25 Jun 2006, 23:42
Had to crack open my TC2s and take a peek. The markings are the same, including the 196 0044, so it is NOT a serial number, but more likely an Omega part number [interesting, though, that these parts were made, and marked by, the Star Watch Case Co.; I would bet the buttons and case rings were done in the U.S. as well...]. On mine, the number is stamped about midway between the edge of the flat surface and the battery connector, so this was a separate marking [probably done at the Omega factory]. My TC1s are marked 196 0020. The triangular Omega logo is immediately below the bowtie connector, with the Star Watch Case Co. five-pointed star just below that, and then the 196 0020 below that. Its interesting Omega assigned two different part numbers to the casebacks, since they are completely interchangeable. As for the lack of serial numbers; I'm still thinking about that...stay tuned.