I just bought a Seamaster for less than £2K on eBay, any tips to authenticate upon arrival?

Also nearest Omega dealer is an 85 mile round trip

Firstly congratulations on getting such a reduction in asking price. If they are sending all documents would it not be registered with Goldsmiths and could you ask them? Probably one closer to you than the boutique

I could be wrong, but doesnt e-bay carry out independent authentication on watches £2k and over? Nice looking watch by the way enjoy!

Hey, Adrian from Bark and Jack did a very good video on spotting a replica Seamaster 300m

movement. The replica is very close, and depending on quality of pictures in an eBay offer it can be quite hard to tell the differences.

Here’s the video:

https://youtu.be/MMFsbRfCaWo

I'd take that 85 mile round trip! you cant get the old 300's for £2000 now-a-days unless its a 36mm one, so having the new model for £2000 is a bit of a shocker to me, go to the AD and get peace of mind! 👍

Ebay authenticates every watch prized over $500.00 and gives you a certificate.

That the serial numbers check out is a good sign. Have a look at the balance wheel while the watch isn't running/hacked. The 8800 has a variable inertia balance wheel (free sprung) which is hard to fake. Like here

The fake Rolex movements are all missing that as far as I know (and use a regulator like a SW200, edit: sometimes it is hidden to look more authentic so better go by the screws) for example or this fake

There should be tiny regulating screws on the inside of the black wheel. If these are missing, it's fake. That's not a way to authenticate but rather to detect a fake but if they are there then it is likely real. However, you should have an expert look regardless. The safest option to ask for a quote on a service, that way someone who knows what they are doing will have a look and not some sales guy in a shop.

yeah, here the thing, it's not THAT accurate. It will spot an obvious fake, but other than this - it's nice to have an eBay's or c24's stamp of authenticity, but the process of authentication is pretty much like sending a photos of the watch to a bunch of other nerds on discord and asking for advice.

Pray to whatever god you believe in. Also, ignorance is bliss.

This is one of the reasons I’m so sceptical about buying used. I’d rather pay the premium from the ADs.

For private transactions, I would recommend going to a private independent watchmaker. And do the transaction inside their shop. Have your watchmaker authenticate the watch on the spot, in front of the seller (you pay 50$ish for this). Usually, a watchmaker can use his ears and hear the movement. And he doesn’t need to open the case. Plus, the transaction will be under surveillance.

If this has to be shipped. Go to an independent watch maker immediately and have them authenticate it.

Be careful here as it is a really "too" good offer with common excuse why so authentication is a must. I had a case where photos of the watch at auction were not from original, hence all details on the movement and serial number were fine on auction pictures. Upon receiving it I immediately saw by the movement it was fake, serial was well known fake number. Luckily my 5 page detailed report of many details why it was fake to auction site ( Catawiki ) was quickly accepted and full refund with shipping cost accepted. I even got a voucher for next purchase. I would also reccomend making continious video where you unpack the shipment and make close up detailed watch inspection to avoid any doubt you switched the watch. Never trust anybody, especially at this price.

Sounds like a good deal to me. I've bought quite a few from eBay and all the pricier pieces get authenticated,so I wouldn't worry.

At £2000 eBay will authenticate it for you I believe but looking at the balance is a sure tell if it's a fake. Post pictures

eBay just rolled out a 3rd party verification service here in the States. Any watch over 1000 USD Is eligible. You can request the service for $80- but most serious sellers offer it as part of the sale. I’d be surprised if something similar wasn’t available in the UK.

BTW, I bought a 50th anniversary Seamaster GMT a couple of years ago and the seller ad stated that it will come with box and papers. The ebay authenticator found out that the watch is authentic, but box was a fake and the seller ended up offering a partial refund as ebay will not ship the fake box. Their authentication service is good in my experience.

Thanks everyone for the advice, I posted this then had to rush out the door and I am working now until midnight UK time. I really appreciate the help

I will post photos of the watch when I receive it in a couple of days time, it will be interesting to get your thoughts👍

It depends upon the year the watch was made. For instance, Chrono 24 has a 300M from 2000 in good condition for $1498. Omegas tend not to hold their value that well for whatever reason.

Not in the UK they dont

• The eBay authenticity guarantee is not carried out on every watch. The seller must opt in or out. Did the listing have a tick and authenticity guarantee written on it? If not, it's a bit of a gamble but you can maybe check out the sellers reviews. If they have only a few or none at all, I'd say avoid. Hopefully this is all above board and you've got an absolute steal. This is based on the UK

Ebay terms and conditions state any watch above £1500 will be sent to be authenticated before you receive it. It use to be 2k when it was first launch, but they've changed it now. 👌

Please post a link to the closed eBay listings so we can check out the pictures.

I'm happy to be able to help you with this, it's one I have a very keen interest in. If you post a link I'll be happy to take a look.

If you prefer not to send a link, PM me and I'll send you a link to a resource that will spell out the differences in the high end reps and the genuine watch.

I'd also like to point out that one of the biggest scams at the minute is the seller photographs the genuine watch, paperwork, box etc then sends a replica.

This model is one that has high end reps that have been made by several factories. Each has its own flaws and can be identified.

Hate to say it, but it almost sounds too good to be true. While these are not bulletproof, Watchcharts has this piece selling for around £3200. Chrono24 has it around £3400 with box and papers.

What’s a well known fake serial number? Are there a few that are constantly reproduced?

Yes that is correct. I assume they do a run of movements with same serial number as it is easier. My fake number was mentioned on few forums and is well known serial on 8... and 9... Omega automatic movements ( AT, PO, 300m ... ). But as explained befre there are many other easier ways to spot a fake movement without going into details with magnifier, especially on the balance wheel and regulator.

To be honest, that doesn´t sound good. You should check everything, that you can check on your own (details on movement, contact the og seller, inspect documents) and if you´re not 100% sure i would contact omega on their website and ask them, what you can do.

Maybe the seller is not into watches and was to lazy to look up the correct value and needs the money asap, but when it comes to money, trust nobody.

I check the weight-doubt a a fake has the same weight if you have all the links.thats what I check