Today, I am checking out the Rubber B VulChromatic® strap for the best replica Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch watches. The blue stripe in the center matches the Mission to Neptune’s blue Bioceramic case. A contrast to the primarily black strap, the blue is a separate rubber mass that is molecularly bonded for life thanks to the VulChromatic® technology. The strap also includes solid inserts at the ends, known as “blocked integration”. This rigid structure allows the curved ends to sit flush against the case with no gap or articulation for a bespoke feel. All this technology is excellent for a $280 rubber strap. But does it suit the intended $260 watch? Let’s find out.
These days, I have little time to read other cheap UK fake watches publications. Seven or eight years ago, however, I was constantly bouncing between the most prolific watch blogs on the web. I’d do my best to keep up with the latest articles on Fratello, Hodinkee, WatchesBySJX, ABlogToWatch, and others. The recent announcement that Jack Forster is leaving Hodinkee for WatchBox caused me to reminisce on one of Forster’s early articles, “The Value Proposition: A Seventy-Five Dollar Watch That Looks Like A Million Bucks”. On the surface, the article serves the needs of budding watch buyers clamoring for an easy path into the mechanical-watch hobby. But the writing went a layer deeper than that, which is why it echoes in my mind seven years later. Rereading it was a good reminder that Forster spins a good yarn, of course, but it also had me trying to figure out why it sticks with me to this day.
A clash of worlds
I reckon the article resonates as the strap on the Seiko 5 costs three times what the perfect replica watches does, according to Forster. The rolled-edge crocodile strap elevates the plain-Jane aesthetic of the Japanese watch with a Malaysian movement. It’s the exotic leather that you often see paired with a Patek Philippe or F.P. Journe. The combination shouldn’t work on paper, but true to Forster’s word, the Seiko 5 “looks like a million bucks” as a result. Today, I find myself in a similar predicament where the strap is more costly than the watch. Although it’s only 20 bucks more rather than three times as expensive, it’s still an unusual situation. Will it provide the same thrill of taking a watch upmarket?
The watch in question is the Swiss made copy Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch Mission to Neptune watches. I opt to use the full name as it’s often argued whether it’s an authentic Omega or only a Swatch. I suppose Swatch runs production, but the design is notably from Omega (and it says so on the dial), so choosing the collaborative name is the safest option. By now, the MoonSwatch is relatively well known by the readership. Fratello has been at the forefront of unveiling the MoonSwatch and providing as many details as possible via text, audio, and video. But if you’ve been under a rock since March 25th, here’s the lowdown. Nick Hayek, CEO of the Swatch Group, was keen to promote the Bioceramic material utilized at Swatch. His shortlist included many brands and models to collaborate with, but the stories and iconic lines of the China 2022 Omega Speedmaster replica watches were too strong to ignore.
Top-secret mission
In secrecy, with only a few senior officials taking part, the MoonSwatch was formed in eleven distinct executions representing eleven celestial bodies in the Solar System. The Bioceramic case has a powdery matte surface that follows the lines of the latest Omega Speedmaster super clone watches wholesale with caliber 3861. The 2021 Speedy bases itself on the fourth-generation Professional Moonwatch case that succeeded the straight-lug designs of the late ’50s and early ’60s. The MoonSwatch retains the classical cues such as lyre lugs, a dot-over-ninety bezel, and even the stamp (“S” in this case) in the center of the glass. It’s a fun accompaniment to Speedy owners and a gateway for potential buyers — if you can get a MoonSwatch, of course. But if there’s one component that owners agree is lacking on the MoonSwatch, it’s the Velcro® strap.
The strap is similar in style to the previously announced Velcro® strap for the Moonwatch. The luxury Omega replica watches strap was a scaled-down version of the ones astronauts wore over their spacesuits. The strap features the NASA “meatball” logo and has metallic hardware to hook and loop to the wrist. While the MoonSwatch’s strap shares the concept, the execution and feel are entirely different. As you should expect, at €190, nearly the cost of the MoonSwatch, the top Omega fake watches strap is far more substantial with neater stitching and better materials. Conversely, the MoonSwatch strap feels cheap and plasticky as the hoop is of the same Bioceramic material as the case. I understand the simple strap helps the MoonSwatch remain attainable at $260, yet most wearers select an alternative option.
Rubber B bespoke feel
I’ve tried a few straps, from the Artem Sailcloth to NATOs and even leather straps. But each one felt like the MoonSwatch was a disservice to the strap. It possibly comes from the lack of aftermarket options even months after release. Such was the shock and surprise release of the MoonSwatch; many makers did not cater to Swatch at all. That was until Rubber B, the top rubber-strap manufacturer based in Switzerland, offered its services to the humble Swatch. The curved-end rubber strap with solid inserts is a mighty feat of engineering for such basic 1:1 replica Omega watches, but there’s no arguing about the results. The premium rubber strap elevates the MoonSwatch by having a bespoke feel. It helps that it is custom-fit for the MoonSwatch with matching stripes depending on the MoonSwatch variation.
Suddenly, I experienced the same clash of worlds as Forster did with the Seiko 5 and crocodile strap. It shouldn’t work in principle, but the Rubber B strap takes the MoonSwatch to another level. As mine is the Mission to Neptune, naturally, I chose the blue-stripe version. But what surprised me was how similar the shade of blue was despite the different materials. The Rubber B is now my strap of choice, opening up the inevitable question of price. At US$280, the strap is $20 more than the MoonSwatch, which is dear regardless of AAA Omega fake watches choice. But many are willing to pay $500 and upwards for a MoonSwatch pre-owned. Paying over the list price for a MoonSwatch is pointless. It’s not limited but just requires careful planning and patience. I suggest waiting for the right time to strike and using the leftover funds for a nice strap like the Rubber B.
Final thoughts
Of course, with the MoonSwatch and Moonwatch sharing such similar dimensions, I thought I’d try the strap on my caliber-3861-powered Omega Speedmaster replica watches for sale. The Rubber B strap fits securely but has a little more wiggle than on the MoonSwatch due to the placement of the lug holes. While it’s a reasonably snug fit that works well on the wrist, the Rubber B feels more at home on the MoonSwatch.
Omega introduced the Moonshine Gold alloy in 2019 in the luxury replica Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI 50th Anniversary Limited Edition watches. This alloy, which is a bit paler than yellow gold, contains less copper and adds silver and palladium to the mix.
In combination with the brushed surfaces on the case (and bracelet), I find the Speedmaster Professional in Moonshine Gold to have a more toned-down look than previous Speedmasters in traditional 18K yellow gold. I purchased the Speedmaster Apollo XI 50th Anniversary Limited Edition in Moonshine Gold back in 2019, and it has become one of my absolute favorite AAA UK Omega fake watches to wear. Therefore, I was quite happy to see the two new Speedmaster Professional models in Moonshine Gold introduced a few months ago.
The Speedmaster Professional in gold
Before the Moonshine Gold Speedmaster Professional came out in 2019, it had been a while since there was a Moonwatch available in gold. Even though the movie Money Monster (2016) features George Clooney wearing a gold Speedmaster Professional, that high quality Omega replica watches was already out of production by 2012. The full-gold Speedmaster was just not in demand. Most people seemed to think a Speedmaster should be in stainless steel, and for a long time, so did I. The only exception to that “rule” was the 1969 Tribute to the Astronauts reference BA145.022-69, limited to 1014 pieces.
Gold Speedmasters
But over the last 10 years or so, as the Speedmaster became more popular (and general interest in mechanical and luxury watches also increased), feelings about gold Speedmasters started to shift. I bought my first (vintage) gold Speedmaster Professional back in 2014, and the more I found myself wearing it, the more I thought it was about time that a modern gold Speedmaster should make a comeback. In 2017, Omega very carefully introduced the Speedmaster Apollo 17 45th Anniversary Limited Edition in yellow gold. I say “carefully”, as Omega first introduced it as a limited series of 72 pieces, but after its initial announcement, decided to make it a run of 272 pieces. The demand was greater than expected.
The 50th anniversary of the Apollo XI Moon landing (and thus, the Moonwatch) in 2019 was the perfect opportunity for a new gold Speedmaster, and Omega grabbed it. This best Omega Speedmaster copy watches was also the first to use the fourth-generation case design and the new caliber 3861. Two years later, Omega introduced the 3861-powered Speedmaster Professional in Sedna and Canopus Gold. Meanwhile, Omega also used Moonshine Gold in the De Ville Trésor line.
Now, three years after the debut of this alloy, Omega introduces two more Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch models in Moonshine Gold. Like the Apollo XI, one has a solid gold dial but with a “Panda” design. The other variation has a green dial and a green bezel. Here at the Fratello office, I noticed that each version has its fans. After a few weeks of wearing them on and off, however, I have developed a clear preference.
Replica Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonshine Gold 310.63.42.50.10.001 Watches
Let me start with the one that does the least for me. This is relative, of course, as it’s a great watch, and gold and green work really well together, generally speaking. This PVD-green-dialed Speedmaster Moonshine comes on a green leather strap, but it is also available on a gold bracelet. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available on the bracelet for review. Of all three Moonshine Omega Speedmaster replica watches for sale, I found this model the toughest to read. The dial is very dark green, and the gold applied indices are almost invisible except when the light catches them. The color is a bit too dark for my taste, as it needs a lot of light to appear green. The hour markers, the hour and minute hands, and the small chronograph hands are made of 18K Moonshine gold.
As we discussed here at the office, before this watch debuted, Omega had never made a green-dialed Speedmaster Professional. But is that a reason not to? If so, that would mean there’s no place and time for a new design or color for the Speedmaster. I partially get the sentiment, though, as the Speedmaster Professional should perhaps not become a victim of fashion. Anyway, green and gold make for a nice combination, and it works here.
Caliber 3861
The 3861 movement inside of this cheap Omega fake watches is identical to the one used in the regular Moonwatch Master Chronometer. The 2019 Moonshine limited edition is slightly different, though, as its movement also has a Moonshine Gold finish. Some say it’s a shame that the two new Moonshine Gold models do not have the same gold movement finishing. I think it makes the 2019 anniversary version even more special.
However, I say that from an owner’s perspective, and I am sure someone who’s after one of the new ones wouldn’t mind having a bit of gold on the caliber 3861. The same applies to the Sedna Gold version from 2021. That version also has the standard rhodium plating.
Last but certainly not least, I think that the green leather strap looks great on this edition. Although I am a fan of the “Nixon” bracelet, the green strap matches nicely with the dial and bezel. The strap comes on a Moonshine Gold folding clasp.
The retail price of the green Swiss movements replica Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonshine Gold watches on a leather strap is €28,400. On a bracelet (reference 310.60.42.50.10.001), it is €40,100.
Fake Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonshine Gold “Panda” 310.62.42.50.99.001 Watches
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonshine Gold with the “panda dial” got me a bit more enthusiastic than the green version. At first, I wasn’t convinced about the rubber strap, but once it landed on my wrist, I made a 180° turn. It wears incredibly comfortable, and it does look good.
Just like the 2019 Moonshine Gold edition, this top Omega Speedmaster super clone watches has a dial made of solid gold. Dials are normally made of brass, but for these two versions, Omega decided to go all out. What’s different from the 2019 edition, however, is that the “panda dial” (aside from the sub-dials), has a sunburst effect instead of a vertically brushed finish. We also don’t find black onyx hour markers here but applied stick indices instead. To provide even more contrast to the dial, the central hands on this model are also black. The hour and minute hands are made of 18K Moonshine Gold with a black PVD treatment. The small hands in the black sub-dials are diamond-polished Moonshine Gold.
As indicated above, the movement inside the “Panda” is identical to the one used in the green-dialed version. Caliber 3861 is, as you probably know, a Master Chronometer-certified movement. It’s an evolution of caliber 1861 and uses approximately 50% of the same parts. Among the upgrades, however, are a Co-Axial escapement and an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring. It’s quite a step forward from the previous hand-wound chronograph caliber, especially in terms of accuracy. Whereas perfect Omega replica watches used to guarantee an accuracy of -1/+10 seconds per day for caliber 1861, the movements certified by METAS are -0/+5 seconds per day on average.
Moonshine Gold bracelet
When I was at Omega HQ in Bienne, I also saw the “Panda” version on a gold bracelet. It looked beautiful, but alas, it was also not available for review. In contrast to the 2019 edition, the bracelets on these two models feature polished intermediate links and a micro-adjustable clasp. This clasp is also 1mm wider than the one from 2019 Moonshine Gold version.
Anyway, I wanted to try a bracelet with the “Panda”, so I removed the gold bracelet from my 2019 edition and attempted to fit it. I wasn’t able to, though, and upon closer inspection, it looks like the area between the lugs is different between these Omega fake watches wholesale. The cavity where the little lip of the end link should mount differs from the one on my 2019 version. The end links wouldn’t align properly to let the spring bar click into place.
Although I think the Speedmaster Moonshine Gold “Panda” is incredibly handsome on the gold bracelet, it also works fine with the rubber strap. This strap, with the cratered lunar surface on the inside, is also available separately. This means you can also try to order it for your steel Speedmaster Professional and use a steel folding clasp.
The price of the Speedmaster Moonshine Gold “Panda” is €30,400 for the version on a rubber strap. On the Moonshine Gold bracelet (reference 310.60.42.50.99.002), it will set you back €42,000.
My preference
I have to say that I like these new versions. Every bit of criticism is marginal in this case, but I have a slight preference for the “Panda” edition. Regardless of the price, I would opt for this model on the gold bracelet. This opinion is also a result of owning the 2019 model. The gold bracelet is a huge part of the fun of wearing this watch.
But it is tough to talk about these replica Omega watches online site without mentioning the price. I’ve noticed that trying to rationalize the price of gold watches compared to steel editions is pointless. There’s a “luxury factor” worked into the price that contributes to the exclusiveness of these watches. A gold watch will never be cheap, and the cost of gold versus steel or the additional costs for manufacturing gold cases are only part of the reason. These costs never justify the entire markup. It is basically up to us, the consumers, whether we’re willing to pay such an amount for a gold watch.
That said, I have found it to be worth it. I bought the Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI 50th Anniversary Limited Edition in Moonshine Gold in 2019, and it has become one of my absolute favorite Omega fake watches shop. I love this piece dearly, and it gets a lot of wrist time. The new Moonshine Gold models didn’t make me greedy, luckily, as I still prefer the 2019 edition. The “Panda” comes close, but I love the vertically brushed gold dial on the Apollo XI 50th Anniversary and the black onyx hour markers. Nerdy details like the piece of lunar meteorite in the case back and the Moonshine Gold finish on the movement make it a little bit more interesting too. If it weren’t for my Apollo XI edition, though, I think I’d already be saving up for the Moonshine Gold “Panda”.
We’ve covered the iconic Speedmaster every (Speedy) Tuesday since 2012. But Fratello goes back to July 2004, and between then and 2012, the luxury replica Omega Speedmaster watches 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.
This year, the Speedmaster is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Therefore, on the first Tuesday of 2022, Omega introduced the Speedmaster Calibre 321 in Canopus white gold. This watch was a white gold tribute to the very first Speedmaster CK2915. Despite the price tag of €80,700, Omega received quite a few orders. Later, in March, the brand introduced some additional AAA UK Omega Speedmaster fake watches. We got two Moonshine Gold Speedmasters (one with Panda dial and one with green dial) and a bunch of Speedmaster ’57 variations. The Speedmaster is hotter than ever, and with the new Moonwatch Master Chronometer, the watch has received a long-awaited upgrade.
As you might imagine, we receive several messages from our readers with Speedmaster 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.
1. 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 out there on the 1:1 top replica Omega Speedmaster Moonwatches as there is today. And, 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, my suggestion is always to go 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 Speedmasters 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 but that you have to discover yourself. What makes your heart beat faster? By reading extensively about Speedmasters, you will eventually find out. Also, make sure to try on some different models.
2. How much should I pay for an Omega Speedmaster?
For a while now, Omega has shown the prices of its Swiss made Omega copy 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 that you can expect to pay in Omega boutiques. Other than in boutiques, you will also find Omega replica watches for sale at authorized dealers around the world. Unlike Omega boutiques, you may be given a discount on a Speedmaster at one of the authorized dealers. It also depends on the model, the relationship you have with the authorized dealer, and whether you purchased there in the past. Don’t expect miracles on the Speedmaster Professional, though. With the current high demand, there’s little to no reason to give a discount on them.
For pre-owned Omega Speedmaster super clone watches wholesale, 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 watch’s condition. Always do your homework and use Chrono24 for an indication of 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 that is in poor condition. A vintage Speedmaster in good condition also increases your pleasure in wearing and owning the watch.
Starting with pre-owned replica Omega Speedmaster watches online site? Try a Moonwatch 3590.50 or 3592.50 from the early 1990s with a tritium dial and hands, a reference 1479 bracelet, and with box and papers. They look amazing with their beautiful yellowish patina, they use one of the best bracelets Omega ever made for the Speedmaster, and they are relatively easy to find with box and papers.
3. How often should a Speedmaster be serviced?
Normally, I would recommend a seven-year interval for having a Speedmaster Professional serviced, whether that’s a vintage reference or the latest model with the Master Chronometer movement. If you wear the same watch every single day, 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 a bit.
What’s more interesting, perhaps, 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 for a Speedmaster in steel, the brand will charge €750 for a complete service. Omega is very transparent about the cost of service, which is openly published on the brand’s website here.
A gold or platinum Speedmaster will run you €950 for a complete service. This includes the disassembly of the entire watch and the cleaning of all components. It also includes the replacement or overhaul of all worn parts in the movement. For vintage fake Omega watches paypal, 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 also all worn-out parts will be replaced. This includes the crown, tubes, pushers, gears, Hesalite crystal, hands (if necessary), etc.
From a watchmaker’s perspective
We inquired with our watchmaker Paul (@paul_divawatchmaker), who is independent and works for several boutiques and shops. He charges €400 for the disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, and polishing (if requested) of external parts. His price also includes the replacement of worn parts, except for expensive inner components for which he needs to charge more. He told us that the mainspring will always be replaced, for example, as well as gaskets, etc. He let us know that the €750 for the overhaul at Omega isn’t that expensive given that the brand replaces everything that is worn.
That said, finding a skilled watchmaker is one of the things that should be at the top of your list when starting to build a Speedmaster collection. It’s not that they often break, but you want a reliable contact for these service overhauls and someone you can truly trust with your precious Speedmaster.
4. 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, we find that people just assume it isn’t water-resistant at all. Since 1957, Swiss movements Omega Speedmaster replica watches has had the Hippocampus logo (which we explained here) on the case back. Although it was indicative of 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, what is often not so clear is that you can indeed take your new Speedmaster for a swim. Even the Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch”, with a water resistance of 50 meters, can be used in the water. But just take note that you shouldn’t operate the pushers or crown underwater. We’ve checked this officially with Omega, and the brand also let us know that the best quality Omega fake watches are tested for water resistance with a substantial margin (+25%).
Also — and this is very important — only do this when you are certain 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 greater 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 and vintage Speedmaster models that only have a 30-meter rating. Even if they are in pristine condition and have been recently serviced, you’re better off keeping them out of the water.
5. Is the Speedmaster still being used by astronauts?
A very common question that we receive is about the use of the Omega Speedmaster by astronauts, or if NASA still issues the Omega Speedmaster to astronauts. The answer to this is that all astronauts who are going into space via Russia (including NASA and ESA astronauts) receive China replica Omega Speedmaster Moonwatches 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 personal 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.
6. 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) that was used in the 2007 enamel-dialed Speedmaster made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the watch. These fake Omega watches for men have a power reserve of between 48 and 52 hours, depending on the caliber. You only need to wind these watches 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.
7. 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 uses a tolerance of +11/-1 seconds per day on average for a non-chronometer chronograph with a mechanical movement. This would be totally 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 get slightly worse over the years after the watch is first purchased or after it is serviced. The current Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is a Master Chronometer, certified by METAS (and COSC). These caliber-3861-powered cheap Omega Speedmaster replica watches have an accuracy of +5/-0 seconds per day. The watches are also anti-magnetic to 15,000 gauss.
8. 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, Omega 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 tons of dealers and private sellers offering them. You will also find a lot of 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.
9. What is the difference between calibers 321, 861, 1861, and 3861?
Omega’s caliber 321 (both the original one as well as the new one) is a chronograph with a column-wheel mechanism. This was the movement used in the first Speedmasters from 1957 till 1968. It was succeeded by the caliber 861 for cost efficiency, mainly, as well as its higher ticking speed (21,600vph vs 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 latest iteration 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 in the new Swiss fake Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatches Master Chronometer. Pictured above from left to right, you see the 3861, 1861, and (new) 321.
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.
10. 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 give reveal these details. Omega has a pretty impressive archive, and using a serial number 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 in order to retrieve this information. Every Speedmaster has its serial number engraved on the movement. On modern perfect quality replica Omega Speedmaster Professional watches (reference 3590.50 and onwards) you will also find it engraved on the underside of one of the lugs.
11. Where is Buzz Aldrin’s 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 cameras and Speedmasters of the astronauts, 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 AAA wholesale Omega Speedmaster fake watches can often be found on display in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Omega’s own museum in Biel, Switzerland also has a number of flown Speedmasters watches on display.
