zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: I read here that some new Omega watches from "certain
: illegitimate sources" have the serial number inside instead
: of on the back of the case. I purchased a new DeVille 4861.31.32
: caliber 2500 from a reputable but "gray" source. It
: has a transparent back and hence the serial number is engraved
: inside in tiny gold numbers close to the "27 JEWELS"
: engraving. I saw a review of the caliber 2500 (link provided)
: and the serial number in the photograph is also inside in the
: same location as mine.

: So I hope it is a fair assumption that the general rule for serial
: number placement does not apply to watches with transparent
: backs.

: The watch came with the Omega credit-card sized Chronometer
: Certificate with model and same serial number, and the
: Pictograms card also with model number (and caliber number). All
: I forfeited by buying "gray" was Omega's warranty, but
: thankfully it is running perfectly.

Congratulations on the new watch.

Omega watches have the serial number in two locations, one interior and one exterior, small and even smaller, respectively.

During the era in which the calibre 2500 has been used, the exterior serial number is most commonly laser engraved on the lug closest to 7 o'clock (and is so small as to be difficult to counterfeit as well as difficult to read without magnification). There is as well an interior one on the movement which is more readable.

Gray market watches frequently have the exterior serial number removed. Older Speedmaster models with calibre 1151 (for instance) that came with a press in (rather than screwed in) caseback had an exterior serial number engraved on the rear of the caseback in a larger font.

Some of the most popular (and most faked) models also have a complex laser engraving of a stylized Omega logo on the outer edge of the caseback. I do not know if the Deville model you have includes it.

Hope this helps