http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=271885575565Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network...

Was fooled by this for a few minutes until I figured out what I was looking at. Stay away from this one. See my comments below.

 

I don't like the fact that the picture of the movement is taken at an angle where you can't see the serial # and the same with the picture of the case back with the dust cover hiding the supposed -4.

 

The serial number bridge on this watch was sold on eBay early this year. See below. It now has found its way into this watch. The watch is Franken and the movement is a fraud



I'm sure others will remember this early post on how to age a Speedmaster. Perhaps they can display the link. This is the serial number bridge that was sold and now it has appeared in this EBay watch. Look at the sellers website photos on his listing. It's a match.

 

The thread is entitled


a quick way to age a 321 speedmaster movement......

Sorry, I'm lousy at copying threads

 

Excellent detective work. It's a scary world out there.

 

Thanks. Here is the serial number photo from this sellers watch.

 

How can you tell?
From the pics of the watch and the ones of the bridge I can't see any similarity.

Belay the last post, I see what you mean.

 

I'd say they show a close resemblance...

 

Stellar work Gemini.

I too was suspicious of the obfuscating eBay photos, and I do remember that bridge thread. But I would not have linked the two myself. Nice job.

 

I contacted the seller and the auction was removed.

 

+ 1, "watch removed and returned to the owner"

 

Where did you see this?

 

Glad no one got stuck with this garbage. It probably would have sold.

In the interest of full disclosure, this was the 2nd time since February that this serial bridge has shown up. The first time was a private offer to me of a different watch. I suppose that stopping this type of fraud has afforded me the opportunity to play Omega Policeman!!

One more piece of interesting information as I'm sure some are wondering what the last 2 digits are:


Put this on your avoid list.

 

Seller's response to my email....

 

Interestingly it's now listed on their website with a note confirming the movement had a 19m serial (presumed to have been switched) and a 17m bridge was sourced.

Wonder if they saw this thread?

 

and, it's back.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ome...2998-4-Caliber-321-Straight-Lug-/351415332358Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Yes. A disclaimer attached but same starting price. It should have began, SINCE WE GOT CAUGHT.....

PLEASE NOT THE FOLLOWING:

This watch has been found with a newer movement inside, with 19 million serial number dating to the end of 2998 reference production in 1962. We believe that the movement has been replaced during a service in that time frame. A period correct serial number was found (17 mil for reference 2998-4) and swapped over into this movement. The bridge with serial number is genuine Omega, came off a caliber 321. The winning bidder will also receive the original bride with 19 mil serial number to keep. This changes nothing about the function, authenticity or look of the watch and is disclosed for full transparency.

 

Fair enough, I suppose. I won't be bidding though.

 

This is one amazing deal. A speedy that dances and the seller even throws in a wife.
"Functions Hours, Minuets, Seconds, Chronograph"
"The winning bidder will also receive the original bride with 19 mil serial number to keep."