News: Omega Scandal At Auction For 3M CHF
In November 2021, an Omega Speedmaster Ref. 2915-1 'Broad Arrow' fetched a record-breaking CHF 3,115,500 at a Phillips auction in Geneva. However, post-auction, pictures revealed discrepancies in the watch, including a different lume, bezel, and movement.
The watch, advertised with serial number 15500006, was in fact 15500066. Pictures showed the dial combined with various components not original to the piece, with the lume displaying a greenish color contrary to the “attractive golden tone” described in the Phillips catalogue.
The movement was possibly from a later 'Speedy' or different Omega chronograph model, as suggested by the barely decipherable movement serial number, 25005330. Due to Omega not utilizing case numbers during the time of its production, the case's authenticity remains indeterminate.
The dial's uniform “milk-chocolate shade” raises questions about the natural occurrence of its tropical patina. A comparison with naturally patinated dials shows a distinct difference. Also, the tachymeter bezel is identified as originating from a later Speedmaster 'Broad Arrow' Ref. 2915-2, auctioned by Phillips Geneva in November 2018.
These observations suggest that this record-breaking Omega Speedmaster, while possessing an exceptional dial, is a pieced-together project watch, not an authentic, factory-assembled timepiece.
Here are photos of the watches side by side: the original in bad condition and the Frankenstein in fraud conditions.
I'm an ardent watch collector and historian, tracing the ebb and flow of time through the lens of horology. My fascination began with the intricate mechanisms that tick beneath each dial and has grown...
What a breakdown! If the experts can be fooled, what chance does the regular guy have against fakes?
What a breakdown! If the experts can be fooled, what chance does the regular guy have against fakes?
Absolutely true. There were key people within Omega that were part of this scam it's incredibly important to box and papers your watches before anything. Thanks for the comment!
It is a cool looking watch....