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Any reason to suspect this watch? 2541.80, no serial

MickEmerson1979
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Good evening everyone,

My name is Mick and I’m while I’m new to Omega Forums I’m not new to the world of Omega watches. I recently purchased a Seamaster 2541.80 that was from a reputable seller, someone I’ve done business with before, but upon receiving it I’m a bit wary.

It appears to have all the necessary box and papers along with a warranty card and a business card of the sales rep from the Omega Boutique it was allegedly originally purchased from. Everything looks good to the best of my knowledge but one thing that has me concerned is the lack of a serial number on the 7 o’clock lug and it appears to be polished off. This was not disclosed at any point during the sale. I don’t have the tools to open the case back to check the movement for a matching serial to the card.

So with all that said, does this appear to be genuine? I’m also concerned with servicing. From what I’ve read Omega won’t touch a watch with no serial on the case. If it’s genuine, how easy is this movement to get serviced?

I also want to say I’ve contacted the seller and they’ve provided me with a fully insured return label and a full refund upon receipt of the watch.

https://imgur.com/a/HwdQCr0
 
padders
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Not good. These don’t have serial numbers on the movement as they are routinely swapped at service but they did have a printed serial on the inner side of the caseback as well as on the lug. The problem is it can be erased by cleaning. No serial at all means no official servicing which could be a problem. It’s prob a grey market watch. As such it is worth quantifiably less than one with a visible serial. Removal of serials is never done for good reasons. Frankly I don’t think your seller is all that reputable for not disclosing this. You should either return it or if it’s cheap live with it but bear in mind the above.
 
MickEmerson1979
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padders padders
Not good. These don’t have serial numbers on the movement as they are routinely swapped at service but they did have a printed serial on the inner side of the caseback as well as on the lug. The problem is it can be erased by cleaning. No serial at all means no official servicing which could be a problem. It’s prob a grey market watch. As such it is worth quantifiably less than one with a visible serial. Removal of serials is never done for good reasons. Frankly I don’t think your seller is all that reputable for not disclosing this. You should either return it or if it’s cheap live with it but bear in mind the above.
I’m just going to return it then. As I said, I talked with the seller and they’re accepting a return and I’m getting my full amount back.
 
padders
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Probably for the best. If you needed a new 1538 movement at some point you’d have issues outside the authorised network. That said there are generic ETA work arounds, but that would slash even more value from the piece.
 
Vinz Clortho
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It does look genuine, bezel looks original, it was worn and used with the wear marks. Case was probably repolished. Looks like the tritium markers are aging, but don't see the T on the dial, but would need to pull up similar examples to be sure.

Trying to remember what the story was about the polished off serial numbers. Think it something like they were sold by a third company for a discount like Sam's Warehouse and serial numbers were removed. Been twenty years by now so will need to think about it some more or do a little more research.

Since it wasn't revealed to you before purchase, I would return it and find a different one.
 
Foo2rama
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padders padders
Probably for the best. If you needed a new 1538 movement at some point you’d have issues outside the authorised network. That said there are generic ETA work arounds, but that would slash even more value from the piece.
This applies to any watch though.
 
Vinz Clortho
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Also, any watchmaker can work on the movement. My 2351.80 is currently getting serviced by a local guy. Haven't sent mine into Omega since I bought it used 20 years ago. Problem with sending it to Omega is they replace everything to make it look new again.

Part of the charm is how these age over time. They were tool watches and used as such. I ordered a factory bezel and did a swap (they came in one piece from Omega) but think I still have the original one around which was marked up pretty good.

Wore it as my daily driver and worried about knocking it on anything since it was made for it. Not sure I would do the same with a newer one with a ceramic bezel.

Only paid $1250 for it at the time which was a lot but nothing which sent you back a year or two of savings. Funny thing is could of picked up a used Submariner for $3000 at the time. So puts the prices in perspective. Still kick myself for passing on that deal.

20240825_144237.webp
 
padders
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If you didn't want everything to look new again I am surprised you changed the bezel Vinz. There is a time and place for both options I agree, I usually go independent myself. Were you for instance aware that in the recent past, Omega have been offering a free replacement bezel on a 2531.80 sent for service where fade has occurred? You might have been better off using the official option if a new bezel was on your shopping list.

Anyhow I digress. My point wasn't that OSC is a better servicing option for every watch, it is that a watch with no serial number has no OSC option and is as such worth less. They aren't the same thing. There is also the possilbity it is stolen too.
Edited:
 
Vinz Clortho
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padders padders
If you didn't want everything to look new again I am surprised you changed the bezel Vinz. There is a time and place for both options I agree, I usually go independent myself. Were you for instance aware that in the recent past, Omega have been offering a free replacement bezel on a 2531.80 sent for service where fade has occurred? You might have been better off using the official option if a new bezel was on your shopping list.

Anyhow I digress. My point wasn't that OSC is a better servicing option for every watch, it is that a watch with no serial number has no OSC option and is as such worth less. They aren't the same thing. There is also the possilbity it is stolen too.
Very true about different service options, and it could've been stolen as well.

When I bought the watch 20+ years ago, it wasn't very old and the original bezel was marked up pretty good. Found a replacement through Ofrei at the time so figured a swap was the most convenient and economical. Did want it to look new at that time.

If I were to purchase the same watch now, probably wouldn't do a swap as it wouldn't match the rest of the watch, if that makes sense.
 
padders
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Vinz Clortho Vinz Clortho
Very true about different service options, and it could've been stolen as well.

When I bought the watch 20+ years ago, it wasn't very old and the original bezel was marked up pretty good. Found a replacement through Ofrei at the time so figured a swap was the most convenient and economical. Did want it to look new at that time.

If I were to purchase the same watch now, probably wouldn't do a swap as it wouldn't match the rest of the watch, if that makes sense.
It certainly does and you were wise to buy the bezel on the open market when you could. They are around 3x the cost now if you are unlucky enough to have to buy one. I've had literally dozens of SMPs of many flavours so I share your liking for them, both looking lived in and mint.
 
DenisChalandier
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Vinz Clortho Vinz Clortho
Looks like the tritium markers are aging,

Problem with sending it to Omega is they replace everything to make it look new again.
The watch is luminova.

Of course not. You just need to tell them not to.


And he sure need to return the watch...
 
MickEmerson1979
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DenisChalandier DenisChalandier
The watch is luminova.

Of course not. You just need to tell them not to.


And he sure need to return the watch...
I’ve already shipped it back to the seller this morning

Thank you for all the help everyone, much appreciated
 
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