Three years ago, I fulfilled a dream of mine, and bought the best fake Omega Speedmaster Professional watches in the Hesalite crystal version – one of the most iconic watches of all time. I’ll tell you in the following what it’s like to wear this watch over a longer period of time, and let you know all the up- and downsides of the Moonwatch. Is the design really so timeless? How is the technology performing after three years? Has the watch – especially the sensitive Hesalite crystal – lost its quality after all this time? Is the Omega Speedmaster Professional as legendary as its reputation, or have I become disillusioned?
Design and Dimensions: Truly Timeless?
One of the most important features of the 1:1 replica Omega Speedmaster Professional watches is its design. It’s not only considered iconic and groundbreaking, but also timeless. But is that really true? Or could the monochrome appearance look boring after three years? Basically, we’re looking at a design that has remained virtually unchanged since the late 1960s, both in terms of the case and the dial. As with the Moonwatch from 1969, the diameter is exactly 42 mm. At 47 mm, the lug-to-lug is kept very short so that the watch does not appear too large on the wrist. Even the height of 13.58 mm, or 13.18 mm for the sapphire crystal version, doesn’t change this. The elegantly designed chamfers and curves of the housing ensure a slimmer appearance. Today, as then, the Speedmaster is a true design masterpiece. The current references are particularly traditional, with surprising small, subtle details. The characteristic “step dial” – the slight indent in the center of the dial – is barely noticeable at first, but reveals its full effect in sunlight or bright surroundings. The color of the dial also varies: In direct light it appears rather matte gray, whereas in the shade it is deep black with an almost lacquered sheen.
The design of the current Moonwatch contains many allusions to its long history. These include details such as the dot above the ninety on the tachymeter scale, or the stretch strap, which is reminiscent of old models. Since I opted for the Hesalite version, I have to do without some of the features of the sapphire crystal model: the applied Omega logo, the partially polished bracelet, and the glass case back with a view of the movement. Instead, my version has a steel case back with an engraving that refers to NASA’s certification of the Omega legend, and its being the first watch worn on the Moon. My conclusion on the design: Even after three years, the buy copy Omega Speedmaster Professional watches is by no means boring. The simple, dark dial in particular makes it a watch that can be worn for almost any occasion. Added to this is its enormous versatility: the Moonwatch cuts an outstanding figure with a wide variety of straps. The icon draws its fascination not only from its history, but also from its combination of simplicity and versatility.
Technology: Does the Omega Speedmaster Professional Deliver What It Promises?
On paper, the Omega Speedmaster Professional is an ultra-modern, precise watch. But how does it perform in everyday life? The current Moonwatch is equipped with a METAS-certified, Co-Axial manual winding movement. This promises a rate accuracy of 0 to +5 seconds per day, and a magnetic field resistance of up to 15,000 gauss. After three years of regular use, my Speedmaster runs at about +1 second per day, which confirms its excellent specifications. As mentioned, it is a hand-wound movement. As soon as the power reserve of 50 hours ends, the watch must be wound again. If I wear my Speedmaster for several days at a time, I sometimes find this annoying. Although I am aware of the charm of a hand-wound movement, I sometimes lack patience with it when I’m in a hurry. Around 70 turns of the crown are required to fully wind the top replica watches UK, which is occasionally uncomfortable for the fingers – even if the operability has been significantly improved compared to the predecessor model. The water resistance is 50 meters (5 bar, 164 feet). As a METAS-certified watch, this value is also guaranteed: Each watch is actually tested to this pressure rating. This makes the current Speedmaster more robust than its reputation suggests. Nevertheless, I never wear my Speedy in the water. One feature that I particularly appreciate, even after three years, is its beveled minute and chronograph hands. They ensure outstanding readability from almost any angle – a feature that I have never experienced in this form with any other watch.
Quality: Is disillusionment looming?
The build quality and feel of the cheap clone Omega Speedmaster Professional watches are of the highest standard. But does this also apply after three years? The aluminum bezel shows no wear and tear whatsoever, and still looks like it did on day one. The crown, chronograph pushers, and clasp function perfectly. The steel bracelet still wears excellently. What is particularly pleasing is that it is not only rounded on the outside, but also on the inside – a detail that some competitors such as Rolex could certainly also do. The fine brushing of the bracelet and clasp also deserve a mention. Signs of wear are rarer than on my other watches, and any scratches that have managed their way onto my Speedy are barely visible. One critical point is the Hesalite crystal. Although it’s made of plastic, and therefore more susceptible to scratches, it’s proven to be more robust than you would expect. With Polywatch, even coarse scratches can be easily removed. For me, the Hesalite crystal is not a drawback of this watch, but a feature that makes it unique. On the other hand, I noticed something negative about the steel solid case back: it seems much more sensitive to scratches than the case and bracelet.
Three Years of the Omega Speedmaster Professional: My Final Conclusion
My conclusion after three years? I would buy the Omega Speedmaster Professional again in a heartbeat. A scratch-prone case back and the sometimes uncomfortable crown are minor drawbacks that I can easily live with. Because this watch’s legacy is fascinating and its design timeless, with reliable technology and outstanding quality even after three years. With a market price of around $7,000, the Speedmaster Professional is almost a bargain considering its importance. It is and remains one of the most iconic watches of all time, and is undoubtedly the perfect knock off watches for life. If my long-term review has now encouraged you even more to buy an Omega Speedmaster Professional, I also recommend these articles:
- 7 Things You Need to Know Before Buying an Omega Speedmaster
- Chrono24 Buyer’s Guide: The Omega Speedmaster Professional
- The Most Exciting Omega Speedmaster Models Under $5,000
