SMP 300m - hour marker flaws. Who has them?

I just wanted to share something with you.

When I was new to watches, I bought a Rolex 116613lb. A 2017 two tone Submariner.

Then I found out that the rehaut was misaligned. It bothered me like crazy. I posted on the Rolex forum and everyone told me that watches aren't perfect. I sold the watch partially for that reason.

I was pissed. Because I paid about $13,000 for it, and for that price point, I would expect the watch and QC to be near perfect, at least more than it was.

Anyway, a few more years into the hobby, and I realize that watches aren't perfect.

They are mini machines that are put together under right tolerances and what not, but not perfect.

There are watches, a lot more expensive that my $13,000 Rolex, that have issues or "imperfections" as well.

It's like you have to accept the fact that watches aren't perfect in order to enjoy this hobby.

My Omega Speedmaster, great watch, bought new in October 2020 or so.

Had to send it back for regulation as it was gaining over a minute a day.

Came back running a lot better.

Then the Chrono second hand started moving off center.

Had to send it back under warranty repair again.

Just got it back yesterday.

But I still love the watch, and can only hope I don't have to send it out again.

Haven’t noticed any hour marker issues on mine, but I had to send the first one I received back because there was a huge visible smudge/dirty spot on the balance bridge.

Replacement came, the movement is spotless, but this one has two or three specks on the dial that can be seen in the sunlight, and the hour hand doesn’t like up perfectly. It MAY be barely within tolerances, as it just almost lines up with most of the markers at 2-3 minutes past the hour. And the specks can just barely if at all be seen from 12 inches with the naked eye, indoors they usually can’t, although in direct sunlight, they are seen easier. I’m still debating whether to send it in for warranty work or not. I’m just now getting to the point I don’t think about all the poor QC issues all the time.

If that little mark on your hour index was all that was wrong with my SMP, I’d be thrilled.

Put anything under a strong enough magnification and you'll find unevenness and imperfections.

'Defects' is a term that signifies a deviation from the expected or agreed specifications and to me this isn't one 😀

Please don't use your loupe on a vintage watch 😁

I don’t think so. Otherwise why would Omega include loupes with some of their watches ? Would they do it if it was a recipe for disaster ?

Although some will discourage you to check your watch with a loupe I disagree. Given that Omega supplies some watches with some loupes I believe that these are meant to be used… Otherwise then why would Omega produce and supply loupes ?

My Seamaster NTTD has hour markers defects at the two bars of the 12 position. It seems that the lume was either improperly put in place or is getting dislodged. I showed it to the Omega Customer Service man at Dubai Mall _great person by the way_ and he did not comment as I told him that I’d get it addressed at a later date. I am too happy to have this watch that I dont want to send it away so soon. I shall check that nothing moves any further though…

I took these pictures with my iPhone at magnification x2 but through the Omega loupe I bought that day. I spotted the defect with a naked eye shortly after I collected my watch in Paris. I would have preferred zero defects but I am not getting overly exited about it as the trade in is that it may allow me to get a free service down the line…

It is my first Omega and the first time one of my watches has such an obvious defect. My Cartier Santos bought in 1984 was perfect, same for my 2001 Hamilton and Swatches. My 2005 IWC Spitfire Doppelchronograph was perfect. My 2006 IWC Ceramic Doppelchronograph was perfect other than a tiny piece of metal dust on the rehaut. I did not request for it to be taken out, it always makes me smile when I look at it. This watch is in need of service and I wonder if I will ask that it remains… My 2008 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute to Polaris 1968 is equally perfect. Now, I wonder how Omega QA/QC compares to Hamilton, Cartier, IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre… Do they all follow similar procedures to inspect the finished product before release ?