[Help] Reference numbers for Omega watches made in 1988

Y yinwr

2. How can anyone tell whether the watch was made in 1988 without the serial number method?

padders

Don't trust a serial table like the above. They are not remotely reliable and aren't consistent across movement types, especially post 1980 or so. It is perfectly possible that no single Speedy Reduced from 1988 to 1990 has a 50m serial for instance, though I don't know that for a fact. The earliest Reduced models are identifiable by a couple of things. Firstly they have only the word Omega on the snap on caseback, later models have a more ornate hippocampus and secondly they are identified only by the case number as the PIC system was not yet in use. Another way is to do your homework and look at the serial numbers of enough examples to discern the pattern (which works but takes time), but as noted already, your best bet really is to find one with papers dated 1988.

Read up on the Reduced. It comes with servicing complications and buying one in less than tip top condition is a bad idea.

Dan S

There are many threads on this topic if you search. The Speedmaster reduced uses a modular chronograph movement that many independent watchmakers don't want to service and/or don't service properly. So they often are in need of expensive servicing by the manufacturer.

The automatic Speedmasters that use cal 7750 variants are better in this respect. Robust and proven movements that are easier to have serviced.

OneTwo

Fellow '88 year here. Wish you all the luck in your search but I'll tell you, I've been casually looking for almost four years now for a produced in 1988 example, and I can tell you it's not a common year for mechanical Omegas. I've heard this mostly has to do with the quartz crisis but it's been challenging to say the least. Granted this has been for a Speedy Pro search, so maybe your Speedy reduced search will be more fruitful. Looking forward to seeing you find one though!