Opinions on this SM300, Genuine? Clean?

[2canChew]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271080845539?ss ... 1423.l2649

[Kustoms4ever]

Well from my phone it looks legit. The crystal in the photos looks a little to clean. What are your thoughts. Price seems pretty high too.

[2canChew]

Well from my phone it looks legit. The crystal in the photos looks a little to clean. What are your thoughts. Price seems pretty high too.

Thanks for your response....I do think it''s genuine from the bezel,dial,hands,movement.....just more of a fan of the SM300, I'am no expert so seeking members opinions....

[CesarG]

Looks legit. Don't let Mike, the Vintage-Omega-Whore see it

[SpaceCowboy]

A quick check:

-Big Triangle lauched in 67, this is from 67 (check)
-Framed date window (check)
-166.024 with a cal. 563, should be cal. 565 (fail!)

It is a franken. The 563 was mostly used in the "regular" Seamasters, i.e. the dressy ones. As such easy to swap.

I would stay away.

[SpaceCowboy]

Too bad actually because the dial and hand looks original, and not a re-lume. A little secret tell-tale that I use: See the small pin-hole at the bottom of the lume at 6 o'clock and at the top at the big triangle? That is usually covered when they re-lume, even when it was re-lumed years ago. Should tell you that this is original.

[2canChew]

Thanks Gents

[demer03]

Looks legit. Don't let Mike, the Vintage-Omega-Whore see it

Umm...I already have an SM300 being dangled in front of me. Just trying to see if I can swing it.....

[matt.wu]

Too bad actually because the dial and hand looks original, and not a re-lume. A little secret tell-tale that I use: See the small pin-hole at the bottom of the lume at 6 o'clock and at the top at the big triangle? That is usually covered when they re-lume, even when it was re-lumed years ago. Should tell you that this is original.

Great info.

[moishlashen]

A quick check:

-Big Triangle lauched in 67, this is from 67 (check)
-Framed date window (check)
-166.024 with a cal. 563, should be cal. 565 (fail!)

It is a franken. The 563 was mostly used in the "regular" Seamasters, i.e. the dressy ones. As such easy to swap.

I would stay away.

Good work.

[cali kid]

Great info, i thought the date wheel looked in too good of shape compared to rest of the dial (date looks new). Dont know about those vintage movements but it seemed to be kinda flashy for a dive watch.. Great call SC and the price seems high but again i would have to refer to the Omega experts we have at DWC!

[tmw]

I prefer the watchco SM300. You know what you are getting, and you are basically getting a vintage watch up to today's standards.

[SpaceCowboy]

The price (if it was legit) is a tad on the high side, but then again, they have been rising steadily the last couple of years. The dial though is in excellent condition and could justify the price. Personally I would pay 3,500-4,000 (if it was legit) but not any more than 4,000.

[SpaceCowboy]

I prefer the watchco SM300. You know what you are getting, and you are basically getting a vintage watch up to today's standards.

I buy vintage and I know what I'm getting too...

[River Rat]

Most of the time watchco uses NOS parts but they slap in a old movement none serviced and the movement mite of came out of a none Omega 300 watch so you end up with problems unless you service it so you take your chances with vintage or watchco's.I would rather do my home work so I don't get a fake and go vintage if it needs a service so what plus it will hold it's value.

[2canChew]

Well.....my friend in another forum is looking to buy a big triangle cal 565 that is all true original....and in fair shape (no replacement parts) Thanks for the opinions on this one which he has decided to pass on. If you know of any, post link or images here..........thanks all.

[SpaceCowboy]

Most of the time watchco uses NOS parts but they slap in a old movement none serviced and the movement mite of came out of a none Omega 300 watch so you end up with problems unless you service it so you take your chances with vintage or watchco's.I would rather do my home work so I don't get a fake and go vintage if it needs a service so what plus it will hold it's value.

There are also doubts whether Omega has authorized Watchco to put together those SM-pieces. It looks like it has been somewhat quietly consented to in the past, but there are examples where SM300s have been stopped in customs here in Europe by order of Omega. As we know, they are coming down on independent watch makers as well, and this could also be part of their plan to address the problems with unauthorized watchmakers servicing the brand. If this is the case, then I would be careful buying from WatchCo.

If I wanted a completely restored SM300 I think I would buy a junker off eBay and ship it to Bienne for a full restoration by Omega themselves. And get the papers stating the work done and signed-off by the vintage dept at Omega. That would make it much more legit in my eyes, and should cost you about the same.

[demer03]

Although vintage would be preferred, don't slag Watchco too bad. Vintage designs but new watch.

Sometimes it's good to have one of those in the watch box to grab.

I wish I'd kept this;



And liking this;



Both Watchco.