Early pre bond seamaster case?

[topdog i]

We’re the cases typically made in Italy for these ?
I thought it was all Swiss made.

 

[topdog i]

Were…

 

[padders]

Interesting, I've not noticed that before. Yours has the earlier Merc hands, 2 part back and lobed crown, my first thought is that yours is one of the first few which maybe used a 3rd party case but in fact that isn't one of the earliest, the 1438 movement was introduced after a year or so of production in ~1989 and the serial on yours suggests maybe ~1990 to me, prior to that they used a different thermocompensated quartz movement, the 1441. There were 3 case numbers used, yours is under the sticker. Might be worth looking at that in case it sheds more light on it. I think they went 42,52,62. I assume yours is one of the first that went over to the 1438 so probably a 42. I note the back is actually double marked as Swiss made and Italian Case. Confusing!

Edited: Jun 23, 2021

 

[Archer]

Well, the serial number printed inside the case back, which I read as 51459714, calls up a watch using square gold plated case that is 30 mm square. Case number is 4MD1960317400. The dial is white and the hands are gold stick hands, so something here is very off.

 

[padders]

Hmm, it reads like that to me too but could the 7 be a 2? The foot is hidden.

 

[Archer]

padders

Hmm, it reads like that to me too but could the 7 be a 2? The foot is hidden.

If I use 2, it comes up as "no results found"...

 

[padders]

Ah…

Topdog, check your number.

 

[efauser]

Archer

Well, the serial number printed inside the case back, which I read as 51459714, calls up a watch using square gold plated case that is 30 mm square. Case number is 4MD1960317400. The dial is white and the hands are gold stick hands, so something here is very off.

Looks like 51458714 to me.

 

[topdog i]

Ok I will ! I’ll open it up again then peal that sticker back.

where should I order a new gasket from. Or any omega OEM parts from ?

 

[Archer]

efauser

Looks like 51458714 to me.

That works...

Serial number: 51458714
Article ref: 28505000

Case is 055ST3961042.

 

[topdog i]

Sticker pealed away !

 

[topdog i]

Has anyone found anything about Italian made cases ?

 

[Archer]

topdog i

Has anyone found anything about Italian made cases ?

I have no information on this, however it’s puzzling that there would be two countries of origin one the same part. I wouldn’t have thought that was legal in most places...

 

[topdog i]

It does state “case” made in Italy perhaps the rest is made in Switzerland. Kinda like an iPhone “designed in California” “made in China” ….

 

[topdog i]

Does everything with this watch look real ? To me it does but I’m no expert at all. Educated opinions please !!

 

[padders]

The extra .3 after the case number is suggestive of some variation from the norm. The double triangle logo, presumably that of the case maker is also interesting. I’ve seen that elsewhere, on other modern Omegas I think. Anyone recognise who uses that? Does it say VM perhaps?

One the facts presented so far, I think real but unusual. It has a correct serial number, what faker is going to add the Italy text statement.

Edited: Jun 24, 2021

 

[Jeff Hine]

Hi all, I’ve recently purchased a very similar watch, there is no serial number printed on the rear of the case, just a sticker in Japanese.
Is there any way of checking if this is genuine or what are you thoughts, see photos above

Edited: Sep 16, 2021

 

[philips]

Would love more info on this, very interesting, thanks for bringing this up.

 

[Jeff Hine]

There doesn't seem to be a serial number any where, not on the case or the movement, what are the chances of it being a copy /fake? I've read somewhere that the serial should printed on the back of the case, is there any way to identify the movement ?

 

[Jeff Hine]

I have removed the sticker from the rear of the case back, to see if there may have been a serial number, but no such luck, and there is nothing on the back of the watch either.
I am starting to have my doubts or is this common on these watches ?