zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: Hello everyone, first of all great site!, Have been able to collect
: lots of info! I am about to purchase a New Omega Planet Ocean XL
: from an acquaintance I recently met. He is the owner of a dutty
: free shop and seems to have access to watches at reasonable
: prices.

: I’m a bit worried about spending $2,800 on a watch that I am not
: buying from a dealer; I wanted to see if there are specific
: markings or elements I should look for when inspecting this
: watch in order to determine its authenticity.

: So far from old posts (2007) I found that I should stay away from
: serial No. 816880298, as well as making sure that the
: antireflective material be present on both sides and that the
: bezel not be larger than the case. But this was from 2007 could
: these have changed since?

: Does Omega have a way of certifying the serial number? I still have
: not had the watch in my hands but will have access to it next
: week.

: Thank you for your Help!

First off, $2800 is a VERY good deal on a watch like that if its New in box. Typical discounts off retail range in the 15-30%, so you could probably get one NIB in the 3200-3800 range from a brick and mortar authorized dealer. I would be somewhat suspect of this watch, but not ready to rule it out as fake. The watch should have an 8 digit serial number, and Omega won't give you the information over the phone or through email. A serial number is easy to fake also.

The most common fakes have a misplaced HE valve or a Bezel dot that is not perfectly centered or oddly shaped, or a bezel that is not of good quality or bad lettering. There are many fakes out there with different problems, so it would be hard to say which characteristic this specific watch may have and some fakes are Very good and would easily pass an untrained eye. If you do go have a look at it, I would carefully study the pics on the omega website and other forums to get a feel for a real one. Some of the PO's also have an anti counterfit symbol which is an Omega sign embedded within a small globe. Sadly, not all of them have it, so the lack of one is not a great indicator of a fake either, but if it has one, it does help some with authenticity.

The most likely story behind this watch is that it is some sort of dealer overstock or maybe a warranty return watch, a "grey market" watch. Most likely the serial number on the outside has been removed, or it will come without the warranty card, or it is a used watch. Whatever the reason, it is probably of dubious origin as Omega likes to say. Its your risk if you want to take it without warranty or without serial #, if its worth the $400-$1000 savings. A repair from an authorized Omega service center probably won't cost you more than $500, but they won't service a watch without a serial # so I would make sure the serial# has 8 digits, starts with an 8 and is intact on the underside of the 7oclock lug.

Used watches can be had on the various forum sales corners, with all boxes, papers, etc. for around $2200 in V.Good condition. If you would like the forum recommended Ad, let me know and Ill email you his information. He will give you a good deal and it will be 100% authentic with full 3 year warranty.

Mike