We look at experimental perfect Omega Speedmaster replica watches that is a thing of real beauty. NASA introduced my dream version in the early 1970s, but sadly, it was never a production model.
The Omega Speedmaster needs no introduction. Suffice it to say, the Speedmaster is one of the most iconic watch designs not just of the mid-20th century but also of all time. The high quality UK Omega Speedmaster fake watches is also a watch that I’ve never owned nor seriously lusted after. In fact, I must admit that I don’t currently even own a watch from Omega, whether vintage or modern (that needs to change). It seemed my time to write about this sad state of affairs was overdue, and what better opportunity to do so than on Speedy Tuesday?
Why don’t I own an Omega Speedmaster?
Perhaps it is partly because the Swiss made replica Omega Speedmaster watches is so truly iconic (almost a default choice for a serious watch enthusiast) that I’ve shied away from it. Objectively, the Speedmaster Professional is a beautiful watch design. The lyre lugs and short lug-to-lug length trick you into thinking you’re wearing something a bit smaller than a 42mm case. As any Speedmaster owner would attest, the Speedmaster Professional feels much closer to a 40mm watch on the wrist.
Many a time, I have wandered into an Omega boutique and tried on the Speedy Pro. I’ve performed this little ritual whenever I spot a boutique since at least 2019. This means I’ve tried on the current and the previous generation of the Speedmaster in the Omega boutique. Every time, I have walked out with a solid appreciation of the top Omega copy watches and a little thrill from trying it on but never enough of an urge to buy it.
It’s not because they are hard to come by
The same can be said for the myriad opportunities I have had to pick one up secondhand. The Omega Speedmaster is, thankfully, quite a popular timepiece in Australia. This means that secondhand options of all types come up for sale pretty regularly. This can include the smaller versions, the various special and limited editions, and the standard 42mm models. Prices vary due to condition and the specific model for sale, but they generally seem eminently reasonable on the used market.
There is the Speedmaster ’57 “Replica” that my colleagues Gerard, Lex, and RJ own, which has a different design aesthetic much more reminiscent of the 1950s than the 1960s, which I appreciate. The Broad Arrow hour handset on that watch has a certain boldness to it, and it appeals to me. The steel bezel dresses down the luxury China Omega replica watches too and makes it look even more “toolish.” If I were to go for a modern re-edition, it would probably be that reference 3594.50. The Speedmaster design before it became the space-adventuring cultural icon.
But my perfect Speedmaster does exist…
The cheap Omega Speedmaster super clone watches that sets my heart aflutter (or appeals to the lizard part of my brain) does exist. And I discovered it only recently. But I have done myself a big disservice by discovering what would be one of my “perfect” Omega Speedmasters. While trawling the internet and sleuthing some photo archives, as I am wont to do, I came across several forum posts and articles on the Omega Speedmasters with radial dials.
These were experimental dial designs that Omega introduced when tweaking the Speedmaster for use by NASA astronauts. The radial design is also the dial layout that Fratello and Omega used for the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday “Tribute to Alaska III.”
Now, there are some serious experts out there, so I won’t stray too far into this historical territory except to note my appreciation for this rare design and the bezel that accompanied some of these AAA replica Omega watches. You see, in some NASA historical images, we can see astronauts wearing either a radial-dial Speedmaster or a regular-dial Speedmaster with a 60-minute bezel. A Speedmaster with a 60-minute bezel is a jaw-dropping design. When I stumbled across some of these images, I knew I had found my dream Speedmaster.
NASA and the 60-minute-bezel Omega Speedmaster
Al Worden was one such astronaut pictured wearing the experimental design. In training leading up to the Apollo 15 mission, Worden was pictured wearing a Speedmaster with a 60-minute bezel. Not many photos have been found of this particular Swiss movements Omega copy watches, and from the reading I’ve done thus far, it seems a standard Speedmaster ended up going into space with Worden. This is because images of him from after his landing show a regular-production watch.
So, now we have two quite distinct design elements — A) a radial dial design and B) a 60-minute bezel. Let’s throw in a third to make it a perfect triumvirate of design choices — C) a white dial. Combining these elements, in my mind, creates the “perfect” Omega Speedmaster I would like to own in my mind’s eye. Sadly, it’s an impossible ask. In the image below, you can see what my “perfect” 1:1 Omega Speedmaster replica watches looks like.
So, what exists that scratches my Speedmaster itch?
OK, so I have chosen an impossible watch. What comes a close second, then? Well, a special-edition Omega Speedmaster I’d love to own does exist, but it’s also a little difficult to come by here in Australia. That fake Omega watches wholesale is the 2008 re-edition of the Omega Speedmaster Alaska II. We have looked into the history of the Speedmaster Alaska II, and RJ has noted the differences and similarities between the vintage original and the 2008 re-edition here.
The 2008 watch houses Omega’s trusty 1861 caliber, an update from the original cam-operated 861. That re-edition also has a stunning white dial with “capsule-shaped” hands for the chronograph counters and a striking red chronograph seconds hand. Truly, this replica Omega watches for men is a thing of industrial beauty. In the image above, you can see the modern 2008 watch and compare it to the original in the photo above that. It’s remarkable how well Omega captured the charm of the original in this re-edition. If only it had a radial dial and a 60-minute bezel!
Concluding thoughts
That serves as my first foray into Speedy Tuesday. The more I gradually learn about the world of Omega Speedmasters, the more there is to appreciate and adore. My thanks to Flightqualified (also known as Omega Mike) on Instagram who shared images of his own project, which offers a 60-minute bezel modification for the Speedmaster. If I were ever able to come across a reasonably priced 2008 Alaska II re-edition, I would jump on it in a heartbeat. The quirky dial design and the story behind the Omega fake watches shop UK make for an incredibly compelling proposition.
Every once in a while, we see comments and questions on the Speedmaster that need to be addressed. One of them is about the water resistance of the Speedmaster. It’s often mocked for the lack of water resistance, but what many don’t seem to know is that, according to Omega, it’s safe to swim while wearing the current Swiss movements replica Omega Speedmaster Professional watches with caliber 3861.
We’ve covered the iconic Speedmaster nearly every (Speedy) Tuesday since 2012. But Fratello goes back to July 2004, and between then and 2012, the Speedmaster was a recurring topic as well. This resulted in receiving a lot of questions about the Moonwatch and all of its variations. For this article, we have selected the most frequently asked Speedmaster questions and will answer them to the best of our knowledge.
As you might imagine, we receive several messages from our readers with top UK Omega Speedmaster fake watches questions. We get everything from the most common “What model should I start with?” to more in-depth questions regarding the type of bracelets, movement iterations, and dial versions. If you’re a die-hard Speedmaster fan, you might not find the following answers surprising. However, I do hope you will still pick up a fact or two that you didn’t know before.
What Speedmaster should I buy?
The most common question we receive is about what Speedmaster you should buy. That’s a difficult one to answer without knowing who you are. My first Speedmaster Professional was a vintage reference 145.012-67 from 1968. I purchased it in 1999 and still have it in my collection today. At that time, there wasn’t as much information on the perfect replica Omega Speedmaster Moonwatches as today. Honestly, I was more interested in a more modern Speedy Pro with caliber 861 or 1861, but those were pricier than a vintage one. Such a thing is unthinkable in today’s market.
In hindsight, I am very happy that I went for the 145.012-67 with caliber 321. Or rather, I’m glad I had to go for caliber 321 because my budget didn’t give me any other choice. In general, I suggest always going for the Moonwatch with a hand-wound movement. Whether that’s a new Speedmaster Professional Master Chronometer or one of the previous references is less relevant. However, there are many more high quality Omega Speedmaster copy watches to choose from.
Collecting theme
Try to find out what you are after when building up a collection. Is it the Moonwatch only? Or do you want to go after the quirky stuff, like a Speedmaster Speedsonic f300hz, Speedmaster LCD, or X-33? What about a Mark III or Mark V? Do you want to go vintage or only modern? These are things that I can’t answer for you; you have to discover them yourself. What makes your heart beat faster? You will eventually find out by reading extensively about Speedmasters. Also, make sure to try on some different models.
How much should I pay for an Omega Speedmaster?
For a while now, Omega has shown the prices of its watches on the official website. Depending on the country you are in, you can see the actual retail price of your watch. That’s also the price you can expect to pay at Omega boutiques. Besides these boutiques, you will also find AAA UK Omega replica watches for sale at authorized dealers worldwide. Unlike Omega boutiques, you may be given a discount on a Speedmaster at one of the authorized dealers. It also depends on the model, your relationship with the authorized dealer, and whether you purchased things there in the past. Don’t expect miracles on the Speedmaster Professional, though.
For pre-owned Omega Speedmasters, prices are a different ballgame. It heavily depends on the model or reference and the demand and supply of these models. For pre-owned and vintage Speedmasters, the condition of the watch is incredibly important. A vintage 1970s Speedmaster Professional can be found for about €5,000, but it would also not be unheard of to find one for more than twice that amount. It all depends on the best fake Omega watches‘ condition. Always do your homework and use Chrono24 to indicate prices, or use the price chart from Speedmaster101 to get an easy overview per reference number. Speedmaster101 also updates its Speedmaster price chart regularly.
And what about a vintage Speedmaster?
My tip for buying pre-owned or vintage is this: buy the best you can afford with your budget! I would rather overpay for a perfect 105.012 or 145.012 than buy the cheapest 105.003 in poor condition. A vintage Speedmaster in good condition also increases your pleasure in wearing and owning the luxury super clone Omega watches.
Are you starting with pre-owned Speedmasters? Try a Moonwatch 3590.50 or 3592.50 from the early 1990s with a tritium dial and hands, a reference 1479 bracelet, and a box and papers. They look amazing with their beautiful yellowish patina, use one of the best bracelets Omega ever made for the Speedmaster, and are relatively easy to find with boxes and papers.
How often should a Speedmaster be serviced?
Normally, I would recommend a seven-year interval for having a Speedmaster Professional serviced, whether a vintage reference or the latest model with the Master Chronometer movement. If you wear the same watch daily, you might want to have it serviced more often. If it is part of a collection and not an everyday watch, you can increase the service interval slightly.
Perhaps more interesting is how much a Speedmaster service will cost you and where you should have it serviced. Omega has several service centers (including at its HQ in Bienne), and the brand will charge €950 for a full service of a Speedmaster in steel. Omega is very transparent about the cost of service, which is openly published on the brand’s website here.
A complete service on a gold or platinum Speedmaster will cost €1,150. This includes disassembling the entire watch and cleaning all components. It also includes replacing or overhauling all worn parts in the movement. For vintage Omega replica watches wholesale UK, ask for the special service form at the boutique. On it, you can indicate what you want to have done and, more importantly, what should be left untouched.
You can argue that this is a lot of money. However, not only is the service done to Omega’s high standards, but all worn-out parts will also be replaced. This includes the crown, tubes, pushers, gears, Hesalite crystal, hands (if necessary), etc.
From a watchmaker’s perspective
We asked our watchmaker Paul (@paul_divawatchmaker), who works independently for several boutiques and shops. He told us that the €950 for the overhaul at Omega isn’t that expensive considering that the brand replaces everything worn.
That said, finding a skilled watchmaker should be at the top of your list when starting to build a Speedmaster collection. It’s not that the fake Omega watches for men often break, but you want a reliable contact for these service overhauls and someone you can truly trust with your precious Speedmaster.
Can you take your Speedmaster swimming?
It would seem that this is quite a recurring question and topic of discussion for many of you. It is also a popular subject for countless Speedmaster memes out there. Most of the time, people assume it isn’t water-resistant at all. Since 1957, Omega’s Speedmaster has had the Hippocampus logo (which we explained here) on the case back. Although it indicated water resistance in the past, today’s standards are quite different.
Though it may be clear that the Speedmaster is not suitable for diving purposes, it is often not so clear that you can take your new Speedmaster for a swim. The Swiss made replica Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatches has a 50m water resistance rating, which is suitable for use in water. Take note, however, that you shouldn’t operate the pushers or crown underwater. We’ve checked this officially with Omega, and the brand also informed us that the watches are tested for water resistance with a substantial margin (+10%). All Master Chronometer watches are water tested, including the hand-wound Moonwatch models.
Also — and this is very important — only do this if you are confident that the gaskets are still in good shape. If you use the Speedmaster in the water, replace the gaskets every 12 months. Some Speedmasters have more excellent water resistance, such as the Speedmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer Moonphase models. These are water resistant to 100 meters.
I wouldn’t recommend swimming with the older/vintage Speedmaster models with only a 30m rating. Even if they are pristine and have been recently serviced, you’re better off keeping them out of the water.
Is the Speedmaster still being used by astronauts?
A very common question that we receive is about astronauts using the Omega Speedmaster or if NASA still issues the watch to them. The answer to this is that all astronauts who are going into space via Russia (including NASA and ESA astronauts) receive a Speedmaster Moonwatch as well as the digital X-33. Of course, you will see a lot of different watches on the wrist of astronauts in space. Some prefer their private best quality Omega copy watches or have a connection with a brand other than Omega. However, the only watch that NASA ever qualified for manned space missions is the Omega Speedmaster. In recent space endeavors, such as the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 or even the Blue Origin New Shepard project, you could see the Speedmaster in action. In short, yes, the Speedmaster is still being used by astronauts today. Even the Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary made it into space.
How often should I wind my Omega Speedmaster (Professional)?
Through the years, the Speedmaster Professional (and pre-Professional) models have used Omega’s hand-wound calibers 321, 861, 863, 864, 866, 1861, 1863, 1866, and 3861. And let’s not forget about the beautiful hand-wound caliber 3201 (F. Piguet base) used in the 2007 enamel-dialed Speedmaster made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the watch. Depending on the caliber, these replica Omega watches store have a power reserve of between 48 and 52 hours. You only need to wind them when they are almost out of power, but if you prefer to do so every morning, that’s fine as well. What you shouldn’t do is wind them while they are on your wrist. This can cause unnecessary tension on the winding stem and the movement.
How accurate is the Omega Speedmaster?
This is another one of the most asked Speedmaster questions because, until recently, the Moonwatch was not a chronometer-certified watch. Thus, the answer depends on the movement inside. Omega used an average tolerance of +11/-1 seconds per day for a non-chronometer chronograph with mechanical movement. This would be fine by me, but your watchmaker may be able to get it even more precise. If a Speedmaster is more than 10 seconds off per day, I would consider having it regulated.
A chronometer-certified Omega Speedmaster should be accurate to within +6/-4 seconds per day on average, which is the COSC standard. The performance might worsen over the years after the watch is first purchased or serviced. The current China online replica Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatches is a Master Chronometer certified by METAS (and COSC). These caliber-3861-powered Speedmaster watches have an accuracy of +5/-0 seconds per day. The watches are also antimagnetic to 15,000 gauss.
Where should I buy an Omega Speedmaster?
You can buy directly from Omega via one of its boutiques or by ordering directly from Omegawatches.com. Other than that, the brand has a network of retailers where you will find a selection of the brand’s watches. If you want to buy a pre-owned Speedmaster, you can find many dealers and private sellers offering them. You will also find many listings of vintage and pre-owned Speedmasters on platforms like Chrono24.
You will also find offers in specific Facebook groups or on the Omegaforums.net platform, for example. These are places with knowledgeable people and a lot of enthusiasts, so their sales forums are more or less “self-regulating.” Always take into account that you might need to deal with customs, and if you buy pre-owned, make sure to calculate the cost of a service into your budget or make sure the seller can provide paperwork for all recent service work. Remember, always make sure to do your homework. Hopefully, our Speedmaster buying guides will help you with that.
What is the difference between calibers 321, 861, 1861, and 3861?
Omega’s caliber 321 (both the original as well as the new one) is a chronograph with a column wheel. This was the movement used in the first Speedmasters from 1957 till 1968. It was succeeded by the caliber 861 mainly for cost efficiency and its higher operating frequency (21,600vph versus 18,000vph). Both are great movements, and neither holds a real functional advantage. Caliber 861 was replaced around 1996/1997 by caliber 1861, which had an extra jewel and a different finish. Nevertheless, the last version of caliber 861 was already very similar to the later caliber 1861. For the 861 and 1861, there are quite a few additional variations, such as the (1)863 (nicer optical finish), (1)866 (moonphase module), and 864 (chronometer certification).
Caliber 1869 has also been around since 2018. This movement uses an 1861 base movement with a very special lunar-surface finish for the Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. Last but not least, in 2019, Omega introduced the new caliber 3861. Based on caliber 1861, the 3861 consists of approximately 50% new parts and receives the Master Chronometer certification from METAS. It has been used in the Apollo 11 in stainless steel and Moonshine Gold as well as the new Swiss best fake Speedmaster Professional Moonwatches Master Chronometer.
The new caliber 321 is available in a platinum Moonwatch version as the Speedmaster Calibre 321 (aka “NEW321”). It’s also available in the Calibre 321 Broad Arrow Canopus Gold. Although parts are interchangeable with the original caliber 321, the new movement has a Sedna (rose) Gold finish, whereas the original caliber 321 has a copper-colored finish.
Where can I find my Speedmaster’s serial number?
Especially when someone is on the hunt for a pre-owned or vintage Speedmaster, the serial number can be very useful. When was the Speedmaster produced, exactly? To which country was it shipped and when? The serial number of the Speedmaster can reveal these details. Omega has a pretty impressive archive, and you can request an extract that gives you every bit of information about a specific watch. However, you do need to have the serial number to retrieve this information. Every Speedmaster has its serial number engraved on the movement. On modern cheap UK replica Omega Speedmaster Professional watches (reference 3590.50 and onwards), you will also find it engraved on the underside of one of the lugs.
Where is Buzz Aldrin’s Moon-worn Speedmaster?
I’ll wrap up this list of Speedmaster questions with one that keeps Speedy lovers’ minds turning. Buzz Aldrin was the first astronaut to wear his Omega Speedmaster on the surface of the Moon. He wore a Speedmaster Professional reference 105.012, to be precise. Former NASA engineer James Ragan, who was responsible for testing the astronauts’ cameras and Speedmasters, said that Buzz Aldrin supposedly donated his watch (with other equipment from the mission) to the Smithsonian. Alas, the watch never made it to its destination.
Neil Armstrong’s and Michael Collins’s Speedmasters (along with those of many other astronauts) are still around and classed as property of the US government. These flown Omega Speedmaster fake watches site can often be found on display in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Omega’s museum in Biel, Switzerland, also has several flown Speedmaster watches on display.
No sporting competition on earth can boast the same heritage and prestige as the America’s Cup. How fitting, then, that to celebrate its role as Official Timekeeper at the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, perfect UK Omega replica watches — a watchmaker that begets those very same qualities — has produced a certified Master Chronometer replete with America’s Cup tributes. The dream addition to any collection, this has really caught the attention of our resident horologists.
A blend of dive watch tech and on-deck functions, AAA online fake Omega Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup 42mm watches is a must-have for sailing fans and collectors alike. The timekeeper’s tribute is the latest addition to the sought-after Seamaster Diver 300M line, first released in 1993. Its wave-pattern dial, raised indexes, skeleton hands, and helium escape valve are all key features of the legendary depth-defying timepiece, which has earned a large and loyal fanbase.
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Behind this sits its power source: best China Omega super clone watches’ Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806. Like the competing crews, OMEGA’s America’s Cup tribute has been tested at the highest levels. As a certified Master Chronometer, both the replica Omega watches shop site and the movement have met the strictest standards for precision, performance, and magnetic resistance set by the independent Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
If that wasn’t already enough to convince you, the fake Omega watches wholesale UK, presented in a commemorative blue box with red stitching, can be worn in two ways: on a stainless-steel bracelet or a blue rubber strap, both fixed with OMEGA’s patented Quick-Change system. You could argue, therefore, that it’s not just one dream addition to your collection, but two…
