Hi folks, Taken in by what is most likely a genuine 1012 movement I bought a fake 166.137 on Ebay, and now I see the difference I also see they are everywhere, including one on Chrono24. I wanted to post this here because Google searches would have you believe nobody is faking these less desirable and complicated pieces. They are also somewhat convincing - many happy customers from these 100% feedback sellers. These watches:- * Are in "too good" condition, though have generally got some artificial aging. No degradation to faces, straps or bezels * Seem to be linked to Vienna, Austria and Malmo, Sweden. (Though a London based seller is also shifting them). * Seller histories also include the same models again and again, mostly old Omega models, Tag Heuer and Citizen Bullhead. (In my case three very very similar 166.137 were sold in the last month alone by the seller.) Signs in the detail:- * The shape of the knurled ring of the bezel is wrong and it lacks definition * Without fail they have perfect and perfectly working lume (a reface may give this, but all suspect ads have this demonstrated) * The lume strip on the hands is wrong (too wide) * The Omega logo on the crown is slightly too big * The finish is a bit too polished (yet with sharp corners etc) and if you look in the light very carefully this polish has not removed all manufacturing marks. * In many examples the 2 pieces of lume at 12'o clock are not parallel, but were on mine. * On mine and at least one other example, the caseback is not fitted correctly (or does not fit properly). I expect in all cases the movement is a correct piece taken from a cheap cosmic or similar. For reference here is a GENUINE side shot from a watch on sale:- GENUINE Front Shot:-
An example ebay listing is here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VINTAGE-...=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network One on Chrono24:- https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/om...37-swiss-mens-automatic-watch--id21640897.htm
I was observing the multiplying of ads of this reference on ebay! Seems like the logo on the clasp is quite odd.
When challenged the response from the seller was:- "The watch is 100% Authentic , the watch case and bezel and bracelet have been refurbished, in order to give it a good new look, it has been chromed as well." Chromed!!! How does one cross ref a movement serial number? Indeed the clasp logo also looks somewhat different, I think original ones were also blackened in the recess. The London (different) seller had an auction completing a few hours after my return request that imediately valnished. Would seem like a coincidence!
Just had a read about extracts. I am curious, but not sure I am £97 curious. The seller was pushing for an authentication. A bluff perhaps or maybe the serial number is correct for a 166.137 - which would make a Frankenstein rather than a fake. A real Ferrari engine in an Mr2 with a Ferrari body kit doth not a Ferrari make.
Thanks for the warning! I also noticed quite a few for sale recently and was thinking of getting one.
Couple more differences spotted. I've looked at a lot of photos of genuine watches. The shape of the back of the clasp has an extra kink to bring the hinge pin away from the strap (so it sits flat). This detail has been almost missed on the fake - just a hint of a kink. Sorry for quality of my photos! The other thing is bigger gaps between links on the genuine watches. This is a bit less of a 'precise' difference granted!
Thanks for sharing this. I was also looking at these, but will be much more wary of buying one now...
It’s obvious these guys are moving downstream in the Omega catalog. Thanks for posting this PSA, if we still had sticky’s, I would vote for this to be at the top. Instead- this is my bump to the top.
Thanks for the heads up, those hands remind me a lot of these: https://omegaforums.net/threads/is-there-a-new-batch-of-fake-seamaster-120-135-027.55215/
I wonder whether the fact integrated bracelets are having a moment again (and that dive watches will always be popular, of course) has prompted this move. Whatever the motivation, it’s worrying - I used to feel that no one would bother to fake a Cosmic 2000, but I suppose the dive watches are a slightly different consideration within that. thanks for the heads up, OP!
I think any NOS or "surprisingly good condition" yet boxless 1012 that isnt from a very trustworthy source is highly suspect. The sellers of these diver's "other items" are Seiko Pepsi, Tag (various) one of which at least was spotted as fake, and lots of other recurring 1012 movement Omegas, including lesser Cosmics. If you Ebay "omega 1012" or "vintage seamaster" - lots of highly suspect condition watches. I still think movements are genuine - but there are a LOT of them. This is all very disheartening.
The hands look suspect on this, as well as a neat flawless dial; thoughts? https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2351110...l_l8la_ru2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPYPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
The seller makes clear the watch has had a full restoration by Lewis Watch Co, a reputable firm in Perth.
Thanks for the response! Yes a very reputable firm - the hands and the date wheel don't match other examples I was looking at. I'm not an expert hence why I posted in the forum!