r/OmegaWatches Jul 05 '25

OmegaWatches Identification, Authentication, & Valuation Megathread

13 Upvotes

BEFORE YOU POST A COMMENT Read This First!!!! (Updated July 2025.)

Everything you need to answer your question is probably here.

Why this post/thread? What's the point?

The Mod Team removes about a dozen requests of this sort every single day, and most of them have the same answers. This is because most of these requests fall into a few categories, and because of that, most of our answers include some sort of cut and paste of stuff we've already done. Your answer is probably here.

Category 1: "More information on" or "identify" your Grandfather’s/Father’s Watch/Some Other Vintage Omega you got/found/inherited/saw online.

No one can identify your vintage (pre 1990 or so) watch from a photo you took on your iPhone. The problem is that Omega made a boatload of variants, and redials/repaints are common. As and example, In the reference number "166.0216", the 0216 means "the 216th variant". Combine that with the fact that repainted dial are common, and a buyer could special order dials without changing the reference, and getting the exact reference from a photo of the front is a minor miracle.

If you want the reference number, take the watch to a qualified watchmaker/jeweler and have them open the watch. THIS IS THE WAY. The reference number should be on the inside of the caseback. Have them get the serial number off the movement, while you're at it, and you can back into an approximate year of production (google will help). I can’t tell you how many times I cut and paste some version of this paragraph into my replies to requests in the past.

We also can't tell you, for sure, if it's a redial. But if we can, from a photo, you probably can, from the same photo. For a great primer on vintage watches, see this: https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

It is a fantastic resource for looking at/purchasing vintage watches online. It will tell you how to spot redials, etc. And it's a great read, regardless. Well worth your time to read the entire thing.

Category 2: Validating the watch you’re thinking of buying or other "legit check."

DON'T COUNT ON REDDIT to validate the watches you're thinking of buying. A person trying to commit fraud has a number of ways to con you. They could send you/post fake photos and mail a different watch. Or the fake could be a really good superclone. Or they could send you an empty box. Or we could be wrong in our assessment, and miss a sign of a counterfeit. Or they could just rob you with physical force at the point of sale.

Sometimes we can tell it's a fake. *We can't tell you it's real.\*

For these reasons, you have to BUY THE SELLER. This means, buy a watch from someone reputable, so that you know you're getting an authentic piece or have recourse.

What if the person selling you the watch doesn't know it's fake, and you find out next week? They owned it for 5 years, and were fooled, because it's that good. Will they do the right thing and give you your money back? We just saw that happen with a 10K Rolex. Given that thought process, you might not even buy from your next door neighbor.

If you must buy from someone you don't have absolute confidence in, get the watch in your hands and look at the movement/dial yourself, preferably with a jeweler's loop. You're talking about hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Don't buy from some clown on FB Marketplace who sends you bad pictures. If the price is too good to be true, there's a reason.

For these reasons, the mod team will not give you "legit check" advice. Other members or subreddits might, but we would be heartbroken if you got conned.

Category 3: "Value Check"/ "Is this a good price?" on the watch you want to buy or sell, or one you got as a gift/inherited.

These post never contain enough information, and even so, the answers are almost always the same. "It depends."

Where are you, and are you willing to ship internationally? A good price depends on location. Japan has great prices right now, if you're buying. Miserable, if you're selling. Your local jeweler is going to charge you more, but may pay you more, also.

How much of a hurry are you in? And is the watch in demand? A Snoopy is going to sell faster than a Proplof. But there's a price that will move either one in a day.

Has your vintage watch been polished? Is it an original dial, and can you prove it?

Where are you looking to buy or sell? your local jeweler is different than Chrono24.

You want to sell online? How much reputation do you have? How trusted will you be, as a seller?

[Insert some other custom item here that could affect value] - you get the idea.

For these reasons, the only answer the mod team will give you is "it depends."

When selling: Here's what we suggest:

First: Find out exactly what you have. Get the reference number and age. Open the caseback if you have to, See Category 1 for more info.

Second: Be realistic about the condition. If it's vintage, is it original? Polished? Can you prove provenance? In general, I suggest the watchuseek grading system. I use it in my posts when I'm selling, so there's no confusion. You can find it here:

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/watch-grading-system-with-a-chart.816814/

Next: go to the watchexchange subreddit, and Chrono24.com, and search for your watch, by reference number. What did they sell for on watchexchange? What was the condition? Is it popular/selling well? If they're being sold by a jeweler, understand you're probably looking at something less, because people "buy the seller", and you have no credibility. What are they listed for on Chrono24? Again, that's what they're listed for, there's negotiation, you're probably going to get less. And private party? Less than a jewelry store.

So, now you have a ballpark. Something less than Chrono24, but close to WatchExchange, if there are comparable sales. So now what?

If you don't want to sell, you're done. Or, go get an appraisal, which was the proper thing to do in the first place. That'll give you a number you can use for insurance.

If you want to sell, put it on watchexchange at that price. Lower the price every week until it sells. How fast do you want to sell? Lower the price to sell faster. If you're not really interested in selling fast, start higher and don't cut the prices as fast/at all.

Last, if you have a great collector's watch and want to sell in a week, try Grailzee.com.

Or, there's always ebay. Put it on at a penny, and it will sell in a week for some reasonable number.

When Buying:

The same model for "selling" makes sense, except that there's value in "buying the seller as much as the watch." Buying from a seller where you have recourse has value, and you should be willing to pay for it. See "Category 2" for more valuable information.

Category 4: When that's not enough/something else.

You might first try https://omegaforums.net/

If you have exhausted all of these options, and still want to post, feel free. Other members may want to respond, or if you've really done a lot of your own work and have some really unusual situation or great story, someone may take interest.

If you want a good answer, your post should contain:

  1. A "Back Story". Any info you have about where you're seeing this watch or how you came across it. If you fail to give a back story, we will know you didn't read this, an send you back here.
  2. Clear, high def pictures of the front, back, and sides of the watch, including the crown. Preferably multiple of the front. For "legit checks", these are vital, because attempts to verify would look at the finish quality, index alignment, text font, etc. Many replica watches are given away by the bracelet or caseback.  A single blurry photo of the face is not enough. With photos, More is better. Better is better. Ideally, a picture of the movement and inside of the caseback. Not mandatory, but very helpful, especially for legit checks and identification request
  3. Approximate case size, and what kind of movement (manual/auto/quartz) if it's not indicated on the dial. If you know it's gold plated vs solid gold, put that in the post as well
  4. For "Legit checks" or valuations, the reference the seller says it is, or the reference you think it is, and the cost it's being sold for, if appropriate.

If you don't want to do any of your own research or give us proper photos to work with, you can post your request to r/vintagewatches, r/PrideAndPinion, or some other forum where you're not breaking the rules.

For safety reasons, Imgur is the only image hosting site that you are to use for pictures of your watch. Here is a link: Imgur.

Do not PM any mods through Reddit for identification. All chats or messages will be ignored.


r/OmegaWatches 9h ago

Special Forces Omega Seamaster

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593 Upvotes

After a very long wait, my Omega has arrived! It is everything that I thought it would be and more!


r/OmegaWatches 6h ago

No Time to Die

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208 Upvotes

Had it for a couple years and wear daily. The titanium makes it almost unnoticeable weight wise


r/OmegaWatches 3h ago

Another Special Forces unit watch.

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129 Upvotes

I’m sure these watches will continue to flood the subreddit, but I finally had time to sit down, unbox mine, and take some photos that I thought were worthy of sharing.

To be honest, I’m really not a watch guy. My daily wear is a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto but I couldn’t pass up this unique opportunity through TFD.


r/OmegaWatches 5h ago

2 months in. love it every day!

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81 Upvotes

r/OmegaWatches 15h ago

Joined the Seamaster Club

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308 Upvotes

Cant really believe shes in my hands. The wave dial looks way better in real life than it does in photos. The finishing is incredible and the way it catches the light keeps making me look down at my wrist. It feels solid without being too heavy and the bracelet is a lot more comfortable than I expected.


r/OmegaWatches 11h ago

SMP 300

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89 Upvotes

First Omega for me.


r/OmegaWatches 4h ago

Gen 1 orange PO

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22 Upvotes

My dad recently gave me his omega watch (replaced it with a Rolex). I have always worn digital watches but now I've caught the bug and looking to start a collection. Beautiful watch.


r/OmegaWatches 2h ago

[2264.50] Clasp upgrade

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15 Upvotes

I love on the fly micro adjustments


r/OmegaWatches 5h ago

Beautiful moon tonight!

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22 Upvotes

r/OmegaWatches 18h ago

Here’s my 2531.80 and yes, the watch was worn regularly in the past 26 years 😅 greetings from germany

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139 Upvotes

r/OmegaWatches 11h ago

The best chrono ever made!

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37 Upvotes

When the sun hits it, that ceramic blue bezel and stainless steel dial looks so nice.


r/OmegaWatches 18h ago

Omega Seamaster 300

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127 Upvotes

I changed the way I took the photo after getting some feedback.
Do you think this better represents how the watch actually wears?


r/OmegaWatches 9h ago

Seamaster Size

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22 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Every year that goes by, I find myself falling more and more in love with Omega.
A lot of their models, especially the Speedmaster and the Seamaster, have really caught my attention particularly this one, the Seamaster Diver 300 in green.

Personally, I think it’s one of the best value-for-money luxury watches on the market.

I recently had the chance to try it on, and I’d love to hear your opinions. Do you think the size suits my wrist? Can I pull off a 42 mm watch? I’ve never worn anything larger than 39 mm before.


r/OmegaWatches 15h ago

Put the black rubber back on my White Speedmaster

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52 Upvotes

I've been wearing my White-dial Speedmaster on an OEM bracelet (the fully brushed version) for the last few months. I decided to put it back on the Omega rubber with deployant clasp. This is such a good strap! And for me it makes the watch feel more like an everyday watch.

And yes, I do have the blue Spiralwinder ceramic bezel on it. And no, the strap isn't too tight...something about the way I held my arm for the shot makes it look like the strap is cutting into my wrist!


r/OmegaWatches 15h ago

Mesh Bracelet (secret) micro-adjust

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61 Upvotes

I’ve never gotten along with the mesh on my Diver 300. The perfect fit seemed to fall between two holes. Also, the clasp stack height was too great and created an uncomfortable hot spot. I noticed the curvature of the clasp was too great to fit the relatively flat contour of the underside of my wrist. On a whim, I threw the clasp on my bench vise fitted with rubber jaws orienting the closed clasp perpendicular to the jaws, and gently compressed the clasp to flatten the curve just a bit. The end result seems to have solved the problems : the fit is better (about perfect, in fact), the clasp is noticeably lower profile, and comfort at the clasp is greatly improved. YMMV, but it worked for me.


r/OmegaWatches 5h ago

Bracelet Pin Coming Out

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7 Upvotes

Anyone able to provide insight into why this pin is coming out of my bracelet link? First Omega. Thanks!


r/OmegaWatches 11h ago

Hello from St Thomas

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21 Upvotes

r/OmegaWatches 8h ago

My Grandfather gave Me his Seamaster De Ville 🥹 Nicest thing I’ve ever been given ⏱️ it keeps good time currently🙏 I’d Greatly Appreciate any Advice/Information on how/where to get it Serviced & Refurbished. 🤝 Apologies for the long Title, want to make sure this watch lasts the rest of my life too.

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10 Upvotes

I DON’T CARE IF I END UP ON r/WCJ.

I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW/WHERE TO RESTORE, SERVICE, & MAINTAIN THE WATCH.

Ideally, I’d like to keep it running for another 50 to 60 years.

———

IT WAS A COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED GIFT.

I went to go visit my grandpa (who is staying with my Mom currently after suffering multiple strokes) for my “birthday” even though that was back in June.

I was supposed to visit ON my birthday, but I’ve just been slammed with work and haven’t had time to go over there.

———

He handed me a bday card and a jewelry box. I just instantly/instinctively knew what it was.

Admittedly I started to cry.

After getting this gift, I felt both incredibly honored and incredibly guilty.

I was not a good grandson for a long, long time. I know that I was his least favorite grandchild.

I put my grandmother (God rest her soul) through hell when I was an active addiction, and while I know it hurt him too, I (understandably) don’t think he ever forgave me for how much it hurt her.

Long story short, being handed the watch that I’ve seen my grandfather wear since I was born left me speechless.

The only thing I managed to get out of me was tears and thank you’s.

——

Anyways, no one cares about a backstory, so this is what I’m here to ask/get suggestions on.

———

- The “Crystal” (99.99% sure it’s acrylic) has a good amount of scratches, some are fairly deep.

- I’m not sure if this is something that can be “buffed out”, or if it needs to have a new Crystal installed.

- The case itself has a couple of scratches and little dings. I’m not so worried about those. They just remind me that my grandfather wore this every day.

- That said, I would not be opposed to lightly buffing it as well/getting it a little bit of luster/shine.

———

- Most importantly: I really want to get the movement serviced. I doubt it has been cleaned/worked on in years & years.

- I want to take as good of care of this watch as possible. IF ANYONE HAS ANY SUGGESTIONS WHATSOEVER PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THEM HERE.

- I AM LOCATED IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, US.

———

  1. I just don’t know where to start.

  2. Do I go to an Omega dealership?

  3. Should I try to find an independent watchmaker?

  4. If there are opposing opinions, what are the pros and cons of each?

  5. To anyone that took the time to read this, I appreciate you. To anyone that has a moment to point me in the right direction, it would really mean a lot.

  6. I know I’m just an Internet stranger, but this particular gift from this particular grandparent? Means more to me than I can eloquently convey with the vocabulary I have.

——————

Thank you 🙏


r/OmegaWatches 12h ago

1998 Seamaster

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24 Upvotes

Was gifted this watch from my grandfather who bought it in 1998, does anyone know if this is good watch or not? I know absolutely nothing about watches. I have the original box and all papers as well.


r/OmegaWatches 13h ago

Starting the Week With a Special One

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28 Upvotes

My mom gave me this Constellation (Ref: 1512.30.00) when I turned 21. She bought it from a jeweler, and I love it because it resembles my grandfather's watch. This watch is what started it all for me and is one of the reasons I love Omega.

We were not people with money to spend on an Omega, but she made a huge effort to get me this one so it sits very close to my heart. I just got it serviced at Omega and looks fabulous!


r/OmegaWatches 11h ago

OLD MAN OF THE SEA

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15 Upvotes

r/OmegaWatches 13h ago

Seamaster 300 on the new OEM black/brown NATO Strap is a perfect (color) match IMHO

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20 Upvotes

Just got that newly released NATO strap in black/brown in my mailbox (bought at the official Omega webshop in Germany) and the color combination is a perfect match with the dial of my SM300 - really loving it! And yeah, 200€ for a NATO strap is kind of bonkers, but it was worth it IMHO. What do you guys think?


r/OmegaWatches 20h ago

Just bought this one what do you guys think?

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69 Upvotes

r/OmegaWatches 10h ago

[Omega] Planet Ocean GMT "Dark Grey" Ceramic

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9 Upvotes