I recently bought a $40 Omega SMP 2531.80 (Long story as to why I got it) and it goes without saying, that in terms of rep accuracy, it's not too good. Infact, it'd only pass as an Omega with someone who knew nothing about Omega watches. The inaccuracies are:
Moulded links on bracelet and wrong deployment clasp
Bezel only has 11 of the 12 scallops machined
Bezel insert is polished titanium with markings laser etched
Minute Hand does not have luminous material along the skeleton sides, only at the tip
Hour markers are in the 2220.80/Rolex Submariner style
The dial is black and the date window is incorrectly positioned too close to the crown.
Drying condensation in the case under a daylight lamp baked the lumes, and they are now the yellow/cream color of those on a Vintage Submariner. (my fault, not manufacturer flaw)
But. It keeps good time, and the sweep on the second hand is as smooth as an ice-cold beer. With my Planet Ocean returned for repair, this watch has been getting priority wrist time over my Submariner (I've pretty much gone right off Rolexs) and this watch has become something of a shamefull pleasure... Kind of like having the hots for your wife's younger sister... You know you shouldn't, but can't help yourself...
Anyway. My project. Some of the inaccuracies, I actually like, some of the more glaring errors, I am planning on correcting, but I am having trouble tracking some parts down.
This is what I am planning on replacing:
Bracelet.
Bezel and Bezel Insert.
Hands. (only the minute hand needs replacing, but probably best to swap them all out for lume consistency)
I have a source for the bracelet, but the rest is posing a problem. The dealer I got the watch from sells a 007 Commemorative watch that would make a suitable donor for the bezel and hands, but, given the flaws of this watch, relying on that watch being any more accurate would be a gamble (and a costly one if it was as inaccurate) I've seen Ofrei.com, but, am not paying more for the parts than an entire new rep would cost, so I was wondering if anyone could steer me in the direction of some decent replacement parts?
Any advise or help would be greatfully received.