Re: Prices and opinions...
Well said - I purchased my SMP at an authorized dealer in NYC for 20-30% off -- I can't recall exactly (and this included an xtra year warranty provided by the dealer).
I beat myself up for a month or so researching the SMP vs. Rolex as well as all the pricing issues. As you'll read on this site - purchase from an authorized dealer - period! Secondly, re SMP v. SubMariner -- it's really a matter of personal taste (as Alex suggests). Truly, I know several people with a Sub and several with the SMP and found that I know more idiots that wasted 4K US on a SubM when they would have been better off paying $25 for a timex. The question is what do you appreciate? A quality timepiece that you understand and is visually appealing or something that carries with it much more "social" baggage.
I was going to go with the Rolex and my wife (who at the time knew next to nothing about Omega) even suggested that I get it because if I didn't and I purchased (what she referred to at the time) "a Rolex substitute" I'd just regret it.
Well, it's one year later and the novelty of the SMP hasn't worn off. I love the SMP and have no desire to purchase the Sub. There's so much about the SMP that makes it seem more durable and visually appealing (large sword hands, dial, stronger band (I have the braided weave -- not the speedy-type band)). These are just my preferences - the Sub is a great watch and has the same classic / timeless look as the SMP.
Good luck - put it this way -- either watch you pick, you can't go wrong!
