When people buy watches online, how do they authenticate the watch? If it's an Omega, can you take into an Omega boutique? Some other method? Are there other things one does to check out the watch? Thanks.

 

What watch are we talking about. ?

Many years of experience we can tell.

Pictures, movement number, caliber.

Most ask here before they buy to get the experience or fellow members.

Number one thing is research, and the second thing is more research

 

An Omega extract from the archives (if available) will match movement and case. But some of the archives were lost and they don't always record all the information. For hands, bezel etc as said above research and expert advice is king.

 

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

Try reading this as a starter and then read through other relevant posts on the forum

 

Thanks.

 

Thanks for the responses, but I was focused more on new watches or slightly used that come with papers and warranty cards. How do you ensure everything is real and not counterfeit Thanks again.

 

Knowing what to look for. Boutiques will not authenticate a watch.

 

I recently took a used Omega to my local authorized service center. For free they authenticated, tested and checked the official Omega records for past service or repair performed buy authorized service centers. Great experience.

 

The first step is always to buy the buyer before buying the watch.
The second step is to closely inspect the images.
The third step is to take it to a watchmaker/AD and have it authenticated.
Up to the buyer how many/how few steps they want to take.