SMP 41mm with Sword Hands

[riffram]

I'm looking for the best availible version of this watch, which I realize is not as popular these days as the Planet Ocean or the skeleton hands/Bond versions of the SMP. But, hey, it's what I like. Also, it seems decent reps of this watch are hard to find.

I'm looking at the one Josh sells at $228 with "swiss ETA" (hisOMSE10001)--movement sounds good, but the back of the case looks poor--and maybe it's the photo, and the back is obviously not so important anyway unless it indicates poorer overall quality.

Also, Andrew has a 21J version of this watch at $108 (his OMG0035)--the back on this one looks much better, but the photos are not the best on the rest of the watch. Also, the bezel isn't as well made as it could be. I'm fine with the 21J movement, but wonder if the rest of the rep at $198 is as likely to be good. In otherwords, when in doubt, should I spend more on Josh's version--even if I don't really care about the movement on an occasional wear watch-- and assume that that way I may get a better overall exterior look? I'm not as sure that approach is fully applicable to rep watches.

Anyone have experience with either of these?

Edited August 31, 2007 by riffram

[TeeJay]

Andrew and Joshua both use the same supplier. It doesn't matter which you buy from, you will wind up getting the exact same watch.

[riffram]

So--does that mean that the 21J from Andrew and the "swiss ETA" from Josh have the same face, body etc., or should I spend more to hope to get a better overall look???

I think you are telling me I should feel fine about the 21J--is that right?

Thanks.

[bosk]

So--does that mean that the 21J from Andrew and the "swiss ETA" from Josh have the same face, body etc., or should I spend more to hope to get a better overall look???

I think you are telling me I should feel fine about the 21J--is that right?

Thanks.

The 21J will not accept gen hands and u won't be able to slap on a gen dial since the feet positions are different. U could try King or silix or another dealer for slight better pricing.

-bosk

[TeeJay]

So--does that mean that the 21J from Andrew and the "swiss ETA" from Josh have the same face, body etc., or should I spend more to hope to get a better overall look???

I think you are telling me I should feel fine about the 21J--is that right?

Thanks.

Well, both Andrew and Joshua have the same suppliers, so they have the same stock. I recently bought a Vacheron Constantine Overseas on a sales site which was identical to the watch Joshua was selling, except his had an ETA movement, the one I bought had an Asian movement. The watches themself, were exactly the same, they just had different movements in them, and the one I bought was half the price of the one Joshua was selling. All I was really trying to say was it won't matter which of them you buy from, as you will wind up with the same product, the only difference possibly being the price, or, if they have had a 'new batch' of stock in. That's something else you should be aware of. Andrew and Josh have a habit of using pictures of old stock for their advertising, even if the new stock coming through has minor differences, so don't be surprized if what you get, is not 100% like what you ordered. Personally, I wouldn't buy anything from either Andrew or Joshua, but if you want to, that's your choice. Best of luck

Edited September 1, 2007 by TeeJay

[riffram]

Well, lacking entirely clear direction (but thanks for the input), I ordered the "swiss ETA" 2824-2 version (at $228) from Josh, because I have confidence in his service. I decided to spend the extra in the hope that the maker will use a better quality/apearing watch with that movement.

I'll have it by the first of the week, and post my thoughts once I get it. I think this watch should be is a very good, old school-alternative to the subs that everyone has, so I would think that it should sell well. But apparantly not--the demand must not be too high.

[TeeJay]

Well, lacking entirely clear direction (but thanks for the input), I ordered the "swiss ETA" 2824-2 version (at $228) from Josh, because I have confidence in his service. I decided to spend the extra in the hope that the maker will use a better quality/apearing watch with that movement.

I'll have it by the first of the week, and post my thoughts once I get it. I think this watch should be is a very good, old school-alternative to the subs that everyone has, so I would think that it should sell well. But apparantly not--the demand must not be too high.

To be honest, it is an awesome watch. It is the first Omega I considered buying as a replacement for my Submariner (which I'd grown sick of), but, before I could buy one, Casino Royale was released, and the Planet Ocean caught my eye instead. Even now, it's the one Omega I haven't bought, as size-wise, it makes me think of the 42mm Planet Ocean. That said, I am thinking about buying the GMT version as a 'holiday watch'... I hope you're happy with your purchase

[riffram]

Got it--complete with misalligned bezel--which I was able to fix easily--but a very nice watch. "Swiss ETA" from Josh runs smothly, and the watch is my new favorite, this is what I'll wear most days.

Jeweler was very impressed and pleased to see one of his favorite classics when he did the band resize for me--always a bit embarrasing, but nice.

This is a slightly different (improved?) watch than the one Josh had pictured on his website when I ordered 9 days ago--note new pictures appeared on his site as of sept 7 2007, when my package was in route, and I got the new version. The new one appears to have a better case back, and does have a terrific lume job. The hands are still a bit short, but no one will notice who isn't a completely obsessive nut. It fact, the land length may be an improvement. Also, the numbers it the date window are probably harder to read than they should be, but they are printed clearly, and mechanically perfect.

Anyway, I am very pleased.

[smilingbear]

Got it--complete with misalligned bezel--which I was able to fix easily--but a very nice watch. "Swiss ETA" from Josh runs smothly, and the watch is my new favorite, this is what I'll wear most days.

Jeweler was very impressed and pleased to see one of his favorite classics when he did the band resize for me--always a bit embarrasing, but nice.

This is a slightly different (improved?) watch than the one Josh had pictured on his website when I ordered 9 days ago--note new pictures appeared on his site as of sept 7 2007, when my package was in route, and I got the new version. The new one appears to have a better case back, and does have a terrific lume job. The hands are still a bit short, but no one will notice who isn't a completely obsessive nut. It fact, the land length may be an improvement. Also, the numbers it the date window are probably harder to read than they should be, but they are printed clearly, and mechanically perfect.

Anyway, I am very pleased.

Fantastic, let's see some pics!