Unknown Vintage Omega

[harrytruman]

I'm trying to find out if a vintage Omega that I inherited is a real Omega or a fake. Here are a couple pictures of the face and the back.

Face (http://www.landoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/CIMG0006.JPG)
Back (http://www.landoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/CIMG0007.JPG)

I can't find anything online matching a description of "Omega Authentic 21 Prix." And the back plate doesn't have an 8-digit serial number; only a 7-digit number which reads "OC CALR7". It's a wind-up, but it still runs after all these years.

If anyone could give me a bit of help with this I'd be greatly appreciative.

[Francois Boucher]

Sorry, it's not an Omega...

[harrytruman]

I didn't think it was. The lettering of the "Omega" branding is a bit uneven and I've never seen one labeled as "Swiss Made" on the face. But I know little about Omega's quality in older watches so I didn't want to assume anything.

When I was trying to research genuine Omega watches last night I couldn't find any site that listed definitive qualities that Omega's do or don't have. Are there any obvious features on Omega's that are sure signs of authenticity? For instance, Rolex watches have a continuous, sweeping second hand movement.

[Joe K.]

Many watches have a continuous second hand movement. Most Rolex fakes will also have such a movement, so this can't really be used as a distinguishing factor. Unfortunately, there are no rule of thumbs and no shortcuts as there are many variations in models over the years. The trick is to reserach a specific era or model and become familiar with the cahracteristics.


I didn't think it was. The lettering of the "Omega" branding is a bit uneven and I've never seen one labeled as "Swiss Made" on the face. But I know little about Omega's quality in older watches so I didn't want to assume anything.

When I was trying to research genuine Omega watches last night I couldn't find any site that listed definitive qualities that Omega's do or don't have. Are there any obvious features on Omega's that are sure signs of authenticity? For instance, Rolex watches have a continuous, sweeping second hand movement.

[Claven2]

I'd not rule out omega lineage until you look at the movement. Many countries bought omega movements in the good old days and put them in all kinds of weird cases and then there are redials, etc.

It's not an Omega factory design though, that much is certain.