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2231.50 authentication help!

C
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Hi everyone.

Just won an eBay auction on the 2231.50. Wanted to ask if anyone can help legit check?

EBay have actually authenticated it just now and said it passed authentication but there’s inconsistencies with the packaging - they couldn’t verify the watch box and hang tag. That’s fine as I thought I was received a naked watch anyway without box and papers. Sellers just message me to say they used a spare omega box for transportation.

Seller didn’t have any papers but did say it was bought from Japan and serviced by the previous owner (again no paperwork for this).

Price was reasonable. I jumped on it because it seems in good condition but maybe it was a bit premature.

The crown guards look the correct shape, finishing is all brushed which was the case for the titanium reference, the omega clasp logo is faint which again seems to be in line with the legit one. Bezel also has the brushed finishing in line with expectation.

I also am not aware of any good clones for this model in the fake market which gives me reassurance but would like some more opinions.

Would appreciate opinions if possible. Thanks!



IMG_7688.webp IMG_7689.webp IMG_7690.webp IMG_7691.webp
 
Annapolis
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Hard to say from the blurry pictures but I don’t see any red flags re: authenticity. And I wouldn’t worry about the box and hang tag as those are fairly worthless. If I have a concern about this watch it’s less to do with its authenticity and more to do with how overpolished it appears. Again, hard to tell from these pics, but it looks rather “soft” to me. Not a problem if it’s a daily-wear piece and you don’t mind that. But if it’s meant to be a collector-grade specimen, I’d probably look elsewhere.
 
C
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Annapolis Annapolis
Hard to say from the blurry pictures but I don’t see any red flags re: authenticity. And I wouldn’t worry about the box and hang tag as those are fairly worthless. If I have a concern about this watch it’s less to do with its authenticity and more to do with how overpolished it appears. Again, hard to tell from these pics, but it looks rather “soft” to me. Not a problem if it’s a daily-wear piece and you don’t mind that. But if it’s meant to be a collector-grade specimen, I’d probably look elsewhere.
Thanks for getting back to me!

I don’t really intend to sell it and probably will use it as a daily beater.

Do you think it’s potentially the photo angles and the characteristic of titanium on camera that makes it potentially look over polished?

Thanks again for your reply, I am comfortable accepting the watch. Will probably get it authenticated at a watchmaker anyway for peace of mind.

When I send it to service at Omega, will they brush it back to factory spec?
 
Annapolis
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It could just be the photos. Omega will certainly make it look better if it is indeed soft—factory spec, I don’t know. Once material is polished away it’s hard to do that.
 
C
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Annapolis Annapolis
It could just be the photos. Omega will certainly make it look better if it is indeed soft—factory spec, I don’t know. Once material is polished away it’s hard to do that.
Great, thanks for confirming!

I will post pics once in hand anyway. Hopefully it’s all fine and was just angles/photos but tbh I’m not too fussed even if slight case geometry has been altered as long as the watch is gen!
 
Archer
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What is the serial number? I can check it with Omega and let you know if it matches the model...
 
C
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Archer Archer
What is the serial number? I can check it with Omega and let you know if it matches the model...
Thanks! Watch is coming in a few days so I’ll send the serial.
 
F
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Fakes of this model are uncommon, but a missing box wouldn't worry me.
 
C
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Just got the watch. Looks great but bezel is very stiff/hard to turn!

Will post some further pics in a bit.

The case doesn’t look too soft to me but you guys will know better than I do! I can still see the shape of the lugs compared to my modern Seamaster!
 
hen
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The bezel is supposed to be that way. Its the patented Omega "Never Turn"TM technology.😉

A cleaning and a bit of lube helps, but its not recommended by everyone. Grabbing the bezel at 1 and 7 also help.

Yes please we like pictures.

Good news, maybe it was just the pictures then. What you think is all that matters.

The heavier brother 2254 says hello. Its also a bit stiff in the bezel.
IMG_20260819_110725.webp
Edited:
 
C
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hen hen
The bezel is supposed to be that way. Its the patented Omega "Never Turn"TM technology.😉

A cleaning and a bit of lube helps, but its not recommended by everyone. Grabbing the bezel at 1 and 7 also help.

Yes please we like pictures.

Good news, maybe it was just the pictures then. What you think is all that matters.

The heavier brother 2254 says hello. It’s also a bit stiff in the bezel.
IMG_20260819_110725.webp
Its a beautiful watch! Now that I’ve turned the bezel a few times, not sure if it’s me getting used to the bezel or if it was stiff and needed some working but it’s working fine now!

Here’s some more pics of it in hand. What do you guys think?

IMG_7761.webp IMG_7760.webp IMG_7762.webp IMG_7754.webp IMG_7751.webp IMG_7752.webp
 
hen
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I think it looks absolutely great. The matte finish of the Titanium makes it look even more toolie than the rest of the Seamasters.
 
Annapolis
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Yeah I’d be happy with that one—looks like an honest example that you can wear without fear of the inevitable little scratches and dings.
 
padders
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hen hen
I think it looks absolutely great. The matte finish of the Titanium makes it look even more toolie than the rest of the Seamasters.
A common misconception. A fully brushed finish is actually harder to maintain than polished in my experience. Yes it looks better for longer but once knocked about or abraded can't be simply polished back to mint with a Cape Cod like a smooth polished finish can. I noticed this when I had the Great White and also the ST1 Speedy, they look great but God help you if you ding them as to put them back to mint is not a DIY job. Brushed Titanium does look better for longer than brushed steel though it must be said.

That aside, this one looks good, honest with a bit of wear but still decent. I like these and had one but the light weight disconcerted me after a while and I moved back to steel. These were mega expensive when new. In 2001 for instance, in the UK at least a titanium SMP like this was around 50% more expensive than the steel equivalent (such as the 2254) so you could argue they are a bargain today.
Edited:
 
Foo2rama
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hen hen
The bezel is supposed to be that way. Its the patented Omega "Never Turn"TM technology.😉

A cleaning and a bit of lube helps, but its not recommended by everyone. Grabbing the bezel at 1 and 7 also help.

Yes please we like pictures.

Good news, maybe it was just the pictures then. What you think is all that matters.

The heavier brother 2254 says hello. Its also a bit stiff in the bezel.
IMG_20260819_110725.webp
I prefer the floss method... works alot of the time.
 
C
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Great, thanks for your confirmation everyone! I now no longer have much fear of the authenticity. I’ll probably send it for service in a few years to get back is close to new condition! Might do it soon too, but I think for now I’ll order an Uncle NTTD bracelet and wear it on that as Uncle says their NTTD Titanium models are compatible.
 
hen
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Great! Now that is out of the way you can start worrying if its to big on your wrist.

Its is not! We all went through these fases when we got our Seamasters.

After that comes the fase when you start wondering about getting something else. Since nobody shares your entusiasm for the Seamaster maybe getting a Rolly is the answer.

NO! its not. People dont care about watches generally, seek comfort with your friend at OF.

You have the best version (swordhands) and best material of the best and coolest watch, the Seamaster. Enjoy it!

Sorry for the rant.
 
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