Omega SMPc 300m 41mm (2500D) Help me choose a bracelet...

[buddy13]

I have one of the first SMPc back from 2011. I love the watch, but never really warmed up to the non tapering, no micro adjustment Bond bracelet.

Omega & Cha_4 by etienne spiteri, on Flickr

So much so, that back when I bought it, I also bought an OEM Omega Speedy bracelet, the fully brushed one. I believe it is from the pre co-axial, pre ceramic SMP GMT 300m model. Forgot the reference for that watch.

I like this bracelet a little better, for the fact it is all brushed and tapers to 18mm, but still. The lack of micro adjustment, too modest a taper and male end links are not the ultimate in wearing comfort. I know the watch can do better. The reference in wearing comfort, for a steel bracelet for me, remains the old Rolex 20mm to 16mm Oyster bracelet, especially the female end links one on the old subs (eg. 14060M).

I need it to be of high quality to match the rest of the watch. I'm considering a Forstner. Not too much options for the 41mm pre-2018 model it seems. The new SMP 42mm and the 41mm SMP bracelets are not interchangeable. Trust me, I tried, when I bought a bracelet off the new 42mm model and it did not fit a year or so ago!

It's either the Forstner President or the Forstner Bullet. I know they make an Oyster style one which looks terrific, but that would just be a rip off of the Rolex and a bit of a travesty on an Omega SMP IMHO.

The president is all brushed, but for some reason, the bullet seems to be more fitting of the Omega. Perhaps the fact it is very similar to the Original OEM bracelet that comes with the latest version Speedy? So more 'Omega'? I don't know.

Preferably I would like the more 'vintage' and smaller flip lock friction clasp, that came with the old Forstners, rather than the larger milled one of the latest versions. Sadly it does not show on their site anymore.

Anyone care to share his opinion/photos of these bracelets ?

I'd possibly let the OEM Omega Speedy style bracelet go then. No use having it sitting in the watchbox.

A couple of photos borrowed from the Forstner website for reference.

President:

Forstner President by etienne spiteri, on Flickr

Bullet:

Forstner Bullet by etienne spiteri, on Flickr

[texasmade]

I'm not a fan of the bullet style so my preference is the president style. If wanting a non-Rolex looking bracelet, then get the flat link. That's more of an Omega styling.

[ppierce]

shame a $5000 watch doesnt come on a nice braclet that people actually want.

[ufboy73]

I don't like the bullet style, it looks too choppy.

[Lemarp]

Originally Posted by ppierce

shame a $5000 watch doesnt come on a nice braclet that people actually want.

I thought the same thing about the Sub bracelet before I bought my Planet Ocean many years back.

[buddy13]

Originally Posted by texasmade

I'm not a fan of the bullet style so my preference is the president style. If wanting a non-Rolex looking bracelet, then get the flat link. That's more of an Omega styling.

Yes, know what you're saying, perhaps flat link is more 'appropriate' from a historical pov, but don't like how it looks. It's too sharp for such a rounded edged watch. Hard to explain, but it's what I feel.

Just realized I attached the wrong photo of the Bullet. This is the bullet (borrowed from Forstner site):

Forstner Bullet by etienne spiteri, on Flickr

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by buddy13

Yes, know what you're saying, perhaps flat link is more 'appropriate' from a historical pov, but don't like how it looks. It's too sharp for such a rounded edged watch. Hard to explain, but it's what I feel.

Just realized I attached the wrong photo of the Bullet. This is the bullet (borrowed from Forstner site):

Forstner Bullet by etienne spiteri, on Flickr

That's basically the 3861 Speedmaster bracelet. That's also historically Omega and looks good with the Seamaster.

[Kreyzhorse]

Out of the 3, I prefer the non bullet, bullet bracelet. More of a Jubilee style I think?

Either way, I think it looks much better than the other, flatter options.

[buddy13]

Originally Posted by texasmade

That's basically the 3861 Speedmaster bracelet. That's also historically Omega and looks good with the Seamaster.

Thank you. I think I'll give one a try

[buddy13]

Originally Posted by Kreyzhorse

Out of the 3, I prefer the non bullet, bullet bracelet. More of a Jubilee style I think?

Either way, I think it looks much better than the other, flatter options.

Flat ones look out of place on the curvy SMP, in my eyes at least.

I know its perhaps more historically correct, but if Omega got it wrong in the past, it's not my fault. lol

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by buddy13

Thank you. I think I'll give one a try

Can't really go wrong with the 1450 style or the 3861 style bracelet. Just don't put the Jubilee on it!

[buddy13]

Originally Posted by texasmade

Can't really go wrong with the 1450 style or the 3861 style bracelet. Just don't put the Jubilee on it!

Thank you and agree. Leaning towards the 1450 for its no nonsense, toolish all brushed look at the moment. Will mull over it a couple more days and bite the bullet

[omar-rye]

Is the Speedy bracelet that you have the same as the 2254? You can get the micro adjustable Omega clasp for it

[sah]

Go sharkmesh though I rotate waterproof leather and rubber with it.

[cglondon]

I have the same Seamaster. I’ve had it for 5 years. Never warmed to the bracelet. I was debating selling the watch. Then I decided to splash out on some really natos. Transformed the watch in my eyes. Each to their own but I don’t think the Seamaster will look “right” on an aftermarket bracelet.

Zealande do a rubber strap for it. I’m debating getting that but very happy with the natos at the moment.


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[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

Is the Speedy bracelet that you have the same as the 2254? You can get the micro adjustable Omega clasp for it

+1 on the adjustable retrofit on the bracelet, did that on my 1610/930 bracelet (on my 2230.50.00 SM using 4666 3 position clasp) as well as on my Bond GMT (1515/816 bracelet using 1154 5 position clasp). The parts for the upgrade are getting harder to get and more expensive but still cheap compared to something similar on the Rolex lineup.






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