I got SCAMMED! Fake Omega!

My first watch flip gone wrong! I found out that I bought and sold a FAKE!
I got my REAL Rolex from this recommended seller on Ebay
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[@WristwatchAddiction]

All you guys coming here going “it’s obviously fake. How didn’t you know?” And then giving incorrect info are hilarious. Yes, he got scammed and it’s super unfortunate but come on, no need to be rude. Especially when you guys seem to not have correct info on the genuine 2500 PO this is modeled after either.

[@LewisMa]

Lol I appreciate it man. Everyone's an expert after the fact. I think some of them mean well though. Some of them are just annoying 🤣. I don't pretend to be an expert but I think there are many people in the same situation wanting to try to make their first flip.

[@richardlachcik5446]

The problem is he is purporting to teach people how to flip watches, and clearly he would be leading lambs to the slaughter. Maybe he could be a personal trainer?

[@LewisMa]

@@richardlachcik5446 huh? You think this is a how to lesson??! Which video were you watching 🤣

[@guysmalley]

Wristwatch Addiction who are you the internet nanny

[@WristwatchAddiction]

guysmalley tell you what, I’ll tell you who I am when I know who you are 😂👍 first day on the internet?

[@pablozorro3507]

Thanks for having the humility to share your bad experience, and credit to you for taking the hit on the chin. Better luck in the future.

[@LewisMa]

i didnt want to at first lol but I'm glad if it saves a couple ppl from the same

[@mapledoodle5516]

“Lessons cost money” - that’s a great line my friend. Thanks for sharing this and hopefully others can learn from it.

[@LewisMa]

just like college right? lol ty for the comment

[@daveaaron8209]

Respect to you bro! Your a honest man and that’s a RARE thing these days!

[@phantom_knight5150]

I appreciate your integrity for not passing the fake onto the person wanting to buy it from you. Hopefully something nice comes your direction.

[@LewisMa]

ty brotha

[@neilsontan1974]

please share where you bought it and who is the seller, so everyone is safe from that fxxker!!

[@Jager4584]

Neil T Can you please share where you bought to help others?

[@neilsontan1974]

@@Jager4584 Lewis didnt share yet ....

[@LewisMa]

@@neilsontan1974 stay tuned for the next video, follow up on this topic

[@scott650]

I think a friend of mine just got taken on an Omega Seamaster. He is so proud to have gotten an ~$8K watch for $1K on an auction site, when I paid $3.5K for an Aqua Terra from an AD. I don't know how to bring it up without upsetting him. I need to, because 6 mths ago I think he did the same thing with a Tag. The Tag stopped ticking while he was showing it to me. He bashed it a few times with his knuckle and it started again. I told him to have it serviced. Figured the AD would give the bad news. No one is selling $8K watches with a reserve under $1K.

[@LewisMa]

If it seems too good to be true.....

[@LewisMa]

And check it asap he's probably protected for a period of time if he paid w PayPal or a CC

[@Oakleyworld]

keep us updated please

[@AaronS11979]

To be fair, I purchased a Tag Carrera from a dealer over a decade ago and within a week noticed parts floating around in the see-through case back. I returned it, waited a few months for warranty to work on it, and when I got it back it still had an issue (I don't remember exactly what). I said I'm done and went with an Omega Seamaster instead. I then loved that Seamaster until my divorce caused hardship and I had to sell it. Point is, even genuine high end watch can have catastrophic failures.

[@63CommonSense]

That took guts to admit that you got scammed, it could happen to anyone. You took it well, you learned something about identifying fakes and shared it with others so we could learn something too. I say that definitely some good came out of it. Don't give up, try again until you get success.

[@LewisMa]

Thx brotha I'm done flipping

[@n.iwatcheswithjude7901]

Whys he calling a chronograph a chronometer

[@LewisMa]

ahh my bad

[@ralphferguson7649]

Sorry to say this, but that was the first thing I noticed. It indicates to me that Mr. Ma needs to put in the work to master the subject matter before getting any deeper into watch flipping. It's hard to make money on watches even if you know what you're doing. Without that knowledge one just becomes an easy mark. Good video, good job taking care of your buyer.

[@LewisMa]

@@ralphferguson7649 yup done flipping

[@gilbertjuarezjr8183]

Chronometer means it is certified by cosc witch means it has been tested to better spec

[@chinarider8051]

@@gilbertjuarezjr8183 It is a certification that it can resist magntism, up to 50,000 gauss. Hold a magnet to a normal, uncertified watch, and it will stop(on automatic/mechanical pieces, analog movements).

[@stevidente]

Dont try to buy and sell if you dont really know anything about watches. Chronograph, chronometer, deployant, these are terms you should know. Dont buy without seeing the movement first. Take it to a dealer for verification. Ask to see any papers, service hustory, etc.

[@LewisMa]

great advice for anyone looking ot flip. Be more knowledgeable. I dont know if knowing the terms is significant but certainly what to look for. ty for the comment!

[@kevinhacken9801]

For us noobs, how does one go about seeing the movement? Would you open it in front of the seller?

[@Diego20253]

Thank you vey much for sharing your story and being so humble and honest about your experience.

[@MarcusJFox]

I noticed there were plenty of A1 fake watches coming from China circulating around the world. To play safe, together with the seller bring the watch to an authorised dealer get it authenticate before paying him. 🙏🏻

[@simondouglas3519]

Fakes are that good now some AD's will not take the risk of making a mistake.. especially Rolex.

[@frankthetank5013]

Dam I’m sorry to hear this bro. I was so scared shitless when I was shopping for my Rolex pre owned. I ended up buy it from a well known grey market dealer.

[@LewisMa]

i'm happy to only have lost about $1000. (I sold the fake as a fake for 200). Yeah the thought of way more money is scary

[@ThiHaGadgets]

@frank handy Can I know which dealer?

[@alanking5001]

Hey at the end of the day you were the better man , strength of character is worth more than any watch ever made . 👍

[@LewisMa]

thank you brotha, he needed the money more than i did :)

[@FrostedSeagull]

You said it ! 👍

[@jonhettrick7969]

Yeah I got a fake G-Shock and didn't even know it thank God it didn't cost an arm and a leg. Then I found a buyer that guaranteed it was his watch told me where he bought it and that he was the only one that had owned it and it was real. So now I have a fake and a real one. The fake one is pretty good. I wear the fake to work just in case I bash it up I don't have to worry about it. They're making pretty good replicas nowadays even with Swiss movement's.

[@y0shi556]

Hi this is a great vid very insightful and kudos to you for refunding the buyer immediately after knowing it's a fake.

[@LewisMa]

Ty brotha 👍

[@LewisMa]

stay tuned for the next video, follow up on this topic

[@gang208]

While I'm pretty sure the one you got is a replica, you can't always go with the serial numbers. In fact, many replicas have "valid" serial numbers because they copy the serial numbers from one or more genuine watches of the same model/type. There could be a real Omega out there with the same serial number. For Omegas, if you open the back cover, you can tell right away. Omegas made after 2000 have Co-axial movement, which is very unique in its escapement mechanism and visibly different. Replica makers don't bother to copy that movement.

[@ghantechmobile5474]

Can you explain what the co-axial movement is? Does this mean the second hand sweeps on the post 2000 made Omegas versus the pre 2000 watches the second hand moves choppy like? Thanks

[@maxwells2602]

At least you made it more difficult for him and other scammers to keep doing this by warning others how to check if it is a fake.

[@LewisMa]

hopefully it saves a couple ppl

[@aliminhusni2731]

I feel you. Here’s some love. Got here to check newly-purchased 3513 reduced. Everything looks fine but they said my model should have rotor sound/feel. But I can hear or feel it. Really hope it’s legit.

[@FrostedSeagull]

Hey Man, I have just Subscribed to your Channel so I hope you feel better. I am 52 years old and have seen everything in life so far. KARMA - It always catches up with these people. People may laugh but I've seen it every time. KARMA takes its time but it always catches up with these peope . . . ALWAYS 👌 You are definitely the bigger person in every way. You could have trolled this clown but you didn"t. YOUR honesty is worth more than any Omega, Philipe Patek and Konstantin Vecheron !

[@LewisMa]

VERY KIND WORDS, thank you so much.. since my channel grew significantly a few weeks ago ive been telling my friends that I've opened my eyes to the types of ppl out there who leave negative comments. Your comment is a good reminder that I should focus on the type of ppl who will take time to write something so nice for a stranger. Thank you for turning my perception on this around🙏

[@descheong86]

Well done for integrity. You never pass your hurt to others and refunded the guy who bought the watch from you.

[@oocheewee1296]

like to see the mechanism inside

[@LewisMa]

stay tuned follow up video coming

[@rajgill7576]

Came to learn about watches, left with a life lesson about restraint. I would have been livid at the old buyer out of frustration but you're a wise guy

[@LewisMa]

Very nice words, thank you. I wasn't going to waste any more time on this guy

[@rajgill7576]

@@LewisMa meant to say the old seller** but yea you got the idea. Well handled

[@ShanePleasance]

Damn - unlucky. Scary, too. *Scuttles off to look at his Spectre....*

[@LewisMa]

it IS a beautiful watch tho

[@ShanePleasance]

@@LewisMa yeah, and I'm good.

[@LewisMa]

@@ShanePleasance 🙏👍👍

[@patrickriarchy6054]

If you still have this and it has the movement that I'm thinking of. You should be able to pull the crown out to setting position and pushing one of the pushers should advance the tachymeter seconds hand one second each press..

[@LewisMa]

I got rid of it but great advice if someone is in a similar situation

[@MrJeppson]

Buy from Elady Japan, I bought two use Omega watches, one from 2006 and one from 1998.

[@tonyduffy3263]

Sorry to see you or anyone scammed like that. Does that mean that verifying the serial number of a watch gives it authenticity?

[@LewisMa]

I don't know if that's true or not but I know that the opposite is true. You can verify that a watch is fake by checking the serial number online. All fakes have the same set of serials, but sometimes it takes a little research to find. Check my watch scam attempt video. It was harder for me to verify that serial was a fake

[@tonyduffy3263]

@@LewisMa I just watched it, very informative, thanks

[@LewisMa]

@@tonyduffy3263 hope to save just 1 person!!

[@tanray1748]

Sorry to hear about the scam. Personally i will prefer to go to reputable grey dealer for more security but with additional cost.

[@LewisMa]

yeah, or know what to look for

[@littlerascals6529]

Hard lesson to learn. Always buy from an AD to be 100% sure you’re watch is authentic.

[@342boss]

That sucks. I've been flipping for quite a few years. Actually picked up a fake from a pawn shop. It was an 8906 GMT Big Red with an exhibition case back. Something just didn't feel right. Invest in a timegrapher. All current Omega 3 handers and GMTs beat at 25.2. Fakes all beat at 28.8. Plus you'll see a little "peace" sign over the bridge. Tough break though!

[@LewisMa]

yeah i'm getting a timegrapher! I'm done flipping but want to see (and make a video) my rolex vs my tag (quartz). Wish i could get my hands on a fake to test

[@jacobschwab6942]

It's called a chronograph. Not chronometer. The label on the dial has to do with the accuracy

[@LewisMa]

thank u

[@paulbrady701]

Hi Lewis I’ve come across this by doing a bit of due diligence and boy am I glad I did,first I’m sorry you got scammed,but karma will play a part in his life .I was almost led up the garden path by a to good to be true deal on an aqua terra but was way under priced even for eBay and over a few days it felt like I was being lead on in the bids.Something just wasn’t right so googled like you and bingo replica watches.Do good things and good things will happen for you and miss karma owes you one.Good luck new sub.🇮🇪

[@LewisMa]

I LOVE THIS! thank you for sharing! I'm glad the video helped someone!

[@mk007.]

I bought fake Rolex Daytona off of EBay 10-15 years ago and even file a claim with eBay and police. They didn’t do anything. I’m not gonna tell how I get rid of it but I got my money back

[@LewisMa]

lol email me lewis at lewisma dot com

[@juliuswang9670]

Were the chronograph pushers supposed to be screw down? I’m not very familiar with Omega divers but it seems quite obvious.

[@LewisMa]

no not screwdown

[@CyberDroneII]

Did you not notice that the serial number has one digit to many? At least as far as I know, Omega always uses eight digits not nine. I just double checked with mine and it certainly has eight. Furthermore the serial number is the other way around. Mine is definitely an original. I bought it at brand new at a certified retailer

[@LewisMa]

good to know! ty

[@LewisMa]

actually not true brotha. follow up vid coming stay tuned

[@CyberDroneII]

@@LewisMa Are you sure? I just looked it up in order to verify my statement. Unless your watch is older then 1944 it must have an eight digit serial number. From 1894-1943 they had seven digits. But I am exited to see what you found out.

[@jeremythevirushuang6303]

New to your channel. I was looking at some high end replicas to compare to my GEN Submariner "Kermit" and came across yours. Nice content and glad you did the right thing and refunded your buyer. You could have easily sold it off and turned a profit. This is one of the major reason why I ONLY buy GEN watch from an authorized dealer and not some Jewelry store or online or someone who I don't know. The rep market is incredibly good as you know. So I don't want to spend 12k on a fake when I should have paid 15k for a real.

[@LewisMa]

One of the reasons I went with the SkyDweller. I don't think they can get the movement right. Or I should say, a matter of time

[@chris-vn6sw]

Would it have been wise to checkout the serial number first and pay by a credit card to cover your purchase.

[@shaycormac3147]

Same thing happened with me. Purchased a Breitling, but it's 100 percent fake! I should have watched this video before!

[@shaycormac3147]

Thanks Lewis

[@tedputee6135]

With your expertise in watches and you still got scammed, that is why I dare not to buy expensive watches on the internet, ADs or boutique only.

[@LewisMa]

I'm no expert but thank you😀 Just a guy that likes watches

[@MarcR34]

Ted Putee I agree 100% ted! Lewis was totally in the wrong buying a high grade watch off the internet (stupid) i just can’t see why he would buy it and I guess in the back of Lewis’s head just hoping everything was 100% was all good!!! 🙄

[@ces69]

Ted Putee If you buy through a site like eBay, pay attention to the seller’s reviews and never be tempted to try and save by cutting eBay out if the loop and paying cash, you lose your protection! Always pay by PayPal and deal with established sellers! Nothing is 100% but a good chance of getting your money back!

[@PETER-rt6zt]

My very first REDFLAG on your vid. was the scratches on the bezel.! On ceramic ? I dont think so .

[@LewisMa]

Read the pinned comment

[@WristwatchAddiction]

Do you still have this piece, I’d love to see what movement they used. My guess would be a clone eta but would love to actually see.

[@LewisMa]

i don't i sold it (as a fake). i have some pics though because it was actually en route to the buyer before i realized it was a fake . he asked if he could open it up before sending it back to me. i agreed

[@LewisMa]

stay tuned for the next video, follow up on this topic. found pics of this movement

[@mikem5389]

A naked watch (which I'm sure this was) for cash screams red flags unless the seller has significant references. Especially for an Omega that clean that hasn't been made in years. Always have the case popped to check the movement.

[@sgcitizen1063]

Hi Lewis, Zack one of the chap that feedback herewith; he is spot on, the HE placement of your fake - it is off the mark at the 10 hr marker, the original is dead spot on. Buyer needs to know many small little items to spot a fake. Even for Rolex, most of the Rolex fakes sapphire crystal is slightly higher than original Rolex. So you need to know 100% of original before you can point out a fake. Just sharing.

[@LewisMa]

Great advice check out my follow up video if you're interested

[@chrisalexander6002]

Humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Fair play for sharing your story mate...tough to stomach people making money from a scam like this. You'll get it back in the long run.

[@LewisMa]

Thus is life🤷🏻‍♂️ thx for taking the time to comment 🙏

[@Questionthis1]

It’s not a chronometer function it’s a chronograph function just FYI chronometer is a name for a watch certified with high accuracy

[@lHurtYourFeeIings]

You bought a watch... in person... with cash. LOL

[@joefisher7431]

Excellent video. It takes a big person to walk away. An even bigger person to teach others. Thankyou! I honestly can't say that I wouldn't have found that guy and...well let's say even it up, n'est pa's? Great vid!

[@LewisMa]

Ty brotha

[@cigarswatchescoffee2330]

You can tell it’s fake immediately from the strap. Where the strap meets the lugs, it should be curved to the shape of the case.

[@LewisMa]

Hi thx for the comment. I believe that's the case for the rubber strap but for the leather there will be a gap even on the authentic version

[@cigarswatchescoffee2330]

Lewis Ma - Maximize your Lifestyle good to know. Thank you

[@LewisMa]

@@Hansenwork lesson learned!

[@Hansenwork]

Lewis Ma - Maximize your Lifestyle actually I’m not sure my self for this model. So you might be right. I deleted my original comment!

[@jamesmustin7289]

First off I love Omega, but I buy vintage . My newest watch is a 1963. I wear a watch without a date. Four Manuel’s And one automatic. Anything more I pull out my IPhone, I set my 5 omega’s wrist watch and one omega pocket watch.each Morning by atomic clock app. Two of my watches are 18k rose gold three are stainless. They all keep going time. The earliest is a 1943 26.5t3 war watch. It keeps excellent time

[@speedy1001]

The way to check whether the watches is fake or not...Only when we opened the back case and see the engine.

[@LewisMa]

if you look closely the date should have given it away. I never owned an Omega before but probably could have looked closer

[@edwarddelhierro]

Worst part is that the fake had a nice scratch right on the bezel...I hope there was a reduction in the price you paid for that :/

[@LewisMa]

lol there was, maybe too big of a reduction that it should have been a red flag!

[@BobLorrimer]

I am with you on this one - you have a philosophical attitude which is healthy! We all make mistakes and have to man up - Your time will come when the scammer goes down for his crimes.

[@ChrisHonea]

Thanks for sharing this video…I learned something from you now.

[@robert039]

I just tried that site and it’s down, I’d be down to buy a 1:1 rep like that

[@LewisMa]

Ahh ok. For the record I wasn't endorsing the site

[@security_threat]

I bought one out of curiosity, hint: check reddit and forums for reputable middle men. The reps usually look great physically but corners are seriously cut. Definetly with the movement and bezel on mine. It's been 1.5 years and it's still running but it ain't no geniuine watch. I think a rep can be a good test to see if you're going to like wearing the watch long term.

[@LewisMa]

@@security_threat i remember when i had the fake it was a horrible time keeper. +- 2 or 3 minutes a DAY

[@ces69]

Lewis Ma - Maximize Your Lifestyle Not so much the case nowadays, but very easy to regulate with some basic watch tools from eBay and advise from KZbin!

[@thorshammer5166]

Thank you for sharing your experience, it will definitely help if I decide to purchase a used watch.

[@LewisMa]

just try to find a reputable dealer. I bought a couple online

[@craigsteele4344]

Good attitude, learn by your mistakes. Thanks for sharing and warning others.

[@eyebidder]

Did the seller provide you with an authentic hinged box? Papers? Warranty card? Most owners of high end watches keep the factory box, etc. You should have asked your seller where they got it. $1200 for a $9K watch? C'mon man...

[@LewisMa]

sure didn't. lesson learned

[@LewisMa]

just for anyone else reading this comment though, a box and papers doesn't make a watch real. You can actually go onto Etsy and buy a rolex box and blank warranty card. I almost want to drop $400 and see how good it is. maybe after my channel monetizes :)

[@eyebidder]

@@LewisMa good point when you see people selling high-end watch boxes for $150 and up

[@LewisMa]

@@eyebidder and a card. Scary

[@ntag411]

Appreciate the video. Fakes/replicas have come a long way. All dealers including experienced collectors will open the watch. The fakes can not be detected with any degree of certainty without checking the movement. Know or specialize within makes and models. On late model Rolex the fakes have not imitated the movement to the point of passing a visual inspection. Do not need to be a watchmaker to change/adjust bands, straps, R/R the movement, R/R hands, adjust movement and replace or re-lube seals. This is well within the ability of a technician or many collectors. It's just a part of the hobby for many of us.

[@LewisMa]

Great advice, thank you brotha

[@mikehunt5400]

Why didn't you open the watch to check? a 40x loupe means nothing if you don't know what to look for.

[@LewisMa]

Yup good advice for anyone looking to flip. I'm done tho!

[@rbivgq1734]

Thats a real bummer, if your in the market for a high end watch always visit an authorized retailer, yep you will pay more but it will be worth it. If you have to buy a pre-owned watch have it be for the only logical reason and that is you collect vintage or watches that are no longer produced and if you have to go that route buy the watch not the seller pay to have it verified, demand papers. Pre-pwned is to big a gamble even if its real, has it been serviced and if so by whom and did they do a proper job or damage the movement.

[@LewisMa]

Great advice Robert, thank you for the comment 🙏

[@zachostrom9897]

Thank you for sharing this content, looking to make a big watch purchase soon and you are doing your part to protect the buyers.. much appreciated and I wish you the best of luck

[@mas3974]

Where did you buy this watch from? Maybe put that info up or was it just a private seller?

[@LewisMa]

Yes private seller

[@Mattipazz0]

May I ask why you didn't open the caseback? Does it mess with WR even if you take it to a dealer?

[@HowieDuwitt]

What a rough lesson to learn! I feel for you for sure. It's easy to claim that you can spot a fake but when the time comes to make a decision, including the pressure to flip as well as the feeling that a quick purchase will ensure you don't lose out on a deal, we are all susceptible to this! As for the watch.. i'm assuming it's a chinese clone of the proper movement? In that case, a watch maker should be able to detach the seconds hand and realign it perfectly at 12 oclock no issue. I quartz watches there's a reset you can do yourself but I doubt it's battery opperated inside.

[@LewisMa]

Lol thx for the comment. If you read down the comments below apparently everyone's an expert 🤷🏻‍♂️ but yeah this one was mechanical, a good clone but not perfect.

[@LewisMa]

stay tuned for the next video, follow up on this topic

[@viveksarathe9516]

So buddy what's your best advice to buy a luxury watch from where..AD, boutique?

[@LewisMa]

sure, if possible. the problem is if it's an Omega you're overpaying, and if Rolex, you can't get what you want. Given that, i ended up getting mine from a reputable second hand dealer. Checked reviews and checked Rolex forums. Let us know what you do!

[@pauljackson6593]

Reputable grey dealer

[@ricchrono5907]

great that you put this vid out and better still, expose that pos preventing others from getting cheated.

[@mcmach1]

Word

[@ianmarks4481]

Good on you for refunding your buyer. I'm sitting here with a fake Bulgari watch, knowing I will never get my money back. That was my expensive lesson.

[@LewisMa]

I'm sorry. Hope it doesn't set you back too much. I got rid of it, someone wanted it for like $100. I just wanted it out of my house

[@Mythicregard]

@@LewisMa I would've loved to see what was inside of that thing.

[@Mythicregard]

Which Bulgari is it? What were the circumstances if you don't mind sharing?

[@LewisMa]

@@Mythicregard i have a few pictures before i got rid of it. maybe youtube will let me post pictures now....

[@ianmarks4481]

@@Mythicregard Hi - The real Bulgari is called the "Aluminum" and from a few feet away the replica is pretty convincing. I bought it from a company that conducts online estate auctions and they specifically disavow any responsibility for the items they sell - it's in their terms of service. People bid based entirely on one or two very mediocre photos. Ironically, they have an auction ending tonight that includes a "Cartier" watch that I suspect is also a fake (interestingly, it's listed just as "Wrist Watch"). I see it just now closed at $850! That would be a good price if the watch were real, but after comparing the auction photos with literally every photo of the authentic item I could find online, I am sure it's a fake. The buyer is probably patting himself on the back right now for scoring the deal of a lifetime; I'll bet he won't be so happy when he learns he spent $850 on a $75 replica.

[@alohapoppet6107]

I feel for ya

[@goldendawn7]

Always check the power reserve. These days with more and more proprietary movements we're seeing power reserves getting way higher than the 38-42 hours of watches past, and for some reason thats the one area the scammers haven't caught up with it yet. I believe this Omega should have a PR over 50, the Chinese knockoff movement will be 40 maybe. Also, theres a reason box and papers command a premium; most if not all ADs keep records of serial numbers they sold and can verify past purchases. If i ever bought a watch without papers, the back comes off or if i know im keeping it for the long haul, I'll pay the $$ for an appraisal at a jewellery store with a reputable watch repair department. They will inspect it for authenticity for an appraisal.

[@LewisMa]

Great advice. I remember this one stopping in less than 2 days. The power reserve was not much. Also every couple days it would be off by 3 or 4 minutes! POS

[@wasafbari9770]

Thanks for sharing. Good form on returning the buyers money, we need more character like this today.

[@LewisMa]

ty brotha!

[@juanfernandez-ec2yy]

Thank you for sharing your story. Remember, the guy who sold you the fake watch will never prosper! Take care! Juan

[@LewisMa]

no ill will to anyone 😀

[@balluumm1]

A wonderful video Sir and I applaud your honesty, even more than admitting that you messed up and took a financial hit. I'm sure you will be more careful in the future. I have flipped watches in the past but I buy from pawn shops in London that are situated near Casinos, believe me they really check before they loan money on a watch. When people don't come back they're happy to get their money back plus a small profit. So I get a real watch at a good price that I can also make a small profit on. On a different note, I love the picture of the skydweller in the background. Good luck in the future.

[@LewisMa]

Thank you for the comment. Yes I actually got my schedule from a jeweler that also acts as a pawn shop up in New York

[@vinnier6]

How does one press a chronometer

[@cashtech3997]

Hey, Lewis, How much did you lose on that deal man? I went to a flea market this past weekend and found a really good deal at an old Arabic watch repair dealer guy's booth. I paid $400 for a used Omega Seamaster professional planet ocean. I have been trying to find a blemish on it, not much other than a few fine scratches on the band. The dealer took the back off, it works, all functions, emblems, craftsmanship, crown, and all seems to be in good shape and the weight is 7 ounces. I Am in love with it. I want to get it professionally examine, but even if it was a fake, it is a damn good one for $400.

[@LewisMa]

That's about how much high end fakes cost. I paid 1200

[@cashtech3997]

​@@LewisMa Well I may just keep it. It is so good, that I Am thinking it may be real. The motor is gold and the watch weighs 192 grams or 7 ounces. I think weight is the best indicator of the fakes, and the Helium Release. I have noticed that some say He on the Helium dial and some say 42. Which is the original and if the Helium dial does not function, is it a fake? I am taking this watch back to the jeweler for a 2nd look. It may be worth the money even if it is a good fake.

[@LewisMa]

@@cashtech3997 I remember on mine the helium function didn't work

[@cashtech3997]

@@LewisMa Okay, what about the weight? Mine weighs pretty hefty at a Standard 192 grams. Not using Troy Grams. Just Standard grams 192 grams or 7 ounces. This thing is heavy. So if the Original Weights can be determined, this is a good way of determining the authenticity. Did you ever weigh yours?

[@LewisMa]

@@cashtech3997 sorry sure didn't

[@TheNotoriousPhD]

hats off to you.

[@hjones1]

Good info on Collectors Pawn Broker. Thanks.

[@swampThaang]

Though unlikely, isn’t one of those serials always a real watch? I’m assuming no box/papers, or were these faked also? My worst nightmare, avoiding Rolex doesn’t mean you are safe.

[@LewisMa]

Lol yeah check my watch scam attempt video. Yes always 1 real serial. Box was included but I realized later it was poor quality

[@j.j.9301]

Sadly there are more fake watches then original, it happen with me last week. Luckily i got my refund but still feel about it

[@LewisMa]

lol nice i wont ask how u got your refund

[@operasinger2126]

Rolex copies are getting hard to tell with the naked eye.

[@jasonbourne639]

Thumb up for an honest man like you, I'm very sorry for your bad experience. The guy that sold you the replica sooner or later will know what divine justice means in a bad way for him.

[@LewisMa]

Thx much👍

[@johnchan4840]

Just cannot understand how one can be in the watch business without the fundamental knowledge of opening up a watch to check the validity of the movement... So sad...

[@nm9xk]

Good attitude man

[@LewisMa]

What do you do?!? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@robertmb3332]

Where can you buy these fake Omega?

[@beemer1111]

After meeting a guy who had responded to my ad, offering to buy high end pre-owned watches, I inspected his Cartier, along with its box and paperwork. Myself and a friend who is a very knowledgable watch guy both concurred it was real, and a good buy at the price we agreed to. After attending to business we were all relaxed, had a coffee together, and agreed to meet later that day for a cash exchange. Of course, he switched the watch for a very good fake, after my guard was down, and my trust level was high. As quickly as I discovered the switch, he dumped his burner phone, and I never saw him again. As quickly as I thought I would get in the business, I got out, lol. So don’t feel totally stupid, just a little, like I did thinking I could “flip” a piece or build a collection at a discount.

[@LewisMa]

Thx for putting yoursefl out there! i was so embarrassed after it happened i didnt want to even tell my friends. but whatever, live and learn. But ditto, the flipping game is not for me!

[@Mythicregard]

Thanks to both of you for sharing your experiences.

[@LewisMa]

@@Mythicregard thx for watching the video brotha

[@LewisMa]

@regalblue41 Yes great advice!

[@llamamanism]

That’s the old “ bait and switch “ scam, I’ve come across that before. In tourist shops your shown the real thing but when they box it up and wrap it the switch is done. By the time you realise you’re at home thousands of miles away and it’s too late

[@miloscvetkovic2633]

Always get primted kind of buyers contract. It should contain sellers id number and watch serial number and sellers handwrite at least.

[@martinofidacaro2281]

Hi can I ask you something, did it say authenticity guarantee on the top right before you purchased this alleged fake?

[@spyroz78]

Rep. Are up to 1;1 nowadays especially watches aren’t highly engineered.... check out the noob factory 116500ln Daytona or the zzf v2s hulk, sorry about your lost buddy.

[@LewisMa]

its scary out there. part of the reason i got an annual calendar, little harder to copy for now

[@gilbertjuarezjr8183]

It just shows most people buy for a name nothing else. If a fake can be the same quality at a way cheaper price it says something. Yes I understand movement but 90% or more people No nothing about that just the name.

[@RegularGuy76]

So what did you buy it for??

[@vinceslapchopper]

always buy the seller before buying the watch.

[@johng7518]

Nowadays, trust no one.

[@Ferien7]

vinceslapchopper ads will rip you off too

[@raka9]

Didn't work for Horology House

[@nordiccommerceconsulting5928]

Didn't you get any accessories such as chronometer certificate and warranty cards, inner and outer box etc? It's a good start at least having those items before buying a watch. Any way I'm truly sorry for your loss. You earned my respect by going out public on internet and warning other people. Cheers

[@LewisMa]

Thx man. Hopefully it prevents a couple victims like me who are overly optimistic in ones own abilities 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@AaronS11979]

On a positive note, anyone who loves the look of these watches but can't (or refuses to) afford one, can be assured that a replica these days will fool just about anyone walking by for 1/30th the price. But there is a special place in hell for scammers trying to sell replicas as originals for sure.

[@johnpinner1]

Let us know the seller so other people won't get scam

[@LewisMa]

theres many scammers out there the point of the video is to be careful

[@papatriot9882]

I don’t understand why you didn’t pursue it further with the police.

[@LewisMa]

i lost my money didnt want to lose more time i guess

[@NOYBidness]

Lewis, I know this video is 6 months old so you may have figured this out by now, but what that guy did was illegal. You could have, still can, and absolutely should call the police. Any fraud over $1,000 in most states is quite a serious crime. It’s no different that robbery if the police and (ultimately) judge determines the sellers knew it was fake. Even if you can’t PROVE the seller knew the watch was fake, he will still be forced by law to return your money. I’d contact him again, tell him you spoke to a lawyer and found out what he did was illegal.

[@LewisMa]

thx brotha, great advice. i know you mean well and i (and others reading this) appreciate that that's absolutely the correct recourse.

[@Seqtopus]

You can tell from the tone of your voice how this was a horrible experience for you. I thank you for uploading this video to help everyone be more prepared for fake watches. I’ll throw you a like friend.

[@LewisMa]

Ty brotha 👍

[@JudasIscariot81]

Can't you report him to the police or whatever?

[@cheemusic7575]

How much did you paid for the watch

[@MarcR34]

I feel sorry for ya dude but like all of us all know that there’s Reps out there and like you said that they’re getting better by the day.... I would not buy a watch of that grade offline .... to me that’s just dumb ( sorry dude)

[@karlhennig2698]

What are the take home messages?: Hard to know outside of a reputable seller. Did your seller have many positive ratings? I would have liked to hear of more things to avoid, such as: avoid vastly underpriced watches (too good to be true, it likely is), watches on bid. Sellers aren't to disclose registration numbers so they aren't cloned, making it hard to confirm via reg number.

[@LewisMa]

Great question. I wish I had a list. He did have some positive ratings, not many, but he's also not a professional seller so I would not expect that. I remember his listing was for $1,600 and I offered him $1,200, and he accepted right away. I guess that could have been a little bit of a red flag for a $3,000 watch. Karl, if you do a quick search online, I just about any watch can be cloned. I guess that's partly the reason why I got a SkyDweller. Very high complication

[@LewisMa]

@Sanctuary Cities Suck stay tuned for a follow up video!