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Got my grail (2531.80 SMP)! But is it the genuine article…?

  1. 850csi May 18, 2016

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    Hi all,

    Sporadic lurker here. After recently selling off my 2220.80 to recoup some funds and considering a variety of other less expensive divers to pick up as a daily wearer, I circled right back to the watch that was probably my favorite all along: I found a real steal of a deal on a ref. 2531.80 without any papers. The price was low enough that I probably would not have bought the watch without the benefit of credit card/paypal’s buyer protections and a legit seller with good references.

    The watch is in pretty great condition and, as best as I can tell, is the real thing:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    There are a couple of things giving me some doubt.

    First, the crown. It feels notably larger than it did on my 2220.80. Picture:
    [​IMG]

    Can't help but think crown guard looks narrower in this picture:
    [​IMG]
    ...compared to mine:
    [​IMG]

    Second, the caseback doesn’t have the globe logo ... but I understand that doesn’t actually mean anything? I’d love to open it up and have a look at the movement but I gather that’s not a great idea? (I suppose if I wanted to be sure I could accelerate the timeline for my intended sword hands mod...)

    Third... it came with the 1503/825 bracelet as well but I promptly removed it because I plan on selling it. Does this look legit?
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    ------------

    Help me put my mind to ease so I can divert my attention to the continued search for a ‘60s Seamaster for my wife!

    Thanks. :)
     
  2. ConElPueblo May 19, 2016

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    Looks fine. Congrats on finding a Seamaster Pro without a completely shagged out bezel! :thumbsup:
     
    OMGRLX likes this.
  3. larryganz The cable guy May 19, 2016

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    KEEP THE BRACELET if you want to retain resale value (in case of emergency). Looks real to me - congrats.
     
    OMGRLX and Speedmasterfan88 like this.
  4. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker May 19, 2016

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    Serial number is correct for a 25318000 - looks fine to me. BTW the 25318000 and 22208000 do not use the same case.

    Cheers, Al
     
    DJM74 and OMGRLX like this.
  5. jcmartinez98 May 19, 2016

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    I'm digging the Evel Knievel/ captain America strap!!
     
    OMGRLX likes this.
  6. relaxer7 May 19, 2016

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    Pretty sure that's real but it you sell the bracelet on it'll really hurt the resale value - nobody wants to buy these on rubber or a nato cos there's lots to choose from
     
  7. relaxer7 May 19, 2016

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    Out of interest... how much did you buy it for if you don't mind me asking?
     
  8. 850csi May 19, 2016

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    Thanks guys, glad to hear it and appreciate the input!

    Heh, I like the colors but I've really developed a dislike for NATO straps generally due to the added thickness. Wearing it on this one while I wait for my mesh to get here.

    Appreciate the advice. My thought was that, in the event I ever want to sell it (unlikely I think), I'd just acquire another Bond bracelet since they seem to be floating around all the time. I guess if I've got to keep a bracelet in case of need for an emergency sale, I might go and try to find a Speedy bracelet.
     
  9. 850csi May 19, 2016

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    PMd
     
  10. 850csi May 19, 2016

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    Watch seems to be about 0:10 slow over 24 hours so perhaps it's in need of a service or regulation. Might get those sword hands in sooner rather than later after all...
     
  11. dennisthemenace Hey, he asked for it! May 19, 2016

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    Sword hands will make it look like something bought at a Bangkok street market.
    Why ruin one of Omega's classics?
     
    Nitzbar likes this.
  12. 850csi May 19, 2016

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    I go back and forth on this. Love the look but yeah, definitely lose authenticity.