Having been trapped myself twice, I am very much in a position to help others avoid the same plight. Here are 2 good rules to start with, and a few pointers about what to look for to avoid being scammed!

Rule 1: Just because the seller has a high positive feedback rating does not mean he is beyond selling you a counterfeit watch. Since I have discovered some of the most obvious clues, I have gone back over completed auctions and have found quite a few individuals who were scammed, often by sellers with hundreds of feedbacks. Yes, I have notified those that I could, and in most cases they had no idea. A quick trip to an Omega dealer confirmed their misfortune.

Rule 2: Examine the pictures carefully and compare them to pictures that are posted at the official Omega Website. Also, if the seller does not have a complete set of clear pictures, then they are likely hiding something. Do not give in to your bargain hunting insticts, and do not believe the seller if he tells you that the questionable feature you are asking about used to be available on an earlier issue of the model.

Pointer 1: It is easier to spot the fakes when they have stainless steel bracelets than when they are leather, so be careful. Omega Aqua Terras come in 3 sizes, and each one has its own ss bracelet numerical designation. It is a 2 part number that looks like this 1234/123. The first number represents the bracelet, and the second number the end pieces where the bracelet meets the watch case. If the end pieces do not say the same number as what is on the clasp, your watch is a dud. Omega does not err in this department. The correct numbers are 1575/899 for the midsize, 1574/898 for the large size, and 1573/897 for the extra large size. Almost all fakes have the following number on the clasp: 1551/861, even if it has the correct number on the end piece. If you see this number do not touch the watch, no matter how good it looks or feels!

 Note: Incorrect bracelet numbers for this model.

Pointer 2: Make sure that features such as the date window, hands and markers match the color and design that they are supposed to be. Again, this is something that can be done by visiting Omega's official website. If the date window design, or the date dial color don't look correct for the model, then the watch is a fake! There are also very subtle differences in the hands that you can see if you pay just enough attention.

 Note: Date window is never white on black dial version.

Pointer 3: The movement. A little tougher to be sure for the uninitiated. Easier for the co-axial models because of the see-through back. The Omega signature in gold is engraved in the rotor, never embossed. All of the fakes that I have seen have the name Omega applied to the surface of the part. In fact I have seen sellers on Ebay offering up these movements with any brand name you want printed on it. Also, check to see that the words written on the case back match those on the originals. One fake I saw had constellation written on it even though it was an Aqua Terra model.

 Note: Omega is embossed on rotor, not engraved. Also, Bracelet end number does not match number on bracelet clasp.

Bottom line here folks, is that it is definitely buyer beware when it comes to quality watches. Don't spend a nickel of your money unless you are absoluetely sure. One more thing, if you have discovered that your new purchase is a fake and if you paid with Paypal, do not hesitate to launch a dispute, and immediately escalate the dispute to a claim. Do not let the seller talk you out of your rights, and never accept a partial refund from the seller if it means closing the claim so that they can access their funds. If you do this you are sunk.

Sellers who sell counterfeit watches at real watch prices are the lowest of all scammers. At least the guy selling fakes in the street sells them as fakes. They are usualy quite clever and experienced at how to get out of trouble when they are caught. Don't let them trick you any further. Paypal will protect you if you return the watch with tracking. You are even more protected if you limit your transactions to highly rated sellers with more than 50 feedbacks to their credit.

By the way, I have 2 Aqua Terra  watches, a midsize and a large, and I absolutely love them. It is so worth your while to seek one out for yourself in spite of all the traps that are out there. Best of luck!!