An extremely common question is someone wanting to know specifics about a watch they have or have seen. Often, the person will try to identify what they have by describing what it looks like. But unfortunately, the most common answer to these question is that the description is so vague or ambigious that it is useless in identifying the watch enough to tell them any more than they already know.
While we understand that people are trying their best, realize that virtually all watches have nearly the same external features. So a novice trying to describe the visible features will seldom mention anything that is sufficiently unique to tell one watch from another. These attempts come off sounding about as bad as trying to describe an exact car model by saying "I have a red Ford from the mid 1970's with a round steering wheel and black tires." Such vague descriptions usually match so many different models and styles that they accomplish nothing.
To get better results from trying to describe your watch to anyone, here are some tips:
OMEGA keeps excellent records on all the watches they have made. As of March 2004, OMEGA has added an outstanding feature on their official website. Their new OMEGA Vintage Information Database allows you to, after a brief registration, look up a lot of details on vintage models. While the initial release of the database is still being filled in with details, the listings are not totally comprehensive. But this is a tremendous leap in customer service which OMEGA deserves high commendation for!
The most readily available piece of inforamtion to identify your watch is its serial number. On most current and recent OMEGA watches, the serial number is on the outside of the watch. Often it is on either the back of the watch or on the back of the lug (the protrusions used to attach a strap or bracelet) closest to the 7 o'clock position. Also, recent models include the serial number on a sticker on the outside of the white pasteboard 'presentation box.' But be sure to double check it--occasionally the white outer box lids get accidentally swapped at the store before you buy the watch.
On older OMEGA watches, you may need a jeweler to open the watch to read the serial number off of either the movement or the inside of the back of the case. Either way, make sure the number you record is 8-digits long, otherwise you may have recorded something besides the serial number.
Any numbers or identification marks on the bracelet of the watch are not part of the model or serial number of the watch. Such markings on the bracelet only identify the bracelet. Watch serial numbers must be on more permanent parts of the watch--such as the case, the case back. or the movement inside the watch.
OMEGA does not stamp model numbers on their watches. Model numbers are subject to change, can be different in different countries, and vary based on dealer swappable parts such as bracelets and straps. So a model number is not a permanent identifier of a watch. But any serial number can be looked up to see what model number the completed watch left the factory as.
Once you have the serial number, go to the official OMEGA website at www.omegawatches.com and select their CUSTOMER SERVICE section. From there select the "VALUE A WATCH" feature and follow the instructions.
There is no simple answer to the value of used and older models. The used watch market varies over time and across countries. Even more critical is the condition of the watch you have.
In general, even the most basic used OMEGA watches in good, clean, and fully operable condition sell in the USA for US $150 to $350 on a strap. Gold models are slightly higher--though not much unless the watch is solid gold. Prices go higher for watches on an original OMEGA bracelet. Most models from the 1980's on will likely sell for a minimum of US $500--up to about 50% of their original retail price. Collectible models (usually based on the watch movement or being a rare or unusual edition) are harder to estimate.
The best places to get an idea of the value of your watch would be to search completed auctions and used watch dealer sites to see what matching or similar models have sold for recently.
Chronocentric would love to provide coverage of every OMEGA model made since they were first introduced in 1848. But the practical reality is that we have neither the time nor the access to resources to research, write articles or obtain photographs of even a small percentage of them. So our primary focus is to cover as much as we can about general OMEGA information and details of recent and current models.
Also, many OMEGA models are actually the same watch with only cosmetic differences -- dial color, bracelet style, different hands and so on. So much of the information here may apply to your watch equally, despite your exact version not being explicity mentioned or shown.
For details of models not covered here, try the Vintage Information section of the official OMEGA website.
Yes. You can request it from OMEGA. But the big question is, why? The certificate itself is fairly meaningless.
[Updated: March 2004] To obtain the certificate, OMEGA requests that you send them a copy of your OMEGA international warranty card, which must be dated, fully and correctly completed and stamped by an official OMEGA dealer. You can send your request by fax to +41 32 / 343 98 55 or by postal mail to:
OMEGA Ltd
Customer Service
Rue Staempfli 96
2500 Bienne 4
Switzerland
Like any business, OMEGA cannot read your mind or respond to vague or unstated requests. So be sure to include a letter indicating specifically that you are wanting a copy of the C.O.S.C. Certificate for the specified watch.
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