2531.80 Project Watch *Updated Pics*

[TeeJay]

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.

[TeeJay]

Forgot to upload a pic... This is the best I can do at present from my phone's camera.

[By-Tor]

Hmm... it's almost impossible to tell anything from the picture but it's apparent that your rep is a POS and changing any parts to it is a waste of time (and especially money). If I were you I'd buy a decent Seamaster rep from our dealers and keep this watch for spare parts.

Check my signature for some reviews of different Omega reps. For example WBK sells very nice Omega SMP reps with Asian movements for $100 (including the GMT I have).

Good luck.

[TeeJay]

Oh I agree entirely, 100% POS, but, as I said, it's a guilty pleasure... It keeps good time, and that's why I'm planning on replacing the parts to make it a nicer watch. Financially, I know I can buy a new watch for cheaper than the cost of replacing the parts, but I can't help loving it and want to give it the chance to be more than it is now :biggrin:

[TeeJay]

OKay, I'm pretty stoked at the moment. I've re-set the titanium bezel insert so the triangular marker is lining up with the 'missing scallop'. It's not lined up as the insert should be lined up, but, given the nature of the bezel, it's making the best of a bad situation. During my investigation of the forum, I came across the review of the Tudors, a link lead me to a pic of a Tudor which is precicely the color scheme that my 2531.80 will wind up. Black dial with vintaged yellow lumes, and a dark blue bezel. I didn't know if the colors would work together, but, having seen this Tudor, this is definitely the color combination I want

[TeeJay]

OKay, I'm pretty stoked at the moment. I've re-set the titanium bezel insert so the triangular marker is lining up with the 'missing scallop'. It's not lined up as the insert should be lined up, but, given the nature of the bezel, it's making the best of a bad situation. During my investigation of the forum, I came across the review of the Tudors, a link lead me to a pic of a Tudor which is precicely the color scheme that my 2531.80 will wind up. Black dial with vintaged yellow lumes, and a dark blue bezel. I didn't know if the colors would work together, but, having seen this Tudor, this is definitely the color combination I want

[TeeJay]

I still haven't been able to get access to a camera to take a decent picture of the watch, but randomly came across this dealer who had a decent picture of it. They're selling it for $229. I got mine for $40 Either way, I know that it is inaccurate to the gen 2531.80, but, my project is to improve it. Here's what I'm starting from:

(Mine now has vintaged yellow lumes on the dial)

[TeeJay]

A little photoshop magic, and this is roughlywhat I'm hoping the finished watch will look like (with an accurate bracelet)

[TeeJay]

Today I received a Seamaster strap I purchased privately from another member, which they had ordered from King, but were going to return. There is a 1mm gape when the strap is done up, but, I suspect this is because the watches' original spring pins themselves were bent, and a new set of pins should resolve that issue. Other than that, I am really pleased with it. The difference the strap has made to the watch is absolutely incredible, and it is now looking like a really nice watch. I'd suspected before that the bracelet was 'pulling it down', and this has confirmed that suspicion, as it looks 100% better, and I certainly won't be ashamed to wear it in public Originally, I was planning on putting the watch on a decent SS bracelet, but, the opportunity for the rubber was too good to pass up, and I really like the result. Given the original Tudor that is inspiring this project was Millitary Issue, so would've been worn on a NATO strap, I think the rubber strap is a nice modern 'update' of the idea, and chances are I will keep it on the strap rather than getting a decent SS bracelet. Something I would like people's feedback on, is the alignment of the bezel insert. Given the shape of the bezel, I had to mis-allign the insert to get a symetrical appearance. However, I have rather got used to it and am thinking of keeping the allignment when I get the new bezel and insert. When I get the new bezel and insert, would people advise lining the insert up properly, or, would having it 'mis-alligned' be a nice 'personal touch'?

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[b16a2]

I think the Omega rubber strap is the best on the market! It really does suit their watches!