First off, and I can’t stress this enough, look at the *details*. I mean, *really* look. We’re talking magnifying glass level scrutiny here. Is the font on the dial crisp and clean? Or does it look kinda… blurry? Are the markers perfectly aligned? Or are they doing the tango? Even a slight wonkiness is a massive red flag. The real deal Omega is ALL about precision. None of that sloppy joe craftsmanship.
And speaking of the dial… Beware the “NOS” cross-hair dials. Apparently these “New Old Stock” dials are popping up everywhere. Shiny, new, and supposedly straight from the factory. Yeah, *right*. I’m not buyin’ it. They’re probably fake. Just sayin’. It just smells fishy, ya know?
Now, I know this sounds obvious, but really examine the case back. Some of the super obvious fakes have see-through case backs when they shouldn’t. Like, you shouldn’t be able to see the inner workings without even opening it. That’s just lazy faking. But sometimes, the fakers are smarter than that (unfortunately). So, do your research! Know what the case back is supposed to look like for the specific model you’re after. And don’t forget the little things, like the engraving quality. Is it deep and sharp, or does it look like it was etched with a rusty nail?
Another thing: craftsmanship. Overall, how does the watch *feel*? Does it feel solid and well-made, or does it feel like it’s gonna fall apart if you look at it wrong? Is the bracelet jangly and cheap feeling? A real Omega is a quality piece, through and through. It’s gonna have a certain weight and feel of luxury. Also, check the movement of the second hand. Does it move smoothly, or does it “tick” noticeably? A legit Omega will have a smooth sweep, a hallmark of quality movement.
I’ve also heard that taking it to a professional is a good idea. This is like, the ULTIMATE way to be sure. They know their stuff, they have the tools, and they can spot a fake from a mile away. Sure, it’ll cost you a bit, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. Honestly, if you’re dropping serious cash on a watch, spending a little extra to authenticate it is just plain smart.