What does the number on the back mean?

Tonydg · Mar 5, 2023

Hi,
I have been looking at watches for a while and on some of the backs they seem to have an extra number not related to the calibre of the watch.
These numbers always appear to be 4 digits, though this one seems to have a leading letter.
I have added photos that show the calibre details on the inside of the back, and the extra number on the outside of the back.

Front of back with extra number on it.jpg

sirtaifun · Mar 7, 2023

On a closer look you can see that this number was later and was not carved by the manufacturer.
In olden times watchmakers tend to carve numbers on customers watches to get track of repairs and else.
Sometimes you find this numbers inside the watch or at the lugs.

Mostly in western parts of the world they are carved or scratched in Asia they use laqueur or paint and only scratch the paint without harming the watch.

Tonydg · Mar 9, 2023

sirtaifun
On a closer look you can see that this number was later and was not carved by the manufacturer.
In olden times watchmakers tend to carve numbers on customers watches to get track of repairs and else.
Sometimes you find this numbers inside the watch or at the lugs.

Mostly in western parts of the world they are carved or scratched in Asia they use laqueur or paint and only scratch the paint without harming the watch.

Thanks for that. I have not seen this done on the outside, only hand written on the inside. I have seen these numbers on a number of backs - even new ones being offered for sale. My thought was that it was to represent a service replacement back, not the original. Given the lack of replies, I guess that it is not very common information.

Thanks.

sirtaifun · Mar 9, 2023

T Tonydg
service replacement back

They have their own Omega reference number on the inside.
Not to confuse with plain backs where the hippocrampus or the observatorium should be this where intended for carvings as back in the day such watches where common as giveaways to long time employes or as a gift.

What does the number on the back mean?

Tonydg

sirtaifun

Tonydg

sirtaifun

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