beautiful, the clasp will scratch very easily!

Yeah, I've read that elsewhere.

foxyboxer

The RRP price may be due to the currency re-alignment in effect and AD's may not budge from that price though. Prices were circa €2,480 last autumn.

I got my one in Heathrow a few months ago when the rate was decent enough. The 2220.80 is now £1,900 on the high street in the UK, but tax free it's £1,615 (€1,853). That's not too bad for a co-axial. If the AD's here don't do anything for you then there's always that option.

Good choice by the way, the Seamaster's are great watches for everyday.

bothyhead

bedlam wrote: »

Seeing as they are on par with the STG price you mention, it may be worth bothyhead taking a trip up north too see about discounts if they aren't too willing down here.

Failing that, you could do a quick day trip over to avail of the dutyfree. It'd only set you back €64. If it's still similar to what foxyboxer paid you'd be saving the guts of 280euro (12%). I'll be passing through LHR shortly and will happily check pricing for you, if you like.

That's very kind of you, thanks. Taking a trip up north, or even a day-trip to Heathrow, is quite a good idea. THB, I'm not in much of a rush, as I still have the best part of a year to go before my 40th

bedlam wrote:

Or you could just call +44 (0)20 8759 1249.

Perfect, I'll give them a ring.

bothyhead

This can be purchased from amazon.com for 2361 USD (1675 eur).

"Shipping:This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S."

I *think* that Ireland may be one of these select countries.

One of the reviewers mentioned that if you buy an Omega watch off the net, then the Omega international warranty is not valid - is this true?

Also, I assume that you may be hit for additional taxes/import duties?

bogmanfan

Firstly, the Omega warranty will not be valid. You will get a warranty from Amazon and the watch will have to be returned to them if you have any problem.
Secondly, you could be hit for VAT and customs. I've bought from Amazon in the past and been hit, but it wasn't too much thank God. That said, the watch was around half the value of the SMP.
Thirdly, I doubt Ireland is one of those countries. It's probably just USA and US 'territories' i.e. Guam, Puerto Rico. I could be wrong though.
Best of luck with your search. Good to see someone doing a little research, instead of sauntering into Weirs and not even asking for a discount... :eek:

bigfeller

bothyhead wrote: »

Also, I assume that you may be hit for additional taxes/import duties?

Almost certainly you will. Can't remember the exact amount but it's 20-ish%. (think you get it charged on the delivery as well).

But you won't go wrong with the Seamaster. Got the 2535.80 (Co-Axial, GMT and see through back) last summer as an engagement pressie and it hasn't been off my wrist since. Was a bit inaccurate at the beginning but once it settled in it's been amazing. Not adjusted in 2 months and running +2 secs. Think that's in COSC specs?

foxyboxer is correct about the clasp - will scratch easily but the bracelet is the most comfortable I've ever owned and the clasp itself is a work of art.

Go for it - you won't regret it!

bothyhead

Thanks guys. So buying online is not the way to go (warranty wise). It looks like I'll be taking a trip to Dublin or Newry soon.

I googled Jack Murphy jewellers in Newry, who stock Omega. They have a 10% discount voucher on their site as well. There is also a Goldsmiths outlet, which may not be as flexible on the price.

bothyhead

bigfeller wrote: »

Go for it - you won't regret it!

I certainly plan to ... now, does anybody know where I can get a couple of grand?

Cyrus

If i was you i would be looking for a pre owned 2254.50,

the nicest seamaster, bar none IMO of course

bigfeller

Cyrus wrote: »

If i was you i would be looking for a pre owned 2254.50,

the nicest seamaster, bar none IMO of course

IMO you're completely wrong and the blue face is far nicer than the black.

Bias? What bias?

Cyrus

bigfeller wrote: »

IMO you're completely wrong and the blue face is far nicer than the black.

Bias? What bias?

sword hands and speedy bracelet for the win

bigfeller

Right!! That's it!!

Grandfather clocks at dawn!

bogmanfan

Blue is the only way to go with a SMP. The wave effect on the dial just pops so much more on the blue in my opinion.

bothyhead

Cyrus wrote: »

If i was you i would be looking for a pre owned 2254.50,

the nicest seamaster, bar none IMO of course

I've just been looking at a picture of yours in the photo-thread. I assume your pictured Omega is the 2254.50 - It really is gorgeous.

Cyrus

bothyhead wrote: »

I've just been looking at a picture of yours in the photo-thread. I assume your pictured Omega is the 2254.50 - It really is gorgeous.

yep thats the one, to my mind it is the most iconic seamaster and the only one im bothered having really,

but thats a personal opinion

bigfeller

bedlam wrote: »

Or perhaps some rather stylish Patek Philippe Songbird Pistols, and no one gets hurt

Made for Liberace?

bogmanfan wrote: »

Blue is the only way to go with a SMP. The wave effect on the dial just pops so much more on the blue in my opinion.

Yup - every time you look at the dial it looks a different colour. Suppose I got it because I really like the blue but have 2 black faced watches already.

I'd really like a Sub LV but will never be able to afford one. Thinking of one of these instead.

Cyrus

bigfeller wrote: »

Made for Liberace?




Yup - every time you look at the dial it looks a different colour. Suppose I got it because I really like the blue but have 2 black faced watches already.

I'd really like a Sub LV but will never be able to afford one. Thinking of one of these instead.

steinhart make some nice submariner homages,

however ive tried that type of thing before, and it wasnt long before i hated the watch for not being a rolex, despite the fact that it was very well made watch in the same style (it was a marcello C in my case).
Basically i think if you want something you should either try and get it (perhaps by selling one or two other pieces and saving for a period) or admire it from afar.

Part of the rolex ownership experience is owning a rolex i think, and because of that, a lookalike just never does it.

I dont yet own a rolex btw, but hopefully i will get my greasy mitts on a GMT2c this year.

foxyboxer

The 2254 is the watch that got me interested in Omega.
It is a descendent of the classic seamaster 300. However, Omega in their infinite wisdom decided to discontinue the 2254. Thus creating a modern classic.

bothyhead

Cyrus wrote: »

If i was you i would be looking for a pre owned 2254.50

Any recommendations on a good/safe place to look for pre-owned Omegas?

Cyrus

blowers jewellers in the uk (google)
watchfinder.co.uk
Watches.co.uk (wont ship here so you would need a friend in UK or NI?)

and our own dawson jewellers must be worth a shout.

From private individuals you can try tz-uk, you need 25 posts before you can access the sales or want to buy forum but its a great community and a few 2254.50s have sold in the last 3 weeks for the frankly ridiculous price of £900!

most have been from 05/06 and in very good condition.

My own was sold in Jan 09 so still under warranty, i paid circa £1k for it and couldnt see myself selling it for any less if i were to move it

foxyboxer

Cyrus wrote: »

and our own dawson jewellers must be worth a shout.

Took a look in here last week.
€2,800 for a 40 year old Speedmaster (?) I left it at that.
I didn't see any 2254's. The redeeming feature is however, that they have a nice collection of vintage Rolex. They have 3 GMT Master's that are just beautiful.

Cyrus

im not well up on vintage speedys, i know some can go for big money, especially the closer to the year of the moon landing they actually are,

also they are apparently good for 'cash' discounts, so could be worth a go, but id agree the uk would be better

bothyhead

Cyrus wrote: »

blowers jewellers in the uk (google)
watchfinder.co.uk
Watches.co.uk (wont ship here so you would need a friend in UK or NI?)

and our own dawson jewellers must be worth a shout.

From private individuals you can try tz-uk, you need 25 posts before you can access the sales or want to buy forum but its a great community and a few 2254.50s have sold in the last 3 weeks for the frankly ridiculous price of £900!

most have been from 05/06 and in very good condition.

My own was sold in Jan 09 so still under warranty, i paid circa £1k for it and couldnt see myself selling it for any less if i were to move it

I've already been looking at Blowers (looks good) and WatchFinder. I read some dodgy reviews about WatchFinder, and was a wee bit weary, but I've also seen some good reviews.

Cyrus

where did you see bad reviews? i havent heard anything bad about them and used them myself for an expensive purchase, which although it took a little longer than originally thought, it was worth it for the discount

bothyhead

Thanks Cyrus, it's good to hear from somebody who has purchased from them.

I googled 'WatcherFinder review' and got a few hits in watch-orientated bulliton boards. Here's one link from the tz-uk forum

http://www.tz-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=104868&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=watchfinder#p1098535

Edit: If they're legit, I have no probs buying from them. I am new to this game and want to do some thorough research first.

Cyrus

id make a couple of points

a) the watch i bought was brand new, so there were no issues like some of the ones noted in that thread

b) the people on tz-uk, myself included by the way, would be by far and away the most anally retentive people when it comes to the condition of watches, if someone tells me a watch is like new, it would literally want to be like new. To most people evidence of a strap change etc wouldnt bother them (in fact they wouldnt notice).

I find most used watches in second shops i visit arent up to the standard that i would like hence if i am buying used i stick with the good, and very particular folk, of tz-uk as in most instances sellers will give exhaustive disclosure on the watch condition!

bothyhead

Ok, that's interesting to know. I am not an enthusiast (yet!), just someone looking for a good watch.

Wibbs

Depending on the model some vintage speedys can go for even more. Standard 40 year old one Id say 2200 would be nearer the mark. The actual pre moon one with the exposed pushers IIRC with the right movement will run to the higher end.

Love the 2254 btw. Gorgeous watch.

Mister Gooey

I bought a Planet Ocean last week in Weirs. Got them down to €2200. It is not much cheaper on-line, it is bought from a bricks and mortar vendor (I can walk back in the door if there is a problem) and I was able to try the watch on, have the strap adjusted and then take it home.

The prices for all Omega watches have been dropped by Omega since before Christmas until February (to encourage some business, I believe!) so you may be able to get what you want at close to the price you want!

foxyboxer

Ardmore3 wrote: »

I bought a Planet Ocean last week in Weirs. Got them down to €2200. It is not much cheaper on-line, it is bought from a bricks and mortar vendor (I can walk back in the door if there is a problem) and I was able to try the watch on, have the strap adjusted and then take it home.

The prices for all Omega watches have been dropped by Omega since before Christmas until February (to encourage some business, I believe!) so you may be able to get what you want at close to the price you want!

Hmmm? I wonder would they take €2,000 for a 3570.50 Speedmaster?
I'd bite their arm off for that price.
That's what I would be paying in heathrow tax free. But as you say, I would prefer to have somewhere I could walk in if there were any issues.

Were they willing to take discounts off?

Cyrus

you can generally get circa 15% off omega rrp in most AD's

not sure what the retail is on the speedy but you wont do better than 15-17% off from a proper AD

Mister Gooey

Just get into an AD and haggle. You can always walk away (if they let you out !!!!!!!)