Are you looking to buy an Omega Speedmaster but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help! Over the past 65+ years, Omega has created many variations of one of the world’s most famous chronographs. The classic 42mm Moonwatch has been in the collection since 1965, and to the novice eye, little has changed since then. But if you look a bit closer, you will find that the Speedmaster evolved quite a bit in the decades that followed.
In this replica Omega watches UK guide, we’ll give you an overview of the most important references of the Speedmaster (Professional) and some of its variations. Although this article isn’t meant as a pricing guide, we will give some hints, of course. If you’re already a knowledgeable Speedmaster collector, this article won’t likely contain any new information for you. But for those who are not, it will provide some basic information on the Speedmaster series.
Introduction to the Speedmaster buying guide
We first published this article nine years ago and keep it up to date to ensure that the latest versions of the Omega Speedmaster are also covered. Without going into great detail on each of the references mentioned in this article, we will link to articles in which we did. Since we launched the Speedy Tuesday features in 2012, we have reviewed and written about numerous watches and references. The longer, more focused articles on the site are a great resource, especially for newcomers to the hobby. You will find an overview of all the top fake Omega watches covered in separate articles here, per reference number.
Omega Speedmaster models
One of the questions we often receive is whether we can provide guidance on the various watches available. If you are new to Speedmaster watches, it might seem like a bit of a horological wilderness. If you’re looking for the actual Moonwatch model (the reference that went to the Moon), read this article validated by Omega. Sometimes it is so confusing that people wonder if the Speedmaster Reduced is a Moonwatch too (it isn’t).
In this Speedmaster buying guide, the focus is on the Speedmaster “Moonwatch” and some of its predecessors. The Speedmaster Mark-series, Racing perfect replica Omega Speedmaster watches, Dark Side of the Moon, X-33 editions, etc., will be covered in a separate series.
Speedmaster First Omega in Space 310.30.40.50.06.001
In 2012, Omega introduced a Speedmaster First Omega in Space in steel (and one in Sedna gold), as well as a series of LEs, all based on the original CK2998. The First Omega in Space from 2012 was a numbered edition and commemorated the Speedmaster worn on the wrist of astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. This model was in the collection until 2020. In 2024, Omega introduced a regular-production successor to the 2012 First Omega in Space, now with a blue-gray dial.
These best clone Omega watches have a 39.7mm diameter and houses Omega’s chronograph caliber 3861. It’s also available on a stainless steel bracelet and a leather strap. It’s the first Moonwatch-adjacent variation with a domed sapphire crystal (instead of a box type), showing a greater resemblance to the Hesalite crystal. Prices for the current FOiS start at €8,300. You can read our in-depth article on this Speedmaster FOiS.
Speedmaster Calibre 321 311.30.40.30.01.001
The other model considered a “Moonwatch” in the regular collection is the Speedmaster Calibre 321. Based on reference 105.003 from the 1960s, the Speedmaster Calibre 321 features a straight-lug 39.7mm case, a sapphire crystal, and a ceramic bezel. As its name suggests, the movement inside is the classic caliber 321, featuring a column wheel. You can read all about this in the 2020 introduction of the Speedmaster Calibre 321.
While this watch is not strictly a limited edition, Omega produces the Speedmaster Calibre 321 in small numbers at a separate workshop within the Biel manufacture. The brand also created a 42mm Speedmaster Professional in platinum with the caliber 321, as well as a “Broad Arrow” variation in white gold for the Speedmaster’s 65th anniversary in 2022.
There are many more Speedmaster models to discover
I only touched upon the most common cheap copy Omega watches in this article, leaving aside many special and limited editions that Omega has introduced. Hopefully, it shows the evolution of the Speedmaster from 1957 to the current Moonwatch model(s). For the novice, there might not be much difference, but once you dive into the subject, there’s a lot to discover. Collectors can go crazy over the tiniest details and variations, making the Omega Speedmaster such an enjoyable watch to collect. Even in the current or modern black-dial Speedmaster Professional, you will find differences in the dials since its introduction in 2021.