Hi all, I'm looking to purchase my very first sapphire sandwich - used (Ref 310.30.42.50.01.002). What are some things I should be looking for, testing, and verifying if it's real, when I see the watch/kit in person? Any advice and help is appreciated!
A few days ago I got a 3590.50, but before I did that, I showed the watch to the forum and asked people with much more knowledge than me to give it a look. Got positive responses, so went on and bought it. It would need to be a long exhaustive list of things you need to look at, and still that may not help. These newer references are probably easier to evaluate, but still, if you can post some pictures of the watch and the price (if you care sharing), you'll get much better help.
Agree, it’s not easy to distill years of experience into a short answer. But if you take the time to introduce yourself and engage personally with this community of enthusiasts, people are generally happy to help.
I’d add that there is a massive data base here with which to educate yourself. Use the search function.
Check the serial and reference numbers: They should be engraved on the case back and match the ones on the paperwork.
One pretty decent way to confirm it’s not fake—assuming it comes with all the original bracelet links—is to have a postage scale with you and weigh the watch. According to Omega’s site, the 310.30.42.50.01.002 should weigh about 138 grams fully linked. In my experience, the weights they list are very accurate. I wouldn’t freak out about +/- a gram or two (and again this only works if you’ve got all the links), but if it’s off by a considerable margin, that’s a red flag.