Help me understand SM300 & Holzer Mexico 1960s .024

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tech396

·Aug 21, 2025

I know there's been discussions regarding the relationship between Holzer and Omega, but I can't find the specific info anymore.
Here's how I understand it.

In the 60s there were tax laws and tariffs in place.
Various companies including Omega could avoid some fees by supplying " parts" . In this case the complete watch head would be shipped from the factory without a bracelet, and Holzer Mexico were then commissioned by Omega to produce their Jubilee style bracelet as shown. This would then be sold as a complete new watch.
I've asked around to find these were also sold by some larger retail companies in the USA, Joske's of Texas was one, They were stamped JM on the clasp.
I understand the most common bracelet for the 300 is the 1039, but I'm looking for any info regarding the use of the Holzer as original.
Thank you

 

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DON

·Aug 22, 2025

Seen posted that in order to avoid taxes. Omega shipped only the movement. In a case. It’s a watch

Bracelets. Never used them

 

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tech396

·Aug 22, 2025

DON

Seen posted that in order to avoid taxes. Omega shipped only the movement. In a case. It’s a watch

Bracelets. Never used them

I'm not sure I understand what you said. Could you please clarify?

 

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Davidt

·Aug 22, 2025

I’m not sure you’re going to find any more info. My understanding is exactly as you’ve said and I haven’t seen anything further, particularly regarding the SM300

 

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tech396

·Aug 22, 2025

Davidt

I’m not sure you’re going to find any more info. My understanding is exactly as you’ve said and I haven’t seen anything further, particularly regarding the SM300

Cheers David. I suppose I'm looking for any details, as I enjoy the research, and hoping that all avenues lead somewhere.
I was informed there are some old adverts with the Holzer in an Omega post on several models. My Spanish isn't good enough to locate any 😂

 

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Davidt

·Aug 22, 2025

Have you tried searching through the Old Omega website?

http://www.old-omegas.com/

 

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tech396

·Aug 22, 2025

Davidt

Have you tried searching through the Old Omega website?

http://www.old-omegas.com/

No, I wasn't aware of that site.
It's always refreshing to get guided towards new info. Thank you.

 

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Davidt

·Aug 22, 2025

I don’t know for a fact there’s anything on there but there are several adverts from non English speaking countries so it’s worth checking

 

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flqt-9000

·Aug 22, 2025

You will not find any information about this bracelets. I think they are a legit combination if the watch was sold in mexico or US and, probably, also part of south america. I observed J/M bracelet also on many references of speedmaster sold by mexican dealers (19, 20 and 22 mm), and also flightmaster. Also based on my experience, Holzer engraved bracelets are usually stamped with the production date too and are later with respect to J/M ones.
Last thing the endlinks of the J/M are different from the Holzer ones.

 

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flqt-9000

·Aug 22, 2025

 

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Dan S

·Aug 22, 2025

According to people with first-hand memories, bracelets were sometimes added at the point-of-sale. So I don't know that you will necessarily find any official documentation from Omega.

 

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DON

·Aug 22, 2025

tech396

I'm not sure I understand what you said. Could you please clarify?

In order to avoid taxes. Omega would ship movements only and the distributor or receiver would have domestic cases made.

Shipping without a bracelet I don’t think would reduce taxes as movement is in the case. It’s still a watch

 

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Davidt

·Aug 22, 2025

I’m not sure it was taxes per se. More Make Mexico Great Again by producing more thing domestically. So there was a push to have bracelets made locally to a similar standard as the Swiss items.