Is this watch real or fake thread - aka Fake Busters!!

ErichPryde · Jun 15, 2025

NotJackson
It hammered at $2,950 and was almost immediately relisted with additional explanation that “According to the jeweler I took this to, the movement have been switched to quartz and the face and band was replaced.”

At least, I assume that it was relisted. I hope so, because otherwise it would mean that there’s more than one of these things out there. I’m just perplexed that “the jeweler I took this to” thought that any part of it was legit. I’m guessing that maybe they told him that because they didn’t want to tell him that his late father’s watch is completely bogus.

https://ebay.us/m/kefcN6

I've been incredibly frustrated with ebay's report feature lately. The rote response I get with 95% of my reports is "we have examined your report but see nothing wrong with this listing." The most recent was a blatantly fake Platinum and Lapis Seamaster heritage that was listed for 1500 USD or something.

My tongue in cheek response above... pretty obvious that the seller is lying.

redpcar · Jun 15, 2025

The report feature is changing. Says to click the "three dot icon" but there isn't one <sigh>

NotJackson · Jun 15, 2025

ErichPryde
I've been incredibly frustrated with ebay's report feature lately. The rote response I get with 95% of my reports is "we have examined your report but see nothing wrong with this listing." The most recent was a blatantly fake Platinum and Lapis Seamaster heritage that was listed for 1500 USD or something.

My tongue in cheek response above... pretty obvious that the seller is lying.

I’ve had the same results with the eBay report feature. I’ve given up reporting obvious fakes because eBay takes no action.

jorge12312 · Jun 20, 2025

Hello everybody, I recently came across an Omega Speedmaster and I was hoping someone here might be able to help me figure out whether it’s real or a replica. I’ve attached some photos (let me know if you need more angles or details!).

Any insights or tips would be greatly appreciated!

hystad · Jun 25, 2025

I've always been a Citizen guy. Love the ecodrives (they just keep going) but I've been looking for my first automatic. First nice nice watch. Specifically a Seamaster. Found this one locally.

SN says 2009. The white date is throwing me off. What do you think?

Meme-Dweller · Jun 25, 2025

hystad
I've always been a Citizen guy. Love the ecodrives (they just keep going) but I've been looking for my first automatic. First nice nice watch. Specifically a Seamaster. Found this one locally.

SN says 2009. The white date is throwing me off. What do you think?

Not even remotely close to the real thing.

hystad · Jun 25, 2025

Meme-Dweller
Not even remotely close to the real thing.

Thanks. What are some things to key on for next time? The movement didn't look correct and the date seemed to be the wrong color.

Evitzee · Jun 25, 2025

hystad
Thanks. What are some things to key on for next time? The movement didn't look correct and the date seemed to be the wrong color.

Just look at the finishing on the movement......crude. Go to an AD or boutique and examine the finish, night and day.

Spqr · Jun 25, 2025

hystad
Thanks. What are some things to key on for next time? The movement didn't look correct and the date seemed to be the wrong color.

Start by looking at the watch you are interested in on Omega’s website. A cursory look would have immediately revealed that the watch in the pictures was a complete fake. All watches currently on sale are on the website and quite a few that have been discontinued. If you know the reference number for a discontinued watch that is not available on the main website you can search for it on Omega’s website as well and you will usually find it that way. Also search for the watch on Omega Forums, practically all Omega watches will have a thread or two on here. Look at watch websites for reviews, articles on the watch you want to buy. Finally have a look a reputable second hand watch websites like Watchfinder, Chrono24 and so on. Note eBay is definitely not a reputable watch sale site. It is basic due diligence. Try to get hold of the Omega catalogue too, especially older ones if the watch is discontinued as you will see all the details of the dial, the reference number and maybe prices if a price list is included so you can gauge the depreciation. Next stage go to retailers and boutiques to see the watch in person most of these will be OK with you “just browsing”, if it is part of the current range or reputable second hand watch dealers, though these will be less inclined to just let you browse. Handling the watch you want to buy gives you an idea of what the quality is like and obviously you can try one on to see if if suits you. Lastly, if anything at all feels off with a watch you are interested in or with the seller walk away. There are loads of watches out there so you will find another. I am sure others on the forum will have even more advice.

Meme-Dweller · Jun 25, 2025

hystad
Thanks. What are some things to key on for next time? The movement didn't look correct and the date seemed to be the wrong color.

I have a feeling you fell for the greed trap. The price is usually the biggest sign that it's a fake. What was the seller's asking price? Because the retail price on this model it's pretending to be is $12,700 and used examples are around the $7K - $10K price point.

hystad · Jun 25, 2025

S Spqr
Start by looking at the watch you are interested in on Omega’s website. A cursory look would have immediately revealed that the watch in the pictures was a complete fake. All watches currently on sale are on the website and quite a few that have been discontinued. If you know the reference number for a discontinued watch that is not available on the main website you can search for it on Omega’s website as well and you will usually find it that way. Also search for the watch on Omega Forums, practically all Omega watches will have a thread or two on here. Look at watch websites for reviews, articles on the watch you want to buy. Finally have a look a reputable second hand watch websites like Watchfinder, Chrono24 and so on. Note eBay is definitely not a reputable watch sale site. It is basic due diligence. Try to get hold of the Omega catalogue too, especially older ones if the watch is discontinued as you will see all the details of the dial, the reference number and maybe prices if a price list is included so you can gauge the depreciation. Next stage go to retailers and boutiques to see the watch in person most of these will be OK with you “just browsing”, if it is part of the current range or reputable second hand watch dealers, though these will be less inclined to just let you browse. Handling the watch you want to buy gives you an idea of what the quality is like and obviously you can try one on to see if if suits you. Lastly, if anything at all feels off with a watch you are interested in or with the seller walk away. There are loads of watches out there so you will find another. I am sure others on the forum will have even more advice.

Thanks again guys

hystad · Jun 25, 2025

Meme-Dweller
I have a feeling you fell for the greed trap. The price is usually the biggest sign that it's a fake. What was the seller's asking price? Because the retail price on this model it's pretending to be is $12,700 and used examples are around the $7K - $10K price point.

$1200. That's why the first thing I did was come here. 99 percent of the time too good to be true really is too good too good to be true. It's that 1 percent that had me ask.

SMM · Jul 6, 2025

I'm looking at this watch on ebay and I am 100% sure that's it's a fake before I've seen the price they are asking for it. Something is just off about it but I can't tell what. How do you guys make the distinction because it looks very good?
How on earth are they allowed to sell these on ebay without their user being blocked and the add taken down?

Here's the link as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1466782001...lp:3959035&itmmeta=01JZGS9SR4MVA78C71D5JD0J1Q

YY77 · Jul 6, 2025

SMM
How do you guys make the distinction because it looks very good?

Movement is an easy tell.

SMM · Jul 6, 2025

YY77
Movement is an easy tell.

Looking through the suggestions list on ebay I've seen they all have the same one regardless of the model they are selling.
After a google search it seems some chinese factories specialized in fake watches have developed some type of movement that's close to the original, at least in terms of look and for some of their "high end" replicas it's difficult to tell if it's fake without actually opening the watch.
I am looking now at some photos and comparing some models with the original and as noob I really can't tell the difference between them.

It makes me wonder now how many people I see wearing a $5000+ have actually bought the original and not some chinese "super clone" for a few hundred dollars. 🤯

ErichPryde · Jul 6, 2025

SMM
It makes me wonder now how many people I see wearing a $5000+ have actually bought the original and not some chinese "super clone" for a few hundred dollars. 🤯

Probably not as many as you think, but if you're ever curious, in my experience most people I've encountered that wear fakes have other tells. But it also depends greatly upon what city or location you're in.

winndixie · Jul 13, 2025

DLT222
Even though I'm not a newbie I will kick it off....

I was offered this many months ago to my amazement...

The FAKE Silver Snoopy Award....

It kind of looks like a legitimate snoopy apollo 13 special edition. How do I get my hands on one?

winndixie · Jul 13, 2025

ErichPryde
Probably not as many as you think, but if you're ever curious, in my experience most people I've encountered that wear fakes have other tells. But it also depends greatly upon what city or location you're in.

I sat with a couple on one cruise. The guy purchased several fake Chinese Rolex watches for about $300 apiece. They were high quality knockoffs.

The sell Replicas in one Caribbean island (I forget which one). There is certainly something off about these watches. I didn't buy any as I prefer the real thing.