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

Posts
27
Likes
21
Hello all,

Wondering if everything is kosher with the below?

Had the sellerset the time and date for me along with his username and other info. What I find weird is that he blocked the caseback picture.....

Asked to see the warranty card and pictogra card (serial blocked of course). Do people usually fake them as well?

 
Posts
13,433
Likes
31,584
Yes, boxes and cards/paperwork are actually far easier to fake than a watch itself.

Blocking the serial number and case back would be red flags to me. The details on the back medallion of a counterfeit can be spotted when compared to a known genuine watch and there is no reason to hide the serial number in my opinion.

Someone that follows these newer watches hopefully be able to shed some more light on this particular watch.

If the price seems to be to good to be true would be another red flag.
 
Posts
426
Likes
945
A all-x
Hello all,

Wondering if everything is kosher with the below?

Had the sellerset the time and date for me along with his username and other info. What I find weird is that he blocked the caseback picture.....

Asked to see the warranty card and pictogra card (serial blocked of course). Do people usually fake them as well?


Looks genuine to me. Finishing, dial, bezel etc looks good....
Edited:
 
Posts
426
Likes
945
Yes, boxes and cards/paperwork are actually far easier to fake than a watch itself.

Blocking the serial number and case back would be red flags to me. The details on the back medallion of a counterfeit can be spotted when compared to a known genuine watch and there is no reason to hide the serial number in my opinion.

Someone that follows these newer watches hopefully be able to shed some more light on this particular watch.

If the price seems to be to good to be true would be another red flag.

I think he blocked the caseback as there is a sticker with serial number on it. Nothing too alarming if his intention is not to reveal serial number.

Many watches on sale seems to have serial numbers blocked. Imagine this, some prankster report lost or stolen to local authorities when he/she sees your serial number. It might create issues when you send in to Omega for servicing or try to sell in future.

There are other reasons for blocking serial numbers. Like how counterfeiters might use your serial number for mass production on their products.
 
Posts
13,433
Likes
31,584
I think he blocked the caseback as there is a sticker with serial number on it. Nothing too alarming if his intention is not to reveal serial number.

Many watches on sale seems to have serial numbers blocked. Imagine this, some prankster report lost or stolen to local authorities when he/she sees your serial number. It might create issues when you send in to Omega for servicing or try to sell in future.

There are other reasons for blocking serial numbers. Like how counterfeiters might use your serial number for mass production on their products.

This is all nothing more than perpetuation of urban myth thinking.
 
Posts
426
Likes
945
This is all nothing more than perpetuation of urban myth thinking.

What do you think is the reason people block the serial numbers then? Attempt to hide stolen or counterfeit watches? Or just plain ignorance? Let's hear some alternative opinions.
 
Posts
16,427
Likes
34,622
What do you think is the reason people block the serial numbers then? Attempt to hide stolen or counterfeit watches? Or just plain ignorance? Let's hear some alternative opinions.

As @STANDY noted: Paranoia.

And it's a bit like fashion, somebody sees an influencer wearing their pants on backwards, next minute, everybody follows the trend.
 
Posts
426
Likes
945
As @STANDY noted: Paranoia.

And it's a bit like fashion, somebody sees an influencer wearing their pants on backwards, next minute, everybody follows the trend.

Hahaha. Looks like I should reconsider the next time i post.
 
Posts
999
Likes
1,677
Has there ever been a documented incident where someone has stolen a serial number and used it for nefarious purposes? I feel like the whole thing is one big urban legend in the watch nerd world
 
Posts
1
Likes
1
Hello - Yesterday I purchased my first luxury watch and it's an Omega SMPC. I purchased the watch on eBay from a seller with a lot of positive reviews but can never be too careful. The price was decent and not a "too good to be true" type of deal. I have full protection if anything is wrong with it but I'm curious to hear your opinion on whether anything looks off. The seller didn't provide photo of the case-back unfortunately. Let me know if anything looks suspicious....
 
Posts
947
Likes
7,839
Looks like mine. I do not see any red flags but we should wait for those with more critical eyes. A shot of the hippocampus on the rear of the case would be good. Nice choice of watch and congrats!
 
Posts
791
Likes
940
A all-x
Hello all,

Wondering if everything is kosher with the below?

Funny, because I just finished taking pictures of my watch (the same model) for sale, and I was debating hiding the serial number too. Typically I do not, because I agree with the comments about it being urban legend, and I think it's silly - like covering the license plate on a car for sale.

Of course, I can't post my FS here because my post count is too low. 🙁 Curious, @all-x, did you go through with it?
 
Posts
14
Likes
32
This is on it’s way from the Bay. It didn’t generate much interest and the price was right. Pics from seller not good. I think it’s authentic from what little I know. But is it Franken? Do the cards mean anything? Does the date on card “03/05” seem right? What about the back? Couldn’t really see the crown. Thanks for your opinions.
 
Posts
791
Likes
940
Since the dealer/salesperson writes in the date themselves, every card is different.

I think with eBay buyer protection and PayPal, you should be well protected. Hard to give a good opinion with those lousy pics. Hopefully it's real and you got a good deal.
 
Posts
2
Likes
0
I've been stalking different sites for a Seamaster PO 2201.50 (Crown and Caliber, eBay, these forums, WUS). I recently found this posting on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Polished-O...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649. With Crown and Caliber at $3,200, this eBay's deal seems to be a bit on the "too good to be true" side (~$2,200 after eBay coupons / Bucks / portals / credit card points). Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Big pointers:
- Seller is from Japan (not sure if that is a bad/good/neutral thing)
- Price is a bit too good to be true
- Good seller feedback on eBay and "Authenticity Verified" via eBay

I'm thinking that since eBay is backing them up so much it's ok but wanted to see what more experienced forum members had to say. TIA!
 
This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.
Posts
999
Likes
1,677
.

I'm thinking that since eBay is backing them up so much it's ok but wanted to see what more experienced forum members had to say. TIA!

eLady doesn’t sell fakes . There are a huge second hand retailer in Japan. I find the prices are generally very competitive in occasionally great deals can be found. I posted this before:

I got a ridiculous deal on my wife's ladies speedmaster. It needed a service sooner rather then later (but what used watch doesn't) and a new strap (ditto). Even *after* those expenses, it was over $1000 less than any other price I could find.

I think almost 100% of their watches will need a service soon-ish but if you go in with some knowledge really nice deals can be had.
 
Posts
791
Likes
940
I was recently shopping for a camera lens on eBay, and I noticed a lot of sellers from Japan. I'm thinking that the exchange rate is working in their favor right now. I can't speak to what @ac106 says, but it sounds promising. It's very difficult to take good pictures of a shiny watch, and yet that's what I want when buying used. Those photos look awfully "shopped" to me, and I can see some dings on the case that would bother me personally, but I'm super-OCD. It helps that the seller allows returns, so at worst you're just out the cost of return shipping.
 
Posts
8,705
Likes
14,604
eLady doesn’t sell fakes . There are a huge second hand retailer in Japan. I find the prices are generally very competitive in occasionally great deals can be found. I posted this before:

I got a ridiculous deal on my wife's ladies speedmaster. It needed a service sooner rather then later (but what used watch doesn't) and a new strap (ditto). Even *after* those expenses, it was over $1000 less than any other price I could find.

I think almost 100% of their watches will need a service soon-ish but if you go in with some knowledge really nice deals can be had.
Bought several watches from eLady. Very easy to deal with. Buy from their site, not eBay, it's cheaper and the watches are listed in both places.
 
Posts
999
Likes
1,677
Bought several watches from eLady. Very easy to deal with. Buy from their site, not eBay, it's cheaper and the watches are listed in both places.

Excellent suggestions forgot to mention it. Watches on the website are 10% lower than eBay and you get an additional 5% off as a first-time user so 15% of the eBay price. It could be quite a good deal