Bought an Omega seamaster 2220.80, is it legit?

Strikehard · Jan 18, 2023

Hi all, after many years waiting and several auctions lost or skipped, finally I got my dream watch, the Omega Seamaster Professional 300 2220.80. I bought it from a Swedish (my own country) legit auction site, the man that sold the watch buys and sells watches as a hobby. We didn't meet in person and he mailed the watch to me. He has been on the auction site for 2 years and sold several omegas 33 different feedback all positive 4.8/5.

Now I just want to make sure that my watch is legit and not a fake, I really don’t think so I’m 99.9 percent sure that it isn’t fake. I got all 3 red cards (see picture). I’ve made sure to check that the serial number matches on the case (located at one of the lugs) and I’ve also checked the serial number inside the watch under the rotor. They all match on both the chronometer certificate and international warranty. I’ve also checked the Instruction manual its made in December 2008 and the watch is sold in November 2009. What my eye could tell looking up pictures on the internet of the 2500C movement I couldn’t tell any difference on my watch. I used a magnifying loupe to look up numbers and the text inside. I've also taken a picutre of the stamp on the backside of the case.

So what do you all think?

An extra question also: what is the 5 digit number on the international warranty card under the date window?

Thanks in advance

Best Regards 😀

Here comes some pictures:View attachment 1541531 View attachment 1541531

View attachment 1541585 View attachment 1541584

flw · Jan 18, 2023

I'm no expert on evaluating authenticity - I will defer any definitive judgment to others on the forum far more experienced than I. But from what I can see, it looks good.

Annapolis · Jan 18, 2023

The watch looks authentic but you’ll want to send it to Omega for a service (or else to an Omega-qualified watchmaker who can service a coaxial movement). That will give you absolute peace of mind. This is something you really should do, both because it’s an older watch that’s probably due for a service anyway and because it appears that you or someone else removed the caseback. Unless you’ve had it pressure tested since doing that, assume that it is no longer water resistant.

502 to right · Jan 18, 2023

It looks legit. But it's missing a case screw. Which is odd.

Did you remove the caseback? As Annapolis has noted, this could cause issues with water resistance unless the caseback is closed up securely and the gasket is not damaged.

Personally, I'm a hobbyist watch tinkerer and can do a lot with a watch but I leave the Omega's and Rolex's to the professionals.

Strikehard · Jan 18, 2023

Annapolis
The watch looks authentic but you’ll want to send it to Omega for a service (or else to an Omega-qualified watchmaker who can service a coaxial movement). That will give you absolute peace of mind. This is something you really should do, both because it’s an older watch that’s probably due for a service anyway and because it appears that you or someone else removed the caseback. Unless you’ve had it pressure tested since doing that, assume that it is no longer water resistant.

Thank you for your response(s). I was the one removing the case back (also) because of the seller already had it removed, I just wanted to make sure that it had the movement engraved with the correct serial number. I asked the seller beforehand if he had pressure tested it after removing the case back and he said no, so I thought if he hadn’t, I would need to (at least) pressure test it anyway so why not remove the case back before I pressure test it.

Sorry for sounding greedy but i called my closest Omega store and asked them how much an authenticatetion would cost to do on my watch and they told me something along the lines (currency may differ) 500usd for just an confirmation that the watch is real and with pressure testing I assume an another 100 usd so maybe 600 usd and I bought the watch for over 3000 usd (when my currency was strong it would be more like for 4200usd and that’s probably more fair to think since it’s its only other currencys that gain something when another currency get lower).

I kinda had a really a lot of expenses lately (house, kid new car etc)of course, so that what’s hurts because I really need to save up. Enough of my whining but the thing is that this watch has been on auction like once twice a year here in Sweden and I wanted the watch for maybe 15 years and been actively looking fire one for four years or so.
But you speak sense that’s the right thing to do, I just thought these older models is less likely to get replicated this good with an omega certification stamps, engraved numbers on both case/movement.

And it “only” loses like 4-5 seconds per day so it’s not that bad I my world, so I think I will only enjoy it this year before sending it to service something along the lines of next year.

Regards Strike

Strikehard · Jan 18, 2023

502 to right
It looks legit. But it's missing a case screw. Which is odd.

Did you remove the caseback? As Annapolis has noted, this could cause issues with water resistance unless the caseback is closed up securely and the gasket is not damaged.

Personally, I'm a hobbyist watch tinkerer and can do a lot with a watch but I leave the Omega's and Rolex's to the professionals.

Thank you for the response, as I told Annapolis the seller had the case back removed, so I did also remove the case back before I pressuretest it, since I asked the seller beforehand if he had it pressuretested after the removal of the case back.
And good spot of one of the screws missing, I didn’t realise that before you pointed it out, look at my answer to Annapolis for more information about my situation.

Regards //Strike

Strikehard · Jan 18, 2023

Annapolis
The watch looks authentic but you’ll want to send it to Omega for a service (or else to an Omega-qualified watchmaker who can service a coaxial movement). That will give you absolute peace of mind. This is something you really should do, both because it’s an older watch that’s probably due for a service anyway and because it appears that you or someone else removed the caseback. Unless you’ve had it pressure tested since doing that, assume that it is no longer water resistant.

Btw I have a 30 days buyers protection that I can use if it’s any problems that why I wanted to look it up now best regards.

BarbVl · Jan 18, 2023

You have nothing to worry the watch is 100% authentic in good looking condition and the fact you also have the cards it's a plus to the value.

Strikehard · Jan 19, 2023

BarbVl
You have nothing to worry the watch is 100% authentic in good looking condition and the fact you also have the cards it's a plus to the value.

Thank you for your response, sorry for asking but are you 100% sure ? Do you have much experience with these watches that make you think it’s 100% legit? 😀
I am also pretty sure but I know some AAA copy’s can come with box papers.. but it’s sounds very unlikely they’ve nailed the numbers and everything this good.

regards

JimInOz · Jan 19, 2023

As well as the missing screw/tab on the movement ring, the tab I marked appears to be incorrectly positioned, it should go into the channel in the side of the case, not sit on top of it.

Strikehard · Jan 19, 2023

JimInOz
As well as the missing screw/tab on the movement ring, the tab I marked appears to be incorrectly positioned, it should go into the channel in the side of the case, not sit on top of it.

Good spot thank you.

502 to right · Jan 19, 2023

S Strikehard
Thank you for your response, sorry for asking but are you 100% sure ? Do you have much experience with these watches that make you think it’s 100% legit? 😀
I am also pretty sure but I know some AAA copy’s can come with box papers.. but it’s sounds very unlikely they’re nailed the numbers and everything this good.

regards

I have that very model on my wrist right now and have been pretty immersed in Omega watches for the last 5 years. I see nothing with your watch that suggests it is fake. I too purchased one preowned with box and cards. Yours has all the hallmarks of a 100% legitimate watch.

My only concern is with the case screws. No respectable watchmaker would leave the watch in that condition which suggests an amateur was fooling around with it. That said, a service by an Omega trained professional will correct anything that's wrong with the watch.

BTW - when I have watches that run a little slow, I set them 20-30 seconds ahead when I set the time. That way over a week it will drift back toward atomic time.

Strikehard · Jan 19, 2023

502 to right
I have that very model on my wrist right now and have been pretty immersed in Omega watches for the last 5 years. I see nothing with your watch that suggests it is fake. I too purchased one preowned with box and cards. Yours has all the hallmarks of a 100% legitimate watch.

My only concern is with the case screws. No respectable watchmaker would leave the watch in that condition which suggests an amateur was fooling around with it. That said, a service by an Omega trained professional will correct anything that's wrong with the watch.

BTW - when I have watches that run a little slow, I set them 20-30 seconds ahead when I set the time. That way over a week it will drift back toward atomic time.

Thanks for your input, yea I totally agree on that, I will take it to an omega AD today, so they can fix the screw etc. Do you think the omega ad will notice if it’s a fake one when they open the case and replace/add the missing screw ? Or must they look even closer on the movement?

Annapolis · Jan 19, 2023

S Strikehard
Thanks for your input, yea I totally agree on that, I will take it to an omega AD today, so they can fix the screw etc. Do you think the omega ad will notice if it’s a fake one when they open the case and replace/add the missing screw ? Or must they look even closer on the movement?

My guess is that the Omega AD will not open the watch: they will help you with the process of sending it in to Omega/Swatch for service. This will cost a few hundred and the watch will be out of your hands for 6 weeks or more, but when it comes back to you, you will know it’s 100% authentic (they won’t service it if it isn’t), it will have all parts intact and in the right position, it will be running in spec, will be watertight and pressure tested, and will have a new service warranty. It will also be professionally refinished and looking brand new.

Whenever I buy a preowned modern Omega, I factor this into the cost. It’s not fun losing the watch for several weeks right after you get it, but it’s so worth it.

I would urge you not to wear it, in any event, until it’s been pressure tested, especially if it’s going anywhere near moisture (even washing your hands). Just my thinking.

janice&fred · Jan 19, 2023

S Strikehard
Thank you for your response, sorry for asking but are you 100% sure ? Do you have much experience with these watches that make you think it’s 100% legit? 😀
I am also pretty sure but I know some AAA copy’s can come with box papers.. but it’s sounds very unlikely they’ve nailed the numbers and everything this good.

regards

You mean after opening the watch and seeing a genuine Omega movement that you can compare with loads of online photos you still are not sure if your watch is authentic? I think it's time to let go of your anxiety. You bought a genuine Omega.

BarbVl
You have nothing to worry

Too bad we can't say the same about your victims.

Strikehard · Jan 19, 2023

Annapolis
My guess is that the Omega AD will not open the watch: they will help you with the process of sending it in to Omega/Swatch for service. This will cost a few hundred and the watch will be out of your hands for 6 weeks or more, but when it comes back to you, you will know it’s 100% authentic (they won’t service it if it isn’t), it will have all parts intact and in the right position, it will be running in spec, will be watertight and pressure tested, and will have a new service warranty. It will also be professionally refinished and looking brand new.

Whenever I buy a preowned modern Omega, I factor this into the cost. It’s not fun losing the watch for several weeks right after you get it, but it’s so worth it.

I would urge you not to wear it, in any event, until it’s been pressure tested, especially if it’s going anywhere near moisture (even washing your hands). Just my thinking.

Thanks for your wise post. I went to my (closest 1 hour drive) local Omega AD, they are also an Omega "certified service center", so they don't send the watch but service it themselves fully. Thankfully, the watch was LEGIT and a REAL Omega (yay) 😀.

But 2 tabs were missing and one screw, so apparently some amature has opened it including me but I didn't do anything else then removing the antimagnetic cover to check the movement and serial number, since the watch weren't pressure tested after the previous owner opened it.
The servicemen (?) at Omega, told me that I needed to be careful due to they didn't have the tabs in stock, so they needed to order it, if I would knock/bang into something there's a big risk the movement gets damaged badly and also not pressure tested. I'm going there again next week to get my watch fixed, pressure tested and also test it on a timegrapher. I will let it stay in its box for now, I don't want to risk anything until the watch gets fixed.

And I know you're absolutely right about that you have to factor it in when you buy preowned, I usually do this but this time around it was "semi-bad" (Expanded family, new car 1 month ago) timing for me to buy this watch but there may only be 1-2 watches per year of the 2220.80 that got all the paperwork etc (atleast the latest 4 years or so), they seem more rare here. I've looked at so many auctions over 4 years and got overbid or skipped because of it not being a full set. But I am happy I did bid and won, I will service the watch sooner rather than later but just not right now.

Strikehard · Jan 19, 2023

janice&fred
You mean after opening the watch and seeing a genuine Omega movement that you can compare with loads of online photos you still are not sure if your watch is authentic? I think it's time to let go of your anxiety. You bought a genuine Omega.

Too bad we can't say the same about your victims.

You have a good point sir, it was confirmed by my local omega dealer that it is genuine 😀

Bought an Omega seamaster 2220.80, is it legit?

Strikehard

flw

Annapolis

502 to right

Strikehard

Strikehard

Strikehard

BarbVl

Strikehard

JimInOz

Strikehard

502 to right

Strikehard

Annapolis

janice&fred

Strikehard

Strikehard

Similar threads

Was offered this Speedy…is it legit?

Rare Rose gold constellation 168.017… Is it legit?

Omega Constellation - is it legit?

Help with a 2446-1 bumper : is it legit?

Omega Seamaster 2220.80

Seamaster 600 - is it legit?