Community Stories

Omega Seamaster Quartz. Real or fake? Please help

O
Posts
8
Likes
3
Hello guys,
I’m new here and would ask for a favor.
Could you give an opinion for this watch that I’m eyeing.
My only concern, there is no Omega branding on the movement, actually it’s branded ETA 255.411 as far as I can see from the pictures.
Thanks in advance

IMG_4952.webp IMG_4954.webp IMG_4957.webp IMG_4958.webp IMG_4960.webp IMG_4961.webp
 
Catalin C
Posts
76
Likes
70
From my point of view the case, dial and hands are real but the movement was replaced. There should be an Omega movement cal. 1430 but was replaced with an ETA 255.411
 
lejaune
Posts
193
Likes
161
It's not the original movement, but Omega 1430 is a ETA255.411 movement decorated with Omega brand on the black circuit board. So functionally, this watch is no different than the original.
 
JimInOz
Posts
17,938
Likes
37,514
The original 1430 probably failed and was replaced with the ETA.
It's the same movement, made for Omega by ETA, just lacking the Omega stamp and engraved caliber.

If it was a collectable watch I'd pass, but this is not and for a daily wearer, I'd accept the change.
 
Canuck
Posts
15,477
Likes
45,824
Chances are the movement is original, but with the ETA circuit assembly replacing the failed original.
 
JimInOz
Posts
17,938
Likes
37,514
Canuck Canuck
Chances are the movement is original, but with the ETA circuit assembly replacing the failed original.
Train bridge on a 1430 would be engraved with the serial and the plate would be engraved with the caliber, so this is just a 255.411.
 
O
Posts
8
Likes
3
Thank you all, guys!
Appreciate your help.
If the guy makes me a good deal, I’ll take it, I really like its vintage look
 
Catalin C
Posts
76
Likes
70
Even the ETA movement is similar with 1430, without the original Omega movement the watch will always be considered a franken.
 
O
Posts
8
Likes
3
Catalin C Catalin C
Even the ETA movement is similar with 1430, without the original Omega movement the watch will always be considered a franken.
What about if I source an used omega 1430 movement and swap it, is it going to not be franken anymore?
 
Catalin C
Posts
76
Likes
70
O omega42069
What about if I source an used omega 1430 movement and swap it, is it going to not be franken anymore?
Omega movements are engraved with a serial number, and that number should correspond to the production date of the watch. Of course, for an expert, the watch would still be considered a "franken" if, for example, the serial number on the movement indicates a production period from 1970-1980, while your watch model was made in 1985. 😀 Anyway, it would definitely be better if you could replace the current movement with an Omega 1430. With a quick search online, you can find an original Omega 1430 movement for under 100 euros
 
sathomasga
Posts
744
Likes
1,393
O omega42069
What about if I source an used omega 1430 movement and swap it, is it going to not be franken anymore?
Alternatively, you could replace it with a brand new and readily available ETA caliber E63.111; newer technology that's capable of COSC chronometer certification.
 
Foo2rama
Posts
18,202
Likes
27,530
Catalin C Catalin C
Even the ETA movement is similar with 1430, without the original Omega movement the watch will always be considered a franken.
So good luck finding one that has not had the movement replaced at this point. In the case of this era Quartz and the value no concerns at all.
 
JimInOz
Posts
17,938
Likes
37,514
Catalin C Catalin C
you can find an original Omega 1430 movement for under 100 euros

sathomasga sathomasga
Alternatively, you could replace it with a brand new and readily available ETA caliber E63.111; newer technology that's capable of COSC chronometer certification.


And then factor in the cost of a watchmaker to change the movement.
And the possibility that the hands may need to be replaced after being removed and fitted to a different movement.

You are rapidly nearing the point of over capitalisation.

It's not a valuable collector piece and there are probably thousands like it in the world where water ingression or battery leaks have toasted the original movement so getting a genuine movement would be low on my list if this was just going to be a daily watch.
 
Dan S
Posts
24,246
Likes
53,990
It's not a collectible watch, as long as it's running, why worry about it.
 
O
Posts
8
Likes
3
Thanks again, guys!
Since I’m new here and saw few times “collectible watch” , what does that mean?
What and how do you consider a collectible watch
 
JimInOz
Posts
17,938
Likes
37,514
A previous poster in this thread, @Catalin C, could probably answer that as he has asked a question about, what I consider to be, a "collectible" watch.

https://omegaforums.net/posts/2447445/ Catalin C
Catalin C ·
This is the movement I'm asking about. Venus cal. 206

Venus-206.jpg.webp

Anyway, some of my thoughts.

What makes a collector? It depends on the person. Some of us focus on a specific brand, or maybe only chronographs. Like any collector of objects, there are a multitude of choices and variations.

The Omega you posted comes from a period when Omega got caught on the hop by the quartz crisis, among other factors, and their output was nowhere like the quality of the watches from the "Golden days" of vintage Omegas.

Another thing affecting collectibility is the design which is very dated now whereas earlier vintage styles still appeal to the eye.
The integrated case/bracelet is also less desirable as it limits wearing choices.
Again, some integrated case/bracelet watches are highly sought after, but this inn't one of them.

Hang around and explore and you will soon understand the term.
 
hen
Posts
2,979
Likes
8,731
Just buy the watch if the price is right for you. Its a good looking watch, slim and 70`s shiny. Don`t bother with the movement, you will never get your money back if you switch to a genuine Omega movement, neiter in resell value or in wearing pleasure.

Collectible means other collectors would like to pay you lots of money for a watch, because it is significant in some way or rare. I am a non collecting, Omega entusiast. I focus on the pleasure my two Omegas give me when I wear and look at them. One of them is a Geneve from the 60`s that is considered un collecible, its my dress watch. The other is a Seamster 2254 that is a pretty popular watch,thats my daily.
 
Catalin C
Posts
76
Likes
70
O omega42069
What about if I source an used omega 1430 movement and swap it, is it going to not be franken anymore?
Like a conclusion, my personal opinion is that whether a watch is a day-to-day watch or a collector's piece, whether it is rare or ordinary, an Omega will always be an Omega to me. I could never bring myself to leave a watch in a condition that would constantly raise doubts not having an original Omega movement. The decision is yours—it's up to you what you want to do and what expectations you have for your watch
 
Foo2rama
Posts
18,202
Likes
27,530
Catalin C Catalin C
Like a conclusion, my personal opinion is that whether a watch is a day-to-day watch or a collector's piece, whether it is rare or ordinary, an Omega will always be an Omega to me. I could never bring myself to leave a watch in a condition that would constantly raise doubts not having an original Omega movement. The decision is yours—it's up to you what you want to do and what expectations you have for your watch
But what if the movement isn't really an Omega movement to begin with?
 
Catalin C
Posts
76
Likes
70
Foo2rama Foo2rama
But what if the movement isn't really an Omega movement to begin with?
Then it wouldn't make sense to discuss this in a forum dedicated to Omega watches
 
8 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

O

Real or fake Seamaster 1430 196.0279 Please help

omega42069 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
O
omega42069
Posts
2
Views
672
W

Vintage Genève genuine or fake? Please help!

Waynomega Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Gary Johnston
Gary Johnston
Posts
4
Views
2K
omegamike

Real or Fake. Please help

omegamike Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Scarecrow Boat
Scarecrow Boat
Posts
6
Views
2K
C

Please help--Omega Seamaster Professional: real or fake?

chris7000 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
JimInOz
JimInOz
Posts
12
Views
1K
mrleonov

Is this seamaster quartz real or not?

mrleonov Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
MRC
MRC
Posts
7
Views
992
W

Omega De Ville - is it real or fake - please help!

Worm1973 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
W
Worm1973
Posts
11
Views
4K