Speedmaster with strange serial number

speedy4ever

Yes but this was the short 240mm version, the all should have been called SWB 😉

dennisthemenace

Yes, I have one of those.

mac_omega

In this case we will reach the stupid status of Rolex collecting with all these tiny differences lke: red, double red, underline, nipple or not nipple dial, etc, etc. This will be the time when I quit collecting them and sell all my speedies...

I hope we never reach this point in collecting Omega and Speedies in particular

Watching

I have exactly the same issue with my Omega Speedmaster from around 1980. I bought it from the first owner. I have the receipt and warranty book. The serial number is preceded with an R. followed by 5 digits. Did anyone get an answer to this question?

TNTwatch

Is there a serial number on the receipt of warranty book?

Watching

No there is not. The have however written down the st number: 1450022. Does that help you?

sky21

Doesn't look like there was a consensus, on this thread at least. Seems to be a replacement part from Omega during a previous service. Perhaps a way to illustrate that the part has been replaced without having to custom make another bridge with the original serial number on it. Maybe send an email to Omega with the serial number and ask them about it? Or try to order an Extract and see what response you get. Very interesting to say the least. @Archer has access to the Omega intranet and he can see what reference is listed for a specific serial number, maybe he will chime in with some help.

Watching

Some help would be great! Extract is refused on the Omega Website because the serial number is not long enough..... The serial number of this particular watch is: R. 38810.

sky21

Ok, well that's a start at least. See if you can email Omega directly and get a response, then wait for @Archer to offer some help here.

sky21

Ok, well that's a start at least. See if you can email Omega directly and get a response, then wait for @Archer to offer some help here.

Watching

How can I reach @Archer?

sky21

You can try sending him a PM or just wait, he is very helpful and usually seems to check in here most days.

Watching

I have exactly the same issue with my Omega Speedmaster from around 1980. I bought it from the first owner. I have the receipt and warranty book. The serial number is preceded with an R. followed by 5 digits. Did anyone get an answer to this question?

Northernman

As earlier mentioned I have seen the R explained by an older Australian Omega certified watchmaker that the R serial was used to identify rotors that had been replaced, either as part of warranty (which should explain why Omega would care to create this special series) or later service.
The basic idea was that, since the serial was only on the rotor, it was necessary to provide a way to keep track but without having to re-make rotors with the original serial printed.
The practical solution was to make serialized spare rotors. The watchmaker swapping a worn or damaged rotor could then note down the original, and new "R - Replacement" serial. As far as the watchmaker could remember he then had to fill in, and return, a form to Omega documenting the swap.
It makes sense to me as there should be no other reason for Omega to create serialized spares under other circumstances?!