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The evolution of an icon, SMP

wilfreb
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Riviera Paradise Riviera Paradise
Really hope the new SMP 2018 version chops off the He valve as well as getting a new movement derived from the thinner 8806. As a leftie, I wear watches these days on my right wrist and the He valve looks like a bit odd sticking out in the front.

A really good version of the SMP could affect sales of the SM300 Master Co-Axial. It will be interesting to see how Omega position an updated METAS certified SMP versus the SM300 Master Co-Axial range. Of course, if they screw-up on the upgrade (too thick, screw-up bracelet etc.) the last ceramic co-axial non-metas version will be the watch to buy and hold onto.

Only a few months to go before Basel 2018...all will be revealed in due time😗
The helium crow is part of the core design of this ⌚, I doubt it will be removed
 
Shailor
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I've had mine seven months. It still looks new and is something I'll be proud to wear forever. I'm also left handed and hope they keep the helium valve. It's what visually sets it apart.
 
IMG_0296.JPG
verithingeoff
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As relative newcomer to the world of watches, this thread is a real gem. I have an Omega from the 1940s a 1960 Rolex and a recent speedy. The Seamaster is next on the list. I really need to work out all the number
 
deryk527
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The SMP in quartz was my first Omega. I had to get the new SMPc when it came out. I love how changes in lighting gives the lacquered blue dial so much colour variation.


7A0C4B38-65DB-42A6-896E-AAA720660822.jpeg

I have a long way to go on night shift...
 
BenjaminT
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So what about the Blake SMPs. Don't they belong to this family as well?
2231.50.00:
30934620mj.jpg
 
padders
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Huus Huus
I own both the 2254 and the 2230 nonAC and always found the sword hand editions a more attractive design over the Bond. I can only guess at the reason for discontinuing that design of the SMP.
Whatever the reason, Bond himself moved on to some different models also.😉
I have pondered this since I too think the Blake design superior to the pure Bond in many ways not least legibility. The conclusion I came to is that with the 2254, Omega raided their back catalogue and used the 166.024 SM300 for inspiration but wanted to push their next vintage inspired diver upmarket. Thus when they introduced the 2913 SM300 inspired Planet Ocean range, they discontinued the Blake SMP to leave a gap for a more expensive classic looking diver. The non AC hinted at this move up market as the dial is similar in many ways to the 2201.50 PO and the price was approaching PO territory. I think it no coincidence that the Blake SMPs died not too long after POs were rolled out. There was admittedly some overlap with both Blake and P.O. models though. Maybe they thought that with the Blake models they were selling their 50s and 60s heritage too cheaply, the price of the recent trilogy models certainly suggests this!
Edited:
 
Huus
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padders padders
I have pondered this since I too think the Blake design superior to the pure Bond in many ways not least legibility. The conclusion I came to is that with the 2254, Omega raided their back catalogue and used the 166.024 SM300 for inspiration but wanted to push their next vintage inspired diver upmarket. Thus when they introduced the 2913 SM300 inspired Planet Ocean range, they discontinued the Blake SMP to leave a gap for a more expensive classic looking diver. The non AC hinted at this move up market as the dial is similar in many ways to the 2201.50 PO and the price was approaching PO territory. I think it no coincidence that the Blake SMPs died not too long after POs were rolled out. There was admittedly some overlap with both Blake and P.O. models though. Maybe they thought that with the Blake models they were selling their 50s and 60s heritage too cheaply, the price of the recent trilogy models certainly suggests this!

I 've read this theory somewhere before and can see the reasoning in it. I also own the 2201.50 and the similarity with the non AC and 2254 is very much there when put beside each other. In the end it is the $ income that counts and it appears that is the path Omega took with releasing the PO and discontinuing the Blake some years later.
Nothing stays the same as they say.
 
Huus
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BenjaminT BenjaminT
So what about the Blake SMPs. Don't they belong to this family as well?
2231.50.00:
30934620mj.jpg
Yes they do.
Titanium on Titanium. Came with the black dial and also the "Electric Blue" dial (2232.80)
The 150 year anniversary model was also Titanium with a grey dial.
Most of the Blake/sword hand edition were also available with the Bond bracelet in SS or Titanium and some on rubber/leather straps.
 
vitriol
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o7HJAkv.jpg

And the Electric Blue models in 41mm:
2055.80.00 steel, SMP style bracelet,
2255.80.00 steel, Speedy style bracelet,
2231.80.00 titanium, SMP style bracelet,
2232.80.00 titanium, Speedy style bracelet.

All above are automatics (1120), there were also the quartz models but I do not know them.
 
Huus
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Yurromeo, one of the dealers on the forum had a gold Blake/sword hands with electric blue dial for sale about 18 months ago. Very nice combination and one and only time I have seen the gold edition. I could not see anyone wear that when going for a dive.
 
Speedmasterfan88
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Anyone knows or has himself modded a 2255 witht the standard blue non ceramic bezel of the SMP? Pics?

I love the smp's and wear my 2254 regularly. Great watch, superb fit hight wise. I do like the new black version of the SMP but would've loved it if they kept the wave dial as an option.

IMG_1838.JPG
 
demchocholips
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Blake SMP watches are very handsome indeed. They have aged well. The Bond SMP is still good looking, but has a pretty strong 90s vibe.
 
padders
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vitriol vitriol
o7HJAkv.jpg

And the Electric Blue models in 41mm:
2055.80.00 steel, SMP style bracelet,
2255.80.00 steel, Speedy style bracelet,
2231.80.00 titanium, SMP style bracelet,
2232.80.00 titanium, Speedy style bracelet.

All above are automatics (1120), there were also the quartz models but I do not know them.

The ref for the quartz models are 10 up on the autos with these so 2265.80 and 2065.80. AFAIK the 1538 quartz movement wasn’t available in the Gold bezel or titanium cased Blake models, just the steel ie 2X64 & 2X65 only, though it was used in some skeleton hand Bond variants for the Olympics etc.

Let’s not forget the GMT version too:

LWEwLmF.jpg
Edited:
 
Riviera Paradise
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Huus Huus
The He valve will be part of the new SMP 300. It is as much part of the SMP as the Cyclops is part of the Sub date.
wilfreb wilfreb
The helium crow is part of the core design of this ⌚, I doubt it will be removed

I know it is extremely unlikely, but still hope springs eternal🙄. Not holding my breath as the He crown has also become part of the PO design language.

Perhaps Omega could do a SMP LHD similar to the Pelagos LHD? We lefties are approximately 10% of the market so perhaps a left-handed SMP LE could be economically viable...again not holding my breath...
 
flw
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I'm left handed, and I wear my watch on my left wrist. I don't know how unusual that may be, but it might be worth a try.
 
jetkins
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flw flw
I'm left handed, and I wear my watch on my left wrist. I don't know how unusual that may be, but it might be worth a try.
Me too. In fact it never occurred to me that wrist choice might be tied to handedness - I always assumed it was simply a personal preference.
 
Riviera Paradise
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flw flw
I'm left handed, and I wear my watch on my left wrist. I don't know how unusual that may be, but it might be worth a try.
jetkins jetkins
Me too. In fact it never occurred to me that wrist choice might be tied to handedness - I always assumed it was simply a personal preference.
Sshhhhh!!! I was hoping to bait any Omega staff reading this thread to get a SMP LHD version produced...hence my prod with the Tudor reference😉...if you are happy wearing watches on your left arm good for you...don't spoil the fun for the rest of the right wrist watch wearing community🙄
 
67ViP
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I very recently found this older Omega wood box on eBay for my black SMPc...it came with the red leather box, but appears to be much nicer. I have the current wood box for my blue that I bought a few months later.
 
PSX_20180107_203052.jpg PSX_20180107_203016.jpg PSX_20180107_204042.jpg
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