Seamaster 300m 1999 Serie Limitee question

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robertw123

·Jan 3, 2022

Hi,
Bought my first nice watch - an Omega Seamaster 300m. Serial number puts it around 1999. Am very happy with it.
There is an engraving on the back which I don't see on any others for sale - does anyone have any info on what this means?
"Serie Limitee James Bond 16/100" - see picture

Thanks in advance

 

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chad3041

·Jan 3, 2022

Congrats, Robert. Omega did a "James Bond 007" series for the movies. This is one of them. https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watches/seamaster/diver-300-m/james-bond-limited-edition/product

 

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padders

·Jan 3, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

It is earlier than 1999, the tritium lume suggests more like 1997 at the latest, maybe as early as 1994. It looks very clean but I haven't seen that before and am a bit suspicious of the caseback marks to be honest, they may have been added aftermarket. Usually the LE editions have some kind of dial difference from the plain 2531.80, that one doesn't and the use of French as the language is also unusual on a Bond LE. Do you have box and papers for it?

Edited: Jan 3, 2022

 

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ChiefMark

·Jan 3, 2022

That watch was never, IMHO, an official Omega release. If the watch is genuine, the engraving is not; and is meaningless.

 

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robertw123

·Jan 3, 2022

Hi,
Thanks for the responses.
I did see that it seemed to be a James Bond edition, but I cant find anything specific to this. The link you posted seems to be for one with 7,007 pieces whereas this suggests it's from 100.
I bought the watch from a dealer. I have the box, manual and warranty card. The serial number on the watch matches that on the warranty card. First four number are 6019XXXX, which is where I got the 1999 guess from.
I also have the original strap - I had it changed to the Nato in the picture myself.

 

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ChiefMark

·Jan 3, 2022

Glad to hear that. The counterfeit makers make more accurate looking watches every year. Unfortunately, they also make counterfeit warranty cards. At first glance, the watch head and dial look good. I’ve got my fingers crossed for you that it’s a genuine watch someone engraved the case back to in an effort to make it appear exclusive and rare, thereby increasing the resale value.
What’s the reference number printed on the Warranty card?

 

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robertw123

·Jan 3, 2022

Hi,
The reference number is 2531.80.00
Thanks

 

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padders

·Jan 3, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

R robertw123

Hi,
The reference number is 2531.80.00
Thanks

Then it is not an official LE since those have a different PIC, yours seems to be a standard 2531.50 with an engraving. The watch looks genuine but may have been a small volume run by a French, Swiss or Walloon dealer. Is there anything in the box or on the cards referring to J Bond? Is there anything on the bracelet clasp that mentions Bond or 007?

If the serial is 60.1m then it’s likely a 1997 watch like I first thought. What date is on the cards?

Edited: Jan 3, 2022

 

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robertw123

·Jan 3, 2022

Hi,
All seems to make sense so far. I'm happy enough with the engraving if it doesn't devalue it.
I've added some more pictures of the inside of the watch. Would appreciate your comments.
Thanks

 

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padders

·Jan 3, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

Well the movement looks fine but in exposing it like that you may have compromised the water resistance so I wouldn’t dive or even swim with it until you can get it pressure tested.

Is the number stamped in the caseback 168.1603?

 

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robertw123

·Jan 3, 2022

Thanks,
I'll get it pressure tested before getting it wet.
The number on the case back is 168.1603 - I've added a picture
cheers

 

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ChiefMark

·Jan 3, 2022

Agreeing with @padders above. LEs get their own PIC/Reference Number. The 2531.80 is the correct reference for that watch; the movement and inside of the caseback look correct to my eye. The 1120 is the right caliber for that watch. Some rather unscrupulous individual added a fake "limited edition" engraving. While others here may have a different opinion; personally I think it detracts from the value of the watch because it will make any buyer think it is a fake from the get-go.

IMHO, your mileage may vary, conditions apply, no deposit, no return.

EDIT: Found this article on the 2531.80.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/the-sleeper-watch-omega-seamaster-300m-2531-80/

 

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Archer

·Jan 3, 2022·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

If you PM me the full serial number I’ll look it up to confirm what it is.

Cheers, Al

 

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ChiefMark

·Jan 3, 2022

Also, check that the SN on the movement (visible but looks funky in one of your images above) matches the SN on the case and card.

 

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robertw123

·Jan 3, 2022

C ChiefMark

Also, check that the SN on the movement (visible but looks funky in one of your images above) matches the SN on the case and card.

The SN on the movement, case and card all match (thankfully!)

 

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Archer

·Jan 3, 2022·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

R robertw123

The SN on the movement, case and card all match (thankfully!)

The serial number you sent me is for a 25318000, so not any kind of special edition.

Cheers, Al

 

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ChiefMark

·Jan 3, 2022

What a bummer that some genius out there put a fake LE inscription on a genuine watch.

On the bright side, you have a great watch! Wear it in good health if you got it for a good price. If you paid a premium for the LE inscription, I'd send it back forthwith. In any case, I'd avoid that dealer in the future, because if they knew Omega and were honest, they would have known that was a bogus inscription.

 

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Myron

·Jan 3, 2022

Maybe the inscription was added by a local club of James Bond enthusiasts. I've seen similar things done in my area.

 

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ChiefMark

·Jan 3, 2022

Myron

Maybe the inscription was added by a local club of James Bond enthusiasts. I've seen similar things done in my area.

If it only had the name of the club… Just slapping a “limited edition 1/x” on something that is otherwise 1/200,000 or whatever is lame. If it said, “Paris 007 Fan Club Commemorative 1/100” and the provenance was documented and genuine, it might be cool for a collector and not necessarily a negative to the average owner.

 

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Myron

·Jan 3, 2022

Yeah, I suppose so. Bummer for the OP, but I think I'd be a little more concerned about the pitting and corrosion around the sealing surface of the caseback. Does this strike anyone else?