We promise to invest our time and experience into understanding your needs and desires. We won’t &#8230;
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<li>Expect you to have lots of knowledge</li>
<li>Drown you in more detail than you need</li>
<li>Try to push a sale on you</li>
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Our aim is to make you feel relaxed and welcome, and to enjoy the Oakleigh Watches experience from start to finish.
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The oakleigh promise

Omega bracelets have long been considered some of the best in the world and they make cases that blend ceramics, silicon, and new alloys with metals for outstanding longevity.

Are Omega cases and bracelets good?

Omega watches are made in Bienne, Switzerland.

Are Omega watches made in Switzerland?

Omega and Rolex watches are quite different in their styling and so can be difficult to compare. However, when it comes to the accuracy and quality of manufacture of a modern Omega watch, yes, they are as good as Rolex.

Is Omega the same quality as Rolex?

Omega mechanical movements are made to the highest standards. Omega watches are one of only two brands to qualify as Master Chronometers, in fact they established the concept jointly with METAS (The Federal Institute of Metrology).

Are Omega movements good quality?

Omega are one of the most desirable watch brands in the world and have been since they began to use the Omega name in 1903.Omega watches are made with traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-industry materials.

Are pre owned Omega watches desirable?

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Omega-Ranchero-1-scaled

Outright Sale or Consignment? Which Is Right for Selling Your Luxury Watch?

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Rolex is one of the most coveted luxury brands on the planet, known for quality, durability, style, and prestige. Such an aspirational timepiece comes with a hefty price tag and therefore it’s of no surprise that the business of fake Rolex’ has become very lucrative. Therefore, knowing how to Spot a Fake Rolex is crucial when making such a high value purchase.

These days, some fake Rolex’ are so good that they must be partially disassembled before they can be identified as counterfeit and can even fool the experts!

And trust us they’re good!

Most of the fake watches that we come across are pretty easy to spot with a trained eye but there are some – that could fool most experts under normal scrutiny.  And I’m not talking about across a room or even across a desk, I mean in your hand and with a loupe. Plus some very clever fakers have adopted a ‘two from one’ practice…

Imagine you have one real watch and one ‘super fake’.  The real one is worth say, £10,000 and the super fake is worth nothing.  They swap the movements so they now have two watches; A real case and bracelet that pass all tests and a movement that won’t be discovered until the back is removed, and a very good fake that might prompt you to open the caseback just to be sure… when you do, the movement is real so it must all be ok…

(Papers can be faked more easily than watches so they’re both ‘Full Sets’.)  They sell them both at ‘bargain prices’, say £8,000 each for a quick sale and they’ve turned £10K into £16K.

‘Caveat Emptor” as they say in Rome.

Here are our 10 tips on how to spot a fake Rolex:

1) Unauthorised Sellers
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Buying a Rolex is a serious investment, whether for pleasure or business, it’s a lot of money to part with. Therefore, our most important piece of advice is – only buy a luxury watch from a trusted seller or dealer.

Trust is very important when buying a pre-owned Rolex and here my friend, Google is your best friend.

ALWAYS choose a trusted, legitimate/authorised seller over a random individual you find on the internet. There might be a slight increase in cost but that’s the price of reassurance.

Look at the dealer’s selling history and reviews – especially trusted review affiliations such as Trustpilot.

Buying via international watch selling platforms such as Chrono 24 and Watchfinder, are a good place to start as the due diligence has already been done on the sellers.

eBay has recently launched a luxury goods arm and we sell via this platform. However, we are vetted as a Trusted Seller and any watch over £2000 will be sent for eBay authentication. Note – you do not have this security with individual sellers and sites like eBay and Craigslist can be rife with fake Rolex from’ bob666@gmail.com’.

Buying online can be a minefield, especially if not from a reputable seller. Therefore, if you decide to go down this route, you absolutely need to see the watch before you part with any cash. Below are some more physical clues on how to spot fake Rolex watches.

2. Movement

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Carefully open the back of the watch – a fake simply cannot match the craftsmanship and precision of a true Rolex calibre. Plus, each genuine movement will have “Rolex” engraved on it.

However, thanks to modern technology it is much harder to tell the difference, refer to our previous example of the “Super Fake”.

Another clue – if it’s a quartz movement, alarm bells should start ringing as all Rolex watches other than the Oysterquartz of the 1970’s to 1990’s have mechanical movements.

3. Seconds Hand

On a genuine Rolex, the ticks of the seconds hand are so smooth, it looks like it’s gliding. If there is any stutter – it could be a fake.  You can also try listening, a real Rolex will be silent.

Rolex has made a small number of battery-powered watches in the past. These were called ‘Oysterquartz’. Rolex has never made quartz versions of the Submariner, GMT-Master or other popular models.

4. Weight

Since 1989, Rolex has used the best steel on earth called “Oystersteel” (904L stainless steel), which is rust and corrosion-resistant and importantly – it’s heavy! If the watch you’re holding feels light, it was likely built with cheaper metal and is a fake.  The difference is subtle, but you can definitely feel it.

However, it gets a little tricky with older watches with Oyster bracelets from the 1980’s and earlier as these have hollow links made by stamping. These hollow bracelets are much lighter than the current range.  However, the ‘head’ of the watch should still be heavy and feel sturdy. Also, the bracelet end links on a pre-2000 sports Rolex are hollow and can feel a bit rattly after a few years wear so that’s not necessarily an indication of a low-quality replica.

5. The Crown

Even the crown on a Rolex will be identifiable by the craftmanship. Only the high-quality steel used by Rolex can hold the intricate details you find on a genuine Rolex watch. Therefore, a smooth, plain, or brushed over crown will be a sign it could be a fake Rolex.

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6. Dial, Hands &amp; Clasp

The most obvious tell is misspellings, however as we’ve already mentioned, these days fakes can be excellent.

A genuine Rolex will be perfect when made, and fake Rolexes will be much less refined. So, get the magnifying glass out and check the hands, hour markers, dial and clasp for uneven fonts, inconsistent spaces between the lettering/numbers and smudges.

Even the tiniest imperfection on a new Rolex dial is incredibly rare so if it isn’t absolutely perfect, it’s very probably dodgy.

It’s a good idea to have an official photo of the exact model you’re buying to compare.

7. Case Back

Most genuine Rolex case backs are smooth and rarely factory engraved or transparent.

Some exceptions are.

-Rolex Sea Dwellers that are engraved.
-Milgauss’ are engraved.
-Comex Submariners and Sea Dwellers are often engraved.
-Vintage lady Datejust models 6917, 69173, 69174 – engraved with ‘Stainless Steel’
-‘Registered Design’ Military watches …. but if you’re shopping for a 5514 then hopefully you know what you’re doing.
-Since 2023, some models such as the Daytona have had sapphire case backs

Of course, some people do have their watches personally engraved (we advise you not to, if you’re thinking of buying for investment), but this should be obvious by the engraved content.

8. Laser Etched Crystal

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Time to get your magnifying glass out again!

Some Rolex watches produced from the early 2000’s onwards will have a tiny laser etched crown at the 6 o’clock position on the crystal. The precision of this detail has made it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate – so it can be a good sign of authenticity (or not).

But beware, while the presence of the etched crown should mean that the crystal is real, it doesn’t mean that everything is.  Also, not even Rolex can tell you which references from which years should have the etched crystal (I’ve asked several people on several occasions), so don’t rely on this particular element.

9. The Big Date

The cyclops (bump) over the date on many Rolex watches is part of the brand signature. Its purpose is to magnify the date by 2.5 times.

If the glass over the date is flat and/or doesn’t seem to magnify very well then, it’s highly likely be a fake Rolex.

As always there are exceptions and the 40mm Rolex Sea Dweller and Deepsea Sea Dweller do not have a cyclops lens, despite having a date function. (They couldn’t make a glue strong enough to stand the pressure until 2019)

10. Model &amp; Serial Numbers

This is perhaps the best way to authenticate a Rolex watch. Briefly – every Rolex has a serial and model number which are deeply engraved and symmetrical, clear to read and even shine in the light at certain angles.

On the contrary, fake Rolex watches will have a stamp that appears a little messier. It will either look like several tiny dots or etchings and if acid etched it will have a sandy/grainy appearance.

For more information on checking serial numbers and Rolex serial number tables, read our comprehensive <a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/watch-serial-numbers/">Guide to Understanding Watch Model and Serial numbers</a>.

In Conclusion

You really need to know your stuff. Knowing how to spot a fake Rolex is a crucial part of the buying process. If in doubt, refer to point 1 – always buy through a trusted/authenticated pre-owned watch seller.

Oakleigh Watches’ office is based within<a href="https://www.michlmayr.com"> S.Michlmayr &amp; Co</a> who have a Rolex certified watchmaker on the premises available to check all of our watches for authenticity.

We’d be happy to help and guide you through the process. Visit our collection pages for current stock and sign up to receive our regular newsletters and stock drops.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we also offer a <a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/sourcing-your-watch/">Sourcing Service </a>and are experts at finding your dream ‘genuine’ watch.

10 Tips on How to Spot a Fake Rolex

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Top Tips for Buying Your First Rolex

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Rolex Sky-Dweller Review: Seven Days With Rolex's Most Advanced Watch

Pre owned Omega Watches tend to hold or indeed increase in value, as opposed to new, which tend to depreciate as soon as you leave the store. So, buying pre owned is a shrewd financial decision, plus you will probably get what you want much sooner.

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When you buy a perfect, fully tested and warrantied pre-owned Omega watch from Oakleigh Watches, you will normally be saving a considerable amount and still getting a watch that you can rely on 100%.

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Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned Omega watches.

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1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …

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• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.

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• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.

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• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.

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If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

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2. Style

If you are wanting to wear your Omega watch, pick something that has style longevity, suits your style and your wrist.

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There are literally hundreds of watches to choose from, varying in size, colour, purpose and so on.

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The most popular pre owned Omega watches tend to be sports watches and are split into two main groups – the Omega Speedmaster and the Omega Seamaster.

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There are several models of Speedmaster, but the two key ones are:

• The Moonwatch is the classic manual winding chronograph with a steel caseback and a Hesalite plexiglass. One of the most iconic watches ever made, it’s a beautifully designed statement for your wrist.

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• The Speedmaster Sapphire is a more modern automatic watch. The display back gives it a special unique edge and the Sapphire Crystal makes it more robust.

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You will find many variations on the classic Omega Speedmaster theme including limited editions, different case sizing and added complications.

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Speedmasters tend to have a case size that is between 42-43mm plus the chronograph pushers. While they’re relatively slim, they are quite wide on the wrist.

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There are 4 models of Seamaster:

• The Omega Seamaster 300 is a classic 1960’s style Diver. Ideal for those looking for something with a vintage feel – a slightly smaller watch.

• The Omega Seamaster Diver is a modern take on the dive watch, worn for years by Bond, James Bond. The case is bigger (up to 42mm) but not bulky, so ideal sports watch for a daily wearer.

• The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean is a bigger dive watch than the others with a helium release valve and deeper depth rating. Perfect for ‘actual’ divers or for those that like something substantial on their wrist.

• The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a slighter dressier take on the Seamaster and while still sporty, is more suited to a three piece suit than a wetsuit.

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3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches. However, it is all down to confidence and perspective.

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Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

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For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 43mm + proudly, then it will look good. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Seamaster 300 or the Aqua Terra.

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Most modern watches tend to have larger cases, simply because as a nation we are bigger. If you want something small, you might want to look at vintage models (pre 1980).

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4. Vintage or Modern

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness.

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We mentioned above about the fact that vintage tend to be smaller in fact, the Omega Speedmaster was 4mm smaller in the 1960’s than it is now. So, if you like a slightly smaller vintage look, then this might be for you.

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On the other hand, if you want to wear your Speedmaster every day, then you should go for a newer one as the 321 movement from the 1960’s can be fragile and expensive to repair.

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Modern watches are more robust due to developments in technology and therefore are more hard wearing and suited to regular as opposed to occasional wear.

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Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned Omega watches.

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5. Fashion or Function 

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What do you want your Omega for?

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Omega watches are among the most precise in the world and they’ve set more precision records than anyone else. Because of this they have long been associated with timing at major sporting events including both Summer and Winter Olympics.

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If you do want a sports watch for actual sport, the Omega Seamaster models are the best place to start.

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If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Omega Watches

Availability

Brand

Model

Condition

Reference

Years

Papers

Movement Type

Movement

Diameter

Dial Colour

Case material

Bracelet/Strap

Matching Model

Gender

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Omega Seamaster 300 – one of the most iconic vintage dive watches ever produced.
The Omega Seamaster 300 has earned its place among the greatest dive watches of all time, and few references are more coveted than the legendary 165.024 'Big Triangle'. Introduced during the golden age of tool watches, it perfectly combines rugged functionality with timeless design, making it one of the cornerstones of vintage Omega collecting.
Dating from 1967, this exceptional Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.024 features the highly desirable matte black 'Big Triangle' dial, instantly recognisable by the oversized luminous triangle at 12 o'clock. Together with the original gladiator hands and arrow-tipped centre seconds hand, it creates one of the most distinctive and sought-after dial configurations ever fitted to a Seamaster 300.
Powered by the dependable Omega Calibre 552 automatic movement, with a 24 million movement number confirming production in 1967, this reference offers both historical significance and proven reliability. The approximately 42mm stainless steel asymmetrical lyre-lug case, paired with its acrylic rotating dive bezel, captures everything collectors admire about Omega's professional dive watches of the era.
Presented on a quality leather strap, the watch retains the purposeful, understated aesthetic that has made the Omega Seamaster 300 such an enduring favourite among enthusiasts for more than half a century.
Accompanying the watch is an official Omega Extract of the Archives, together with service paperwork, providing valuable provenance and additional confidence for collectors.
The Omega Seamaster 300 'Big Triangle' remains one of the defining dive watches of the 1960s - combining rarity, exceptional design and genuine tool watch heritage. Increasingly difficult to source in honest collector-grade condition, this outstanding example represents a superb opportunity to own one of Omega's most celebrated vintage references.
For more Omega Watches visit our <a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/brand/pre-owned-omega-watches">Omega </a>Brand page.
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Omega Seamaster 300 Big Triangle

Omega Seamaster 300 165.024 1967

Discover this exceptional 1967 Omega Seamaster 300 Big Triangle Ref. 165.024. Featuring the Calibre 552 movement, Omega Extract of the Archives and service history.

Omega Seamaster 300 Big Triangle 165.024 (1967) | Vintage

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Omega Seamaster 300 Big Triangle

£7,250