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Zero Serial on Omega Geneve: Fake or Serviced?

martinturesson
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Hello,

I recently purchased an Omega Geneve from what I believed to be a reputable watch store, www.vintagewatchstudio.com. Upon inspecting the serial number of the watch, I discovered that it reads "00001486." From what I understand, Omega serial numbers typically do not begin with zero. Does this suggest that the watch is counterfeit, or could it indicate that it has undergone servicing and received new parts? I find the watch to be exceptionally beautiful, and I'm puzzled as to why someone would go to such lengths to create a replica and engrave such a significantly deviant serial number. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in resolving this matter. I have attached some images of the watch.

Best regards,
Martin
 
5f6713_c82f63db5fee437497821e048a28171a~mv2.jpg 5f6713_d2f8effed3d54d0da4fa7b8dd2717a53~mv2.jpg 5f6713_d6cab297d068428d81d3218a38101f99~mv2.jpg 5f6713_db7c731d60544509926faf02c779175b~mv2.jpg 5f6713_e735d2e75c474d45a56ba4e756528e9a~mv2.jpg 5f6713_f46ffb975a2b44bb818f844c129d1ce5~mv2.jpg
X350 XJR
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Since the main plate on this caliber contains the serial number it would appear to simply be a service replacement. Nothing to be concerned about.
 
martinturesson
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
Since the main plate on this caliber contains the serial number it would appear to simply be a service replacement. Nothing to be concerned about.

Hello and thank you very much for the quick response! I've recently taken an interest in watches and placed an order for this Omega watch earlier today. Therefore, I only have the pictures to rely on. Am I correct in understanding that there is another serial number engraved somewhere on the main plate? Is it challenging to access? I'm curious about the year of manufacture, so it would be fascinating to see the actual serial number. 😀
 
X350 XJR
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If you can cancel the purchase I would highly suggest doing so. The watch case is in really poor condition with significant wear clearly evident on the lugs and edges of the case.

There is no second serial number.
 
martinturesson
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
If you can cancel the purchase I would highly suggest doing so. The watch case is in really poor condition with significant wear clearly evident on the lugs and edges of the case.

There is no second serial number.

The watch wasn't particularly expensive, so it doesn't matter that it's damaged. I'll invest in nicer watches once I gain more experience in the field. However, I wouldn't want a fake Omega. But you believe it's genuine anyway, despite its poor condition?
 
SOG53
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The watch was described as all original (service parts not disclosed) and with "lustrous gold plating" and they have good return policy for any reason. So you can easily return within 14 days without problem. You dont need to pay newbie tax on this one. I agree with recommendation from @X350 XJR Spend your watch money on better example these are not rare.
 
martinturesson
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Hello,

I've managed to pause the purchase, and I have until tomorrow evening to make my final decision.

I've just graduated and I would like to buy a nice Omega watch in gold, similar to the one in the attached image.

However, I don't have a lot of money to spare at the moment, so I thought €525 was a fairly reasonable price for a watch with some marks. Do you think there are better options within the same price range? I could consider adding €100-€200 more, but then my first paycheck will be gone unfortunately.

Thanks for all your help!
Screenshot_2024-03-23-08-19-21-98_b72a20be883aec8a014bd2b7c7038e87.jpg
 
SOG53
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1. Follow this for vetted listings and guidance :

Recommended Vintage OMEGA WATCHES (only) On EBAY (NOT for Inquiries)

2. Find reference you like and research it look at many examples so you know what to watch for

3. Look at Private Watch Sales here on OF for sales from known OF collectors

4. Post potential purchases here BEFORE you buy for better results.

5. Take your time and learn along the way.

welcome to OF and good luck with the hunt
 
martinturesson
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Thank you all for the wise advice! I decided against the purchase and received a refund. The hunt continues!
 
X350 XJR
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So here is what we were seeing. The arrows indicate the contrasting toning of the gold, the darker parts on the edges show where the gold plating has been completely worn and or polished away leaving the brass base metal of the case exposed. This will only get worse with time.

As others have noted with a little patience and guidance one doesn't need to compromise on a starter watch.

It's easy to get excited and jump in head first, we've all been there, glad you've decided against this one.

Did I say be patient?

Good luck on your hunt, you've come to the best place on the net to learn, enjoy the journey.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

5f6713_db7c731d60544509926faf02c779175b~mv2.jpg
 
kaplan
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I personally think absurd serials increase value, prototypes and special watches have special serials as well, but this doesn't look any special

This is a 550 series family movement, the 550 series service bridges have R01231 like serials (as far as I observed) - I wonder why this 613 didn't follow the same format

What does the inscription say?
 
martinturesson
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
So here is what we were seeing. The arrows indicate the contrasting toning of the gold, the darker parts on the edges show where the gold plating has been completely worn and or polished away leaving the brass base metal of the case exposed. This will only get worse with time.

As others have noted with a little patience and guidance one doesn't need to compromise on a starter watch.

It's easy to get excited and jump in head first, we've all been there, glad you've decided against this one.

Did I say be patient?

Good luck on your hunt, you've come to the best place on the net to learn, enjoy the journey.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

5f6713_db7c731d60544509926faf02c779175b~mv2.jpg
Thank you very much for all the help. I feel welcomed in the community!
 
martinturesson
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kaplan kaplan
I personally think absurd serials increase value, prototypes and special watches have special serials as well, but this doesn't look any special

This is a 550 series family movement, the 550 series service bridges have R01231 like serials (as far as I observed) - I wonder why this 613 didn't follow the same format

What does the inscription say?
Yes, it's quite interesting. The inscription is German for 'in gratitude,' I believe.
 
X350 XJR
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Perhaps we can get @Archer to chime in on the serial number on OPs watch?
 
Archer
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
Perhaps we can get @Archer to chime in on the serial number on OPs watch?

Typically replacement movements of this era have the R prefix to the serial number. I’ve not seen any information related to serial numbers starting with zeros...
 
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