Omega anti-counterfeit logo

[mtv2009]

Just having a little think about Omegas anti-counterfeit map logo on the back of their watches and why the reps dont incorporate this..

If their blatent enough to rip off a PO or a SMP and make it look like the real thing then why dont they replicate the AC logo and go the whole hog? surely its just a simple little laser etching...no?

Any thoughts?

[robbnj]

Pictures?

[mtv2009]

Perhaps some talented engraver/modder could make a small fortune making PO`s even more authentic!!

[Jimster]

It's on my Black dial SM300 Chrono.

[mtv2009]

It's on my Black dial SM300 Chrono.

Is it really?...nice. .is that the only Omega rep that the factories did this on?

I suppose i can only talk about what ive seen and researched myself and i know that Narikaa`s PO`s and especially the UPO`s dont have this nice little extra..just wondered why seeing as they are touted as the best of the best as even a modded UPO made to look gen would just require a quick look at the caseback would tell you that its a rep!!

[ubiquitous]

Not all gens have this logo. I've seen a few gen POs that do not have this detail present.

[mtv2009]

Not all gens have this logo. I've seen a few gen POs that do not have this detail present.

Oh right..i wonder why they put it on some and not on others?

I thought they would of put it on all their range from when it first started...makes sense!

[ubiquitous]

They probably didn't start implementing the anti-coutnerfeiting mark until later production; I think they rolled out the change with the PO Chronograph and then started implementing across the range from there.

[mtv2009]

They probably didn't start implementing the anti-coutnerfeiting mark until later production; I think they rolled out the change with the PO Chronograph and then started implementing across the range from there.

Thanks for the info Ubi..

Would love to see it introduced onto the UPO though.Perhaps the rep factories are saving it for the UUPO (ultimate ultimate planet ocean)!!!!!!!

[FxrAndy]

my oo7 casino royal PO had it on

[Greystash]

My SMP 2254.50 also has the new mark. I'd say it hasn't appeared on the reps yet for two reasons. The mark is still fairly new and most likely because of the costs involved in replicating it. I mean that is what they are aiming for when they think of these things. They want to make it more and more expensive to replicate.

Edited August 22, 2009 by Greystash

[ubiquitous]

There are three things that really crack me up over this effort to try and thwart counterfeiting-

1) A little etching like this is not much of a deterent when Omega has inconsistencies in their production and implementation. i.e. some models have this etching and some do not. Rather, this only causes confusion for gen owners as if one were to purchase and receive a watch without the marking, they might actually doubt the legitimacy of their purchase

2) This would not be out of the capabilities of what replica factories can reproduce. Granted, they might not get the details 100% correct, it might be enough to make an unknowing or unsuspecting purchaser feel confident that they are getting the real deal (when in fact they are not). To think that an etching in the caseback is enough to discourage rep factories from trying is naive. If the coronet etching on sapphire Rolex rep crystals is possible, what makes them think that etching into steel is not? Again, it might not be 1:1 perfect in terms of details, but it might be close enough (but of course, not to us ).

3) Omega makes their parts far too accessible to the public; obtaining a gen caseback (along with most other parts out there) isn't a difficult feat- I know from first hand experience Plus... The fact that they add this etching to a removable part seems a bit pointless as well; if someone adds the gen caseback to a rep, and that's one of the major characteristics that people use to determine whether a watch is bogus or not, does that automatically give it an okay in terms of whether that watch is legit? To those that use this as a basis for confirmation, I am sure many would be fooled

Seems to me that the only way one can really ensure they are buying a true gen is to buy it from an authorized AD; even then, that's not a 100% failsafe guarantee (but it can help mitigate your risks). Any physical detail the manufacturer uses to try and stem illegal reproduction just seems moot. If they can do it, what makes them think that a replica factory can't as well? Money? Equipment? That's not enough to stop them, as I'm sure the factories have both as well...

[ammandel]

If they can do it, what makes them think that a replica factory can't as well? Money? Equipment? That's not enough to stop them, as I'm sure the factories have both as well...

Off the back of what you've just said Ubi. Surely the real problem is that if the chinese rep makers can make the same quality pieces as these 'refined swiss experts' then we are simply paying too much for Gens, or believing too much in them. What I mean is, the real 'tell' should be the fit, quality of finish and 'feel' of a Gen. It 'should' be unreplicatable to be worthy of its status..

All the gens have huge marketing jargon behind them: "This piece was individually forged by hand in the depths of mount doom, and has taken 10 years to complete", but if the Chinese can make exactly the same watch bar the movement then surely something is wrong here!

Really if anything, the rep industry is now basically exposing much of the gen watch market for its overinflated pricing and self important marketing.

You know; I've used this example before.. but I'd like someone to really point out the real reason behind owning a gen 16610 over a WM9 without regurgitating Rolex marketing Jargon, talking about resale value, or mentioning the servicing. (Lets overlook the End link fit)

..and thats using a Rolex as an example. A name synonomous with 'perfection' that constantly tells us how much effort and great machinery it takes to create their pieces.

At this point, aside from the whole 'zen' of gen ownership which is essentially created by marketing, I cannot begin to think why I would purchase a gen yellow seawolf. What can the gen possibly offer me that the rep does not. What would Breitling say it offers me? The ability to send it in for a

[whitestripes]

My Omega Speedmaster Date 3210.50 had the anti-counterfeit engraving. It looked good, but a little deeper than the gen.

[trailboss]

And that little etching is suposed to stop what exactly? All it does is make gen owners feel a little more secure as most have NFI how good/close reps realy are, that's all.

Col.

[offshore]

@ammandel,

In fact it's not just about "rep" manufacturers. 'Cos in a lot of instances they are also involved in the gen trade.

I think it is pretty well accepted that these "manufacturers", actually just assemble a number of components, sourced from a variety of suppliers. These suppliers also supply to the "mainstream market"

When you look at the number of "brand" names now using Chinese components, (and the number recently purchased by Asian interests), we must almost question the parentage of a great % of "gens".

This is all a bit OT from the original discussion, however I think it is useful as we continue to understand the market.

I will be in GZ in a week or so, and now have intros to a number of component supply manufacturers. It will be interesting to see how the manufacturing/assembly process evolves. As an example, I have just been speaking with one "assembler". He mentioned that he had sourced some new better quality straps. He was travelling some distance to view them, and if they were an improvement, they would become standard on "his" version.

So the business continues to evolve, and new "versions" appear.

The one given in all this, is that the various component manufacturers are constantly learning and improving, so we will only continue to see better and better products.

As long as the competition between assemblers continues...to produce better and better watches! ( note I didn't say "reps " here)

Offshore

[mtv2009]

@ammandel,

In fact it's not just about "rep" manufacturers. 'Cos in a lot of instances they are also involved in the gen trade.

I think it is pretty well accepted that these "manufacturers", actually just assemble a number of components, sourced from a variety of suppliers. These suppliers also supply to the "mainstream market"

When you look at the number of "brand" names now using Chinese components, (and the number recently purchased by Asian interests), we must almost question the parentage of a great % of "gens".

This is all a bit OT from the original discussion, however I think it is useful as we continue to understand the market.

I will be in GZ in a week or so, and now have intros to a number of component supply manufacturers. It will be interesting to see how the manufacturing/assembly process evolves. As an example, I have just been speaking with one "assembler". He mentioned that he had sourced some new better quality straps. He was travelling some distance to view them, and if they were an improvement, they would become standard on "his" version.

So the business continues to evolve, and new "versions" appear.

The one given in all this, is that the various component manufacturers are constantly learning and improving, so we will only continue to see better and better products.

As long as the competition between assemblers continues...to produce better and better watches! ( note I didn't say "reps " here)

Offshore

For anyone thats interested theres a rather interesting thread over on watchuseek concerning this topic..

http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=91311

[TeeJay]

Off the back of what you've just said Ubi. Surely the real problem is that if the chinese rep makers can make the same quality pieces as these 'refined swiss experts' then we are simply paying too much for Gens, or believing too much in them. What I mean is, the real 'tell' should be the fit, quality of finish and 'feel' of a Gen. It 'should' be unreplicatable to be worthy of its status..

All the gens have huge marketing jargon behind them: "This piece was individually forged by hand in the depths of mount doom, and has taken 10 years to complete", but if the Chinese can make exactly the same watch bar the movement then surely something is wrong here!

Really if anything, the rep industry is now basically exposing much of the gen watch market for its overinflated pricing and self important marketing.

You know; I've used this example before.. but I'd like someone to really point out the real reason behind owning a gen 16610 over a WM9 without regurgitating Rolex marketing Jargon, talking about resale value, or mentioning the servicing. (Lets overlook the End link fit)

..and thats using a Rolex as an example. A name synonomous with 'perfection' that constantly tells us how much effort and great machinery it takes to create their pieces.

At this point, aside from the whole 'zen' of gen ownership which is essentially created by marketing, I cannot begin to think why I would purchase a gen yellow seawolf. What can the gen possibly offer me that the rep does not. What would Breitling say it offers me? The ability to send it in for a

[mtv2009]

Not to keep it off topic, but absolutely spot on This is why I wouldn't buy gens, even if I had the money to, as I just don't think they're worth the sticker price...

I think your right TeeJay.If you actually break it down your probably paying 25% cost of the watch itself and 75% for the brand name.

[TeeJay]

I think your right TeeJay.If you actually break it down your probably paying 25% cost of the watch itself and 75% for the brand name.

Absolutely so, consumerism and marketing is all a big con

[P4GTR]

In fact it's not just about "rep" manufacturers. 'Cos in a lot of instances they are also involved in the gen trade.

I think it is pretty well accepted that these "manufacturers", actually just assemble a number of components, sourced from a variety of suppliers. These suppliers also supply to the "mainstream market", we must almost question the parentage of a great % of "gens".

Offshore

This is a great little paragraph!

-We know gen components are being produced in China.

-We know only a percentage of Swiss watches (35%?) have to be assembled in Switzerland in order to get the "Swiss Made" pedigree.

-We know that some reps are being touted as 1:1, made from genuine, and/or accept genuine parts.

I put these facts together and wonder if that same plant thats making gen parts by day, opens up at night and pops off an extra 2,000 pieces to be used as "reps".

Remember the scandal over the ceramic big bang bezels? How else can we explain some of what we see? Whether this is a fact or not is something I often ponder, like say, whenever I put my SFSO on.

[Pugwash]

You know; I've used this example before.. but I'd like someone to really point out the real reason behind owning a gen 16610 over a WM9 without regurgitating Rolex marketing Jargon, talking about resale value, or mentioning the servicing.

For a start, not mentioning resale value or servicing (especially if you mean warranties) means you're pretty much eliminating most of the reason for buying Gen.

However, with the 16610, as this is the example you picked, you get the 3135 movement which is vastly superior to the ETA 2824. Also, you get a watch that you know will be waterproof at silly depths, if that is important to you. On top of this, you get a gen. A get out of being called out free card.

If I could afford it, I'd buy gen over rep any day of the week.

[Pugwash]

-We know only a percentage of Swiss watches (35%?) have to be assembled in Switzerland in order to get the "Swiss Made" pedigree.

50% by value

... and we know the factories making parts for Omega are not doing a backdoor trade in spares because they would get killed for it. Security for the bigger factories is brutal and it has to be precisely because China has always done back door trades and they had to crush them to get the kinds of business they wanted, like ETA and their like. Torture over leaks is commonplace.

http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/07/21/foxconn-employee-intigrated-over-lost-iphone-prototype-sucide-ensues/

[gioarmani]

My gen SMP chrono didn't have that either:

Interesting.

[signumboy]

my gen smp has it

for what its worth yes there are some fab reps out there. I've a very good and cheap noob its fantastic for the price.

I've also a P/O paid alot more for this and yes it was nice to start with, it's since lost all lume and the markers are a dull grey. a gen never has this issue.