In need of expert eyes

Apologies that my first post is a request. I've been lurking for months learning as much as I can about the SMPc (thank you!). It's will be my first vintage watch and first Omega; nothing looks off to me but want a bit more reassurance.

These are the pictures provided so far. Anything I should be aware of? Seller has mentioned it has been polished previously.

Also, am buying this as full set. Anything else that should be there and isn't?

Everything looks good.

May be the artificial light exaggerated effect, but the polishing looks weird to me (some deep scratches are still visible).
Depends on the price.

Thank you for your feedback, whereabouts is this?

I am keen on not spending more than €2800-3000, would you say that's fair?

You'r aware that's the title one in 36mm ? It's very small. You tried one at some point vs the 41mm ?

I doubt it has been polished. Or badly, or the watch saw a lot of action after being polished.

2,8/3 k why not but it's a not a very wanted model. Hard to sell back if you need to. So if you can ask less, try.

My other watch is a 36mm explorer and it fits my skinny wrist perfectly. I've tried the latest gen and it felt as if the watch was wearing me not the other way around, hence me going for the mid size.

Were in particular as I am not qualified enough to spot this.

Due to the rotating bezel a 36 explorer and a 36 SMP wears very very different... The dial is way smaller on the SMP. You will be surprise. In good or not but in no way, you can compare.

The 41 mm has nothing to do with the latest gen. The current 42 mm is a giant compare to the model you are aiming for in 41mm.

I also have a small wrist, no way I could wear this 36. I'm not saying, you'r wrong. Every's body taste. But 3k without trying first, beware.

The watch looks fine to me—authentic and in pretty decent shape. I’m guessing the scratches are mostly exaggerated by the lighting—and I take that as a good sign in that the seller is attempting not to conceal anything.

I’d consider 2500 Euros to be around the top end of what I’d want to pay for one of these in the 36mm size. As has been mentioned it’s not an easy watch to move. Don’t look at asking prices; see if you can find out what they actually sell for. Based on what I know of the more popular 41mm size, I’d bet you’ll find they go for 2500 and less. Definitely negotiate.

Remember also to factor in the cost of a full Omega service: €€€. Unless it’s already had one? Even if this approx 12-year-old watch seems to be performing perfectly (which you can’t reasonably expect, but it may be the case), it’ll still be due for an overhaul for new lubricants and seals—do not submerge it until it’s been pressure tested. The watch will be out of your hands for a couple months, but it’ll come back with a fresh warranty, peace of mind re: performance, and professionally refinished to look brand new. But you’ll want to factor that into what you pay. If you’re tacking that cost onto 3k Euros, you’re getting within range of an unworn, still warrantied Omega from a reputable gray dealer…

As for size: I see that Denis has just posted the same—the actual dial, minus the bezel, is quite small, so these 36mm divers do feel dainty on the wrist. I had one for several years (my wrist is just shy of 7”) and didn’t mind it, but it’s not for everyone. If it’s possible to try one on before committing, you might thank yourself for doing so. My daily wear is now a 41mm version of this generation Seamaster and it’s perfect. (Much better than the current 42mm ones.)

I think you’ve got all you need for a “full set,” but I’d look for the best watch you can find and not worry about cards and boxes—the warranty will be long expired and this isn’t a rare collectible vintage piece. It’s definitely from the era of mass produced Omega.

It could be the lighting, but the clasp looks like it was polished with 80 grit sandpaper. It's a nice watch, but looks like it needs some finer polishing. As for wrist presence, this will definitely wear larger and thicker than a 36 Explorer. I would suggest visiting an Omega dealer and trying on a Seamaster to get a feel for the thickness. I have a Planet Ocean that is very thick, but that doesn't bother me at all. Some people I know, however, consider both the thickness and helium escape valve as deal-breakers. Good luck with your decision!

Respectfully disagree: although this 36.25mm diver is a quarter millimeter larger than the Rolex in diameter, the Explorer is “all dial,” so it wears bigger: this one, with the bezel, just feels different and the dial feels smaller. (I’ve worn watches with both proportions.) As for thickness, the Omega is only 1mm thicker than the Explorer. That’s not nothing, but I’m not sure it’ll be terribly noticeable.

I have the 41mm black SMPc. Most folks that have the SMPc, buy the OEM micro-adjustment clasp. It definitely improves the wearing experience if your wrist swells throughout the day.

Not sure if this clasp also works with the 36mm SMPc. But, that's another possible expense to factor in if you decide to buy the 3rd gen. Not sure what Omega charges for them these days (should be ca. $200-300 USD).

Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate all advice.

It's interesting that this variant is viewed as hard to shift, because what I found when looking for one is that comparatively there aren't that many going around, at least in UK/Europe. I mostly look at C24, should i be looking somewhere else?

Its a shame omega doesn't offer the midsize any more, I think there's a gap in the lineup there. I appreciate there are other smaller offerings but it seems like an obvious one to address.

And thank you for the pointers on size, I'll definitely aim to try it on before buying now, but given my wrist is 6" on a good day I still think its the one for me. Shame there aren't many around in the UK. There was one on subdial a week or so ago and sold instantly.