SMP Bracelet Myth??

[Zaskar20]

Since I've joined this thread I've noticed a general undercurrent of opinion that the SMP bracelets are difficult to size and that they don't sit on the wrist properly????

My experience has been quite the opposite. I now have two SMPs and have been very happy with the comfortable way this bracelet sits on the wrist once sized correctly. The watches have always been a joy to wear.







The last image shows the bracelet on one side of the clasp. The other side shows the same variety of links, that together, allow any amount of adjustment that is necessary.

Please post your experiences.

[iinsic]

I've owned Seamaster Professionals for 16 years and have always found the bracelets to be amongst the most comfortable I have ever worn. In fact, only the PO is as comfortable to wear as the SMP (slightly less so are Speedies and Rolexes).

As for sizing, the older versions featured friction pins and collars to join links. Without adequate knowledge of the design, and the proper tools, sizing one of these bracelets can be pretty challenging for the uninitiated ... and potentially expensive. The new bracelets, that use cap screws to retain the link pins, are almost claw-hammer simple to adjust ... as long as you don't drop one of those screws on a deep-pile carpet. Hmmm ... perhaps that is why I don't have carpet anywhere in my house (hardwood and tile only).

[Perseus]

My only complaint is the screws. I've never once had a problem with pins but had at least two scares with screws on a Kobold bracelet. I looked down at my watch and a screw was missing. It was terrifying. Thank God the watch didn't fall off!

[brrrdn]

The bracelet is a b**h to size (easy to take the links out, but very difficult to relink) but very comfortable on my wrist :p

[iinsic]

My only complaint is the screws. I've never once had a problem with pins but had at least two scares with screws on a Kobold bracelet. I looked down at my watch and a screw was missing. It was terrifying. Thank God the watch didn't fall off!

Fortunately, the Omega design still uses a pin inside the link to connect it to its companion link. That pin slides easily in-and-out of its sleeve. It is kept in position by two tiny cap screws that are screwed into the outer portions of the links. The advantage is that the cap screws are not affected by bracelet torsion in any way, unlike traditional screw pins. The action of the links flexing can cause a screw pin to work loose and even fall out. Even Rolexes have this problem (thank heaven for LocTite 222!).

Omega started using this form of link adjustment back in 2007 on its higher end (i.e.-solid gold or two-tone) watches, such as the Broad Arrow. They had quite a bit of experience with the system before making it standard on the newer POs and SMPs.

[Mike 75]

The SMPc bracelet is very easy to adjust due to the screws. I strongly suggest a pair of tweezers. Those screws are pretty small.

[T. Wong]

Well, I won't resize my bracelets myself, being impatient and a klutz at such things, so I let my 87 year old Japanese certified Omega man do all the work. As for fit on the wrist, all my Omegas fit well, especially the Polaris, preBonds with their curved links, and the SMP Bond 300m is no different! It just is so well balanced!

Montage Omega Group by thianwong1, on Flickr

[Toothbras]

My 2221.80 was a breeze to resize, I don't find the old bracelet hard to size as long as you keep track of where the collars go as you take it apart. Plus it's the only watch I currently have on the bracelet since it's so comfortable. I'm glad it is, since I think the shape of the bezel makes the Bond SMPs look odd on pretty much anything except the stock bracelet.

[iam7head]

It's no easier or harder to resize than most average bracelet...most people complaint about comfort factor because there's lack of micro adjustment, yes half length are great but it's not micro adjustment.

it sure excel in the tactile department...there's hardly any rattle, any free play or filmy feeling. It's one of the best in the price segment for sure.

Micro screws are never going to be my first choice, screws tense to back out or seize/stripes once you give it some wear and tear, a friction pin can be unstuck without too much problem. Imagine having to retread the

link because a screw was jammed in there, and how many user actually apply thread lock to prevent it from backing out? for me the micro screw is nothing more than a marketing choice, it sure looks robust and tough but

it's not offering much real world advantage vs good ole friction pins. but that's just me.