zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

: Well, it arrived today and I realize I really
: need to take it to a watchmaker so he can
: open it and determine wether it's a
: counterfeit or not.

: I have gone through the list here:
: http://home.xnet.com/~cmaddox/omega/articles/pete_jones/seamaster_via_auction/pj.htm

: Everything is in order, the bracelet, the
: "horse" on the back, the crown,
: the wave pattern both on the back and on the
: dial, the placement of the serial number on
: the back (says "54144598", number
: on the bracelet is "825"),
: everything. Except that the Helium valve
: does not have the Omega logo on it. And that
: makes me wonder and I've come up with 2
: scenarios: 1. It's a really, really good
: fake. The bracelet for example has to be the
: real deal, and that costs almost as much as
: I bought the watch for.

: 2. It's genuine, but the valve has been
: replaced for some reason.

: And a possible third, but that's unlikely. Has
: Omega ever produced a Seamaster with no logo
: on the helium valve?

: Anyone got some kind words to calm me down? :)

Actually, you may be okay. I helped Pete with that buyer's guide, and I remember that he, too, was under the impression that Omega did not put their symbol on the He valve. Every Seamaster I ever bought has the logo on the valve, but I wondered if Pete had seen some older but genuine models that didn't.

It is also possible that someone did replace the valve, so I HIGHLY SUGGEST that your watchmaker remove the caseback. If the movement is stamped "Omega 1120", then you know you don't have a fake Chinese movement in your watch.

When in doubt, ALWAYS check the movement.

Good luck,
John