zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: hi there. im new to this forum and im currently
: contemplating my first omega purchase.
: favourite at the moment is the 2531.80 and
: whilst researching online i seem to have
: come across two separate instruction manuals
: that appear to be availible with this watch.
: one is a red hard-back version with gold or
: silver lettering whilst the other is a
: colour picture cover of what looks like a
: watch and somesort of watchmaking tool. also
: on the back of some seamasters i have
: noticed an engraving of the omega symbol
: directly below the seamaster emblem which
: seems to be absent from others. can anyone
: clarify if these are indicators of age or
: authenticity? or exactly why they vary?
: finally the seamaster box should be the red
: leather bound one, right? sorry for the long
: post and thanks for your time,dan.

Hi Dan,

To answer your questions:

1) The older models came with the hardback instruction manuals. Omega switched to the paperback version in early 2005 as I recall. This is the one with the color picture on the front.

2) The globe/star symbol etched into the caseback doesn't mean anything. It was put on some of the newer 2531.80 pieces beginning in 2004 as I recall. However, Omega has never explained WHY they put this symbol there. It could have been as a QC measure or as a counterfeitting deterrent. Since not all genuine 2531.80's have this symbol, its presence or absence is not important. However, if this symbol is present then you can be sure it is one of the newer pieces. My 2531.80 from 2002 does not have this symbol on it.

3) Yes, the Seamaster box is the red leather one. A new watch should come with a white outer box, red leather inner box, white card holder, 3 cards (warranty, pictograms, and chronometer certificate), instruction manual, and price "hang tag".

Good luck in your decision,
John