Few people thought that these would be fetching such prices. I think it's worth revisiting this topic and being able to differentiate real vs fake end links. Here are a pair listed recently by a reputable Ebay seller insisting they are real. Thoughts?

 

Look real to me as indicated by the stamp and the two lines on the underside of the links. Of course any of this is reproducible but I haven't seen an 'aftermarket' set that had all the tells redone.

 

Believe me when I tell you that I'm in the deep end of the pool with this:
I can't help but notice that the groves are deeper in the end-link shown on the right.
Additionally the #6 on the reverse side is also different.
Would there be any reasons for concern?

 

Not sure both are legit also.

 

The '6' on the one on the right is odd... I'm definitely not an authority, but I think there is some variation even for legit ones...

 

Both are correct, If I am proved wrong I will stab my eye out with a rusty screwdriver.
The end piece in question (right hand) came off watch 2998 owned by the original owner in his 70s.
Thanks Michael

 

It seems to me that aside from the matter of lines on the underside of the links there's very little consensus as to what differentiates the authentic from the fake. This is disconcerting as the price skyrockets and the fakers take advantage.

 

I have a rusty screwdriver

 

The lines are actually raised as far as I can tell from looking at mine..

 

So this statement about the "NEW REPLACEMENT NO.6 END PIECE/LINK FOR OMEGA SPEEDMASTER & SEAMASTER 300 19MM" is not the real point of difference:
These replacement ends reproduce the shape and size of the originals, however to prevent them being passed off as originals I have purposely stamped the '6' at 1.5mm high instead of the 1mm of the originals to provide an indelible 'tell.'
I emailed one of the sellers of original end links and their response was interesting:
I am very familiar with the fake number 6 end pieces and these are not the fakes.
I have sold over 30 pairs of original no 6 end pieces over the last 12 years of collecting and buying vintage Speedmasters and Railmasters etc.
THESE ARE THE REAL DEAL!
The measurement of the number 6 you mention is also incorrect, REAL number 6 end pieces have a 1.3mm number 6 stamped on them.

 

The ebay seller has already commented on this thread. He's well known in these parts..

 

So there is apparent variability in the size of the "6" in the genuine end pieces? This is news to me.

 

Yes that was me.
You might find a couple of "6" sizes on original no 6 end pieces. I believe. some are slightly smaller to look at, I am not sure if the depth of the stamp makes that difference.

 

Anyone got an idea where one can find replacement #6 end links?

 

Ask this guy, who happens to be a member here..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382126518330Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network