Short answer
424.10.40 is the first eight digits of an Omega reference number, not a full one. A complete number reads 424.10.40.20.02.001. That code points to the Omega De Ville Prestige Co-Axial 39.5 mm in stainless steel. A fake 424.10.40 is a third-party copy of that watch. Omega does not build it, does not service it, and does not honor a warranty on it.
The real reference in numbers
- Case: stainless steel, 39.5 mm diameter
- Movement: Omega calibre 2500, automatic
- Escapement: Co-Axial
- Frequency: 25,200 vph, 3.5 Hz
- Jewels: 27
- Power reserve: 48 hours
- Crystal: sapphire front and caseback
- Water resistance: 30 m, 3 bar
- Dial: silvery opaline or white, Roman numerals on most versions
- Date: at 3 o'clock
Omega listed the 39.5 mm Prestige near USD 4,000 at retail. The 2500-based line is out of production. Omega later moved the Prestige line to Master Chronometer calibres. Pre-owned examples trade below original retail. Check dealer listings for current asking prices.
How replicas of this reference are built
Most fake 424.10.40 cases measure 39 mm to 40 mm and hold a Miyota 9015, a Seagull ST18, or a decorated copy of an ETA 2824. None of those movements have a Co-Axial escapement. What sellers call a clone 2500 is a rotor plate with engraving set over a different base calibre. The beat rate often differs from 25,200 vph, which changes the sweep of the seconds hand.
Checks that separate the two
- Caseback engraving. Omega cuts the text into the steel. Replicas use laser etching or a printed insert.
- Rotor finish. The 2500 rotor carries a two-tone finish and a Co-Axial arabesque. Copies print the words without the finish.
- Date disc. The font and the color match on the original. Copies show a white disc against a silver dial.
- Dial print. Look at the gap between OMEGA and De Ville, and at the placement of Swiss Made under 6 o'clock.
- Crown. The Omega symbol sits in relief on a signed crown. Copies show a shallow stamp or no mark.
- Papers and serial. A full reference and a matching serial appear on the card, the caseback, and the movement.
Replica price bands
Low tier replicas sell for USD 80 to 150. Mid tier runs 150 to 250. High tier, sometimes called super clone, runs 250 to 450. Price does not prove the movement inside. Ask for photos of the caseback and a timing reading from a timegrapher before purchase.
Service and parts
Omega service centers decline replica work. Independent watchmakers can replace a Miyota 9015 or an ETA 2824, and those parts are common. A decorated clone movement has no parts supply, so a repair often means a full movement swap.