I got my Letter back Today on my Omega SM300.It came back as shipping to Peru and in very close serial number and shipping Date range of other known FAP Watches.I got to looking really close at the Case Back it appears the “FAP” has been polished out,This is also the exact position on the Case Backs the “FAP” was stamped on Later SM300’s(Directly under the Seamaster Text)I just wanted to show some Pics and see what the real Experts think,Any input is appreciated.I circled the area where I believe the markings where removed and a Arrow to show how the raised circular area in the center of the Case Back is no longer a perfect circle in the area where the Stamping would have been.I know removing government property marks was fairly common on issued 1911’s so the Items History couldn’t be traced,I’m guessing a similar motive here.The last pic shows another FAP 2913-8’s Stamping location.

 

I have a theory on some of the earlier FAP watches...they were delivered to Peru, not the Air Force, and the stampings were done by a retailer.

Later ones were delivered directly to the FAP and that shows up in the archive.

That may explain the differences in the FAP engraving and font type.

Who knows. Without the FAP and with no notes in the archive, difficult to prove that it was issued.

 

did you ask the Archives people? It might be worth an email or call, just to see if they know anything more.

 

Here is a pic of my extract and engraving. This watch came directly from one of the the highest ranking officers in the FAP, and he was issued the watch in 1962 and kept it for his entire career.

 

being from 62 is it it radium?

 

Sure is...even has the burn and the crystal shows all the micro cracks.

Here it is with its radium friend

 

What a pair of beauties

 

I am in contact with the Museum to try and get this sorted out,There is no doubt in my mind this is a “FAP” issued Watch though.It’s unfortunate the markings where removed but I’m still extremely excited by the info.

 

So you are a very optimistic guy
No engraving, no EoA remark. IMHO you should have serious doubts.
Good luck

 

The engraving has been removed,I think that’s fairly evident in my photos.Thanks for your optimism though.

 

Notice this FAP 2913-8 Letter,No EOA remarks.Also note the serial number and delivery date.

 

I seem to remember there was talk about how it was difficult selling watches with engravings on, and so at some point in time many dealers just removed them, I think it was a guest on Hodinkees talking watches or something. Without a extract it is all guesswork unless you can get in contact with someone from the archives.

 

This example is a 2913-7 and has a rather notorious reputation thanks to Mr. Seamaster 300 Big Boss @kox
https://omegaforums.net/threads/2913-fap-from-phillips-–-from-swan-to-ugly-duckling.66523/

 

Notice how he says he has no doubt it was a FAP issued Watch? That’s all I care about,If Dial swapping went on,I could care less.

 

Here is the problem...no FAP engraving, and no FAP on extract means that no collector will give you top dollar for FAP.

That is the fact of the matter.

You can believe it is a FAP, and that is fine, but in the eyes of the market, it "might be a FAP", and as my grandfather said, "mites are on a chicken's ass"

Nice watch BTW.

 

Not only is the FAP missing but SEAMASTER is missing from the caseback as well. So sad.

 

I agree that top Dollar won’t be had,The Watch isn’t for sale. I’m a History Nerd so I just want to get to the bottom of this,I am nearly certain it’s a FAP Watch. I’m working with the Museum as we speak to get any other info possible.I also added some more photos to better illustrate the removed area which happens to be exactly where they were stamped on the later Watches.The serial number is within 20 of other known FAP Watches,It shipped to Peru and something has been removed from the back.That’s what I’m going on.

 

It certainly does look like some polishing was done on the back of the caseback. Hope you get the info you want from the museum.. best of luck!

 

Update us on your eventual discussion with Omega. Would love to hear how it goes. I’ve previously tried to communicate with them, beyond just obtaining an extract. But found them to be quite unresponsive to such requests.

 

I will for sure update this Thread.I don’t like how they pick and choose when to include info and when not.The Info about FAP shouldn’t be included on some Letters and not others.They responded to my first Email asking for pictures of the Watch,Which I sent,Haven’t heard back yet.There are just too many coincidences for me to think this isn’t a FAP Watch.It also has the Sun baked Brownish Dial I’ve seen on other South American Watches.It’s been fun non the less and I appreciate everyone’s input.I can’t believe there isn’t a serial number range known to Collectors for these Watches?