Community Stories

Getting my feet wet with a SMP

Kmmdad57
Posts
162
Likes
53
Hi guys, I'm about to purchase my second Omega and my first Seamaster. I think I have it down to the SMP model family. I love the 600 meter, 300 meter and the Aqua Terra, but for my first purchase I settled on the SMP. I know the SMP as a verity within the family and I was about to narrow it down to two polar opposites with in the same group. I like the Blue ( not summer blue) and the no date titanium bezel. I like the blue a little more than the new no date, but I am a little worried about the double AR coating on the blue. I am very gentle on my watches but I am worried that I will get light scratches early. For people that own a SMP with double AR coating, how much of an issue is this? If I do get light scratches and they just show a bit in bright sunlight, then that may not be a big deal. I know with the no date this isn't an issue. Any thoughts?
 
Annapolis
Posts
1,788
Likes
2,619
I’d take the lack of response as a decent index of how not-a-problem this is. But everyone’s tolerance for such things is different.

Folks here will say (and I will agree): wear it. Enjoy it. An unscratched watch is the sign of a boring life.
 
O
Posts
194
Likes
247
The outside AR coating is not that weak, it will need a decent hit on a sharp object to show any scratch. Unless you are super clumsy, I wouldn't worry. If you do get a scratch you can rub it with 0.5 micron diamonds past compound, hand pressure will suffice but its a good 30min off patient rubbing and then you won't have this problem again.

I wouldn't let this stop you from getting the watch though, the blue SMP is a classic.

Another blue option is 60th anniversary bond SMP and it has one side AR, they are becoming readily available.
 
Vinz Clortho
Posts
368
Likes
836
The early ones with double AR coating had a blue hue and more noticeable, but nowadays it's really not that big of an issue. Get what really speaks to you and enjoy it.
 
DenisChalandier
Posts
188
Likes
266
It will gets some scratches. Most of the time not noticeable but under bright light. Some times more.

If it wasn't a problem for a lots of people, many brands wouldn't stop using AR on the outside.

Don't get a watch you dislike for that but you have to be aware to it.
 
p4ul
Posts
1,776
Likes
4,256
5 years day in, day out and not a spot as far as I can see.
image.webp
 
dsio
Posts
33,463
Likes
38,167
Both the latest Cal 8800 series Seamaster Pros and the previous generation Cal 2500D are both quite resistant to damage thanks to the bezel that blends with the sapphire crystal. The case and bracelet tends to hold up pretty well and look quite clean even after a lot of daily use thanks to the design, only the clasp tends to get scratched up but its easily sorted out.
 
dstfno
Posts
420
Likes
490
I’ve seen two watches with scratched outer AR coating. But no idea if it happened with regular wear or the owners were really abusing them.

Personally when choosing between two similar watches I would choose the one with inside coating only.
 
p4ul
Posts
1,776
Likes
4,256
dsio dsio
Both the latest Cal 8800 series Seamaster Pros and the previous generation Cal 2500D are both quite resistant to damage thanks to the bezel that blends with the sapphire crystal. The case and bracelet tends to hold up pretty well and look quite clean even after a lot of daily use thanks to the design, only the clasp tends to get scratched up but its easily sorted out.
👍
image.webp
 
Kmmdad57
Posts
162
Likes
53
p4ul p4ul
5 years day in, day out and not a spot as far as I can see.
image.webp
Wow. You must be very gentle with it
 
p4ul
Posts
1,776
Likes
4,256
Kmmdad57 Kmmdad57
Wow. You must be very gentle with it
Honestly, 180 opposite of gentle, I have a seiko beater…usually forget to put it on when gardening/working/etc.
 
bsowers34
Posts
1,754
Likes
6,926
p4ul p4ul
👍
image.webp
I have an easy fix for the clasp, I put automotive PPF on them, cut very closely to fit. All of my 3861s have it also.
IMG_5238.webp
Edited:
 
p4ul
Posts
1,776
Likes
4,256
bsowers34 bsowers34
I have an easy fix for the clasp, I put automotive PPF on them, cut very closely to fit.
My easy fix is to not worry.😉
 
ErichPryde
Posts
3,645
Likes
7,695
Here's mine:

20250427_132558.webp

The big scratch was from sliding down a waterfall carved out of lava rock. And honestly, that's how you get scratches that add value.
 
Kmmdad57
Posts
162
Likes
53
O OmegaBHR
The outside AR coating is not that weak, it will need a decent hit on a sharp object to show any scratch. Unless you are super clumsy, I wouldn't worry. If you do get a scratch you can rub it with 0.5 micron diamonds past compound, hand pressure will suffice but its a good 30min off patient rubbing and then you won't have this problem again.

I wouldn't let this stop you from getting the watch though, the blue SMP is a classic.

Another blue option is 60th anniversary bond SMP and it has one side AR, they are becoming readily available.
I thought the AR coating would get hair line scratches over time just from a cuff or daily wear and tear.
 
Annapolis
Posts
1,788
Likes
2,619
If you wear the watch it will get scratched, I promise you. And the first time will be heartbreaking. Here’s how I think about it.

It’s a luxury watch and for many of us a serious purchase that makes us a little uneasy—that’s part of what’s exciting about owning such a thing. But if you take a step back and think objectively about it, you’ll see that these are mass produced objects that aren’t at all rare or hard to replace or fix. Really, in the grand scheme of luxury watches, these are nothing at all special in terms of the quantity produced, or the quality or materials of production. I’m not dinging my favorite brand here; just saying, it’s ok to enjoy these things. You’re not scratching a one of a kind platinum Patek here. (Think Volvo, not Bugatti.)

The special thing that you’re actually preserving isn’t the easily replaced object, it’s your relationship with it. And that’s not compromised by a scratch—it’s commemorated by one. Wear. Scratch. Make memories. Then leave it to someone who will treasure every scratch as a legacy of you. The watch is just a metal thing for which you overpaid.
 
Mute
Posts
220
Likes
274
I'm not particularly careful with my daily wear watches. The double AR has not been any kind of problem at all for me on my SMP.
 
NGO1
Posts
1,480
Likes
8,091
20 years of owning these, I can confidently tell you, it’s impossible to scratch a crystal, with 1 AR coating, 2 or 3.

My biggest worry of buying a new watch is how much do i tell my wife it costs.
 
Vinz Clortho
Posts
368
Likes
836
NGO1 NGO1
My biggest worry of buying a new watch is how much do i tell my wife it costs.
Next purchase, try using "Girl Math" since it seems women understand perfectly how to justify spending which defies logic 🤣
 
5 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

MikiJ

Before I get my feet wet...

MikiJ Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
tyrantlizardrex
tyrantlizardrex
Posts
5
Views
820
Asturianucu

Christmas self-gift: Rescuing a 1956 Seamaster

Asturianucu Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Larry S
Larry S
Posts
43
Views
10K
KeithS

A Casual Review of the Black Ceramic/Titanium Seamaster

KeithS Omega Watch Reviews
darkguyver
darkguyver
Posts
38
Views
44K
wouter van wijk

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner reference 5513 from 1966 with a gilt dial aka “Bart Simpson”

wouter van wijk Watches For Sale
wouter van wijk
wouter van wijk
Posts
2
Views
9K
be.norm

Completely Satisfied With My Explorer I 114270 (A Very Long-Winded Story)

be.norm Rolex Watches
D
Daniel23456
Posts
15
Views
18K
Longbow

“Christine”: my ’57 LE Railmaster- a reality check

Longbow Omega Watch Reviews
SC1
SC1
Posts
68
Views
52K