For example, if a particular model was first released in the 1990s but has a serial number dating it to the 1970s, it is very likely a fake. As well as that, they can be used to check if the watch has been stolen, or to authenticate whether it is genuine or counterfeit. Unlike the PIC numbers, which classify a certain group of watches, the serial number IDs the exact individual watch.īecause these serial numbers are issued more or less chronologically, they can be used to ball park the approximate date the watch was made by checking it against a production chart, such as the ones below. What Is a Serial Number?Įvery watch in the Omega collection gets a unique serial number. Fortunately, the serial numbers are a bit more straightforward. So, like I said, it can get a little perplexing.
- 14-99: Dial color with other combinations such as precious stones.
- Second D: Number of complications (0-9).
- DD: Type of Movement and Number of Complications.
- 35-38: Stainless steel and other material paved.
- 30-33: Stainless steel and other material.
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The PIC system started in 1988, running concurrently with Mapics, and featured an arrangement of eight numbers in three groups (XXXX.XX.XX).įinally, today we have the PIC14 structure, with 14 digits in six groups. TA: Titanium and yellow gold combination.ZZ: Case Material (could come before or after the numbers).Last three Xs: Differentiation of Various Models.6: Leather strap and diamond bezel (ladies’).2: Leather strap and diamond bezel (men’s).3: Steel/gold case on partial steel/gold braceletīetween 19 they used the Mapics system, consisting of two letters followed by either six or seven numbers.2: Steel/gold case on steel/gold bracelet.XXXX: Product Line, Material Type and Product Variation.These are used to categorize the model, materials, functions and features of each individual watch, and the manufacture has used four different systems over the years.īefore 1962 it was a simple alphanumeric code of two letters followed by four digits. The quick version is that PIC (or Product Identification Code) numbers are simply what Omega now calls their reference numbers. Serial Numbers, Reference Numbers And PIC Numbers: What’s the Difference? So, we have put together this guide to help explain how serial numbers differ from the other systems, why having your serial number is important, how they have changed over time and where you can find it on your watch.
Renowned Swiss brand Omega is no exception, and you can easily find yourself getting lost trying to figure out the difference between serial numbers, reference numbers, and in Omega’s case, PIC numbers. The various numbering systems used by luxury watch manufacturers to identify their models can get fairly confusing.