Drilled Serial Numbers On 25M 522 Caliber on 164.024

I tried to buy an original Omega 165.024

The seller sent me images of the movements. (Photos 1-3)

I get the watch and discover the serial numbers on the movement were drilled out. (Photo 6)

As you can see in the images he provided, the serial number was never fully visible making it impossible for me to know until inspection.

I notified the seller that I have no idea why those numbers would be removed but it made me unsure of it's true originality.

Since I'm not confident in vintage Omega, I started researching the issue and communicating with the seller to try and find a reason why the serial numbers would be perfectly machined out.

I've read a few promising posts about this issue but no real answer.

I've read the following.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/thoughts-on-seamster-cal-562.7835/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/constellation-with-drilled-out-serial.70091/

I'm posting here publicly because I'm hoping OF can provide some type of clarity as to why these numbers would be drilled out perfectly.

The seller is uneasy and has accused me of changing out the movement. I'm upset and frustrated as he inspected and photographed the entire watch prior to shipping so he should be well aware I didn't/wouldn't ever participate in such horrible behavior.

Anyways, I'd like him to see this and review the replies from a community that knows Omega. I hope to learn something too. Thank you OF

Hard to say, but it could be a number of things the first of which that spring to mind are; a stolen watch or a watch which has failed to get an Extract, ie with a replaced movement.

As you noted, this has been addressed previously on the forum. All things considered, I'd prefer to have a watch with a serial number, but the watch certainly looks authentic.

If the seller showed photos of the movement, then he certainly was aware of the issue, so it's suspicious that he is denying it now. The movement photos from the seller have some pretty distinctive features, such as the dramatic rotor rub on the bridge. So it should be easy for you to demonstrate that it's the same movement. Can you upload a photo showing both the drilled serial and the bridge with rotor rub?

The article linked above is a nice read and explain the likely background to the watch.

I returned it already and only photographed the reason for the return. I do have these. Photos 1-6 are his images. Photo 6-11.

I offered to pay $6,000. Which I think is the absolute most I could possibly pay for it.

I'm no expert, but with any vintage watch I pass if it has issues or attributes that need to be explained. Its either perfect and original or it's not

Thank you for the reply - I appreciate it!

Haven't heard from original seller in months, Thank you OF for the additional information.

Best,

T