Hi all, I've just bought these from a "trusted" UK supplier who swore that they were genuine. Having received them, I'm sincerely doubting it but thought I might ask a few other opinions before I go and make a fuss...
Don't look very real to me. There are a lot of fake buckles, not just in numbers, but in different makers. Your best bet for vintage is to buy old, scratched up, looking ones, from parties that just have one or two (especially if they have 2, each a different size and style) or singles from boot or flea markets. Look for verdigris and dirt, corroded spring bars and tangs, all good signs. Sizes that are faked a lot are 16mm, some 18mm. So if you find someone selling a few 13mm and 14mm (which no one wants) and he has one 16, chances are it is real. You can also buy the new style Omega ones from places like Otto Frei and Cousins.
Not too keen on them, especially the shape of the Ω. Maybe I'm wrong on this, but I though the puffy logoed Ω buckles should show a gap between the logo and flat cross piece when viewed from below, as if looking through the arch created.
Something looks off...but can't put my finger on it.. Look like aftermarket.. Here's a few pics of mine..
There are a lot of variations on these buckles. Different contractors made different styles at different times. I'd say 90% of the ones on eBay are reproductions. This one is real I believe: The tips I use are as follows: 1. On the front - the logo is uniform and has sharp edges at the top. Most fakes have soft edges, as the logos are cast from originals and some sharpness is lost in the process. 2. The tang is rounded and goes just inside the logo. On US market solid gold buckles, this part may have a separate hallmark. 3. On the reverse - the engraving is also uniform. There is a space between the "Plaque" and "G". You'd be surprised how many times this is missed by Asian reproduction artists who don't know the language. "Acierinox" is not one word. Also, a genuine gold plated vintage buckle should not be marked "Acier Inox". Hope this helps, gatorcpa
Excellent investigative work as usual Gator. I have examined all of my Omega buckles and attest that ones I felt were genuine buckles, even if there is some variation in design, all meet the standards that Gator has put forth. I found one questionable one, which I was able confirm probably fake using Gators standards.
As an additional note I would add that there is a well known California watch dealer that sells "Genuine" Omega buckles made of Sterling Silver. One might thing if they were silver they are probably real. Not. These are fake buckles.
I will take a picture of my gold buckle tonight but it should be stamped underneath with the amount of gold and the another marker in which I forgot. I don't have much experience with the steel or sterling versions unfortunately.
Both buckles posted above are not original. The original buckles are nice to have but have difficulty paying the prices for the original vintage ones. I have several correct vintage omega buckles (usually came with watches I purchased) and several that are recent reproductions but hasn't really bothered me much. I also buy and use the modern versions from ofrei- usually the pink gold plated ones to correctly match pink gold omegas.
Thank you gentlemen - they are on their way back for a full refund from a "surprised" and apologetic vendor who will "speak to his supplier about it".
I have what I think is an original pink gold one which came with centenary, but its plaque G. Personally it doesn't really bother me, unless its really cheap and the quality is bad.
He'll probably tell his supplier to make sure it looks closer to the real deal the next time - particularly to make sure it conforms to gator's guidelines!
.....and bought proper ones from Otto Frei. They cost about 25% more - don't know why I didn't just do that in the first place
That's not really the issue here. The newer ones look totally different than the vintage ones. I have no problems with the OEM buckles sold by Ofrei (or any other Omega supplier), other that they don't match what was originally there. gatorcpa
Hi, I'm happy with this buckle I purchased for my vintage Omega but was curious about the design & wondered if anybody had any opinions or information on it? Cheers Ken.
