Hi guys, looking to buy a second omega watch around the 3-4k mark and wondering if anyone can recommend a place in Sydney (preferably North Sydney area) who can authenticate it for a fee. Just need a verbal confirmation. I've tried calling the omega boutique store many times to ask but they haven't picked up.
Authenticate Watch Sydney
ClintonL on 16/03/2023 - 15:38
Comments
Got photos?
Nick Hacko in the CBD can help, or Vintage Watch Co. will likely charge a $50-100 fee or so.
Unless omega have a watchmaker on sight they’d be useless. Most of the sales staff are sales representatives, not horologists and couldn’t tell a good fake from a real one.
HA. I forgot about this. Remember when it first made the rounds on the forums 🤣
What a classic, I don't even like watches, but would buy one off that guy, and get those noodles at the same time.
Imagine if he'd waited 15 minutes back then. His watch would be worth triple what he paid.
Wow, he repaired a 1960s Seasmaster for me… 20 years ago. I had no idea he was still around.
And some. Now produces his own watches! Panerai-esque in design but quite lovely.
Could go for some photos, generally there's pretty easy tells.
Else, does it come with papers and receipts and is the buyer credible.
if you have to ask, it is probably fake.
only buy from reputable dealers that have receipts and papers.
So nobody ever sells their watch privately, and they always use reputable dealers as intermediaries? Somebody better tell all the collectors on Timezone.
Why not search youtube for real vs fake comparisons?
I am not big into mechanical watches so I don't really know much about them but have come across a few of those videos recommended to me.
Edit: From what I remember, the movement is a big giveaway. They will try to copy the shapes of parts and use the same coloured gem stones but it was quite clear to me one was a "off the shelf" movement made to look like the real thing and it was pretty easy to point out the differences.
I guess it needs to have a glass back though if you want to see inside without opening the watch.Lots of the newer, high quality fakes are virtually indistinguishable unless to the trained eye, and you may need an original for side-by-side comparison. Also, plenty of the fancier watches do not have exhibition case backs, e.g., Rolex.
and you may need an original for side-by-side comparison.
I guess you are right. All the videos I watched did have the real one for a side by side, and in one example they did mention the replica was so close that they might not have noticed without the comparison.
They seemed to use zoom lenses for closeups though, which really gave some things away. Might be a possible solution for someone wanting to tell if it's a replica for free by themselves. Just take a few zoomed in photos with a good camera and look at the finishes. e.g. in one example you could tell quite easily the poor finish around the hour markers and rough machining marks on the movement parts.
hestalite Speedie and older SMP do not either.
For that budget I’m guessing it’s an Auto Speedie or first Gen wave dial SMP?
OP as above, Nick Hacko, Vintage Watch Co. You can also try Max schweizer as well. All of these are CBD based and near the Strand Arcade
NB you can fake boxes and paperwork so having one is not a good indicator of it being real. Also the best of fakes you’ll only know if it’s real if you go right into the movement.
What watch are you looking at? Any links?
I second Max Schweizer (next to the Apple store).
They do it for $75
@WatchNerd might be able to assist. Omega for 3-4k sounds interesting..