These seven affordable Omega Speedmaster alternatives will fool anyone into thinking you’re wearing the real deal.
If you aren’t familiar with the Omega Speedmaster, have you been hiding under a rock? Because no matter how far along the watch-collecting journey you are, you can’t avoid this legendary watch. The Speedmaster, AKA the Moonwatch, drops into conversations amongst watch enthusiasts wherever you go. Its long, fascinating history tells a tale of space exploration, Snoopy, and the swerving of a catastrophic Apollo Mission disaster. It’s no wonder why enthusiasts of both watches and space seek Omega Speedmaster alternatives if the original is out of budget.
This iconic timepiece became the watch of choice for astronauts, but space exploration was not its first calling. Released in 1957, the Speedmaster was originally a race watch. However, after passing NASA’s rigorous quality tests, NASA declared it “flight qualified,” and it zoomed on the Apollo 11 Mission.
1970, the Speedmaster launched into space as part of the Apollo 13 Mission. Astronauts used it to time a critical engine burn phase on board, enabling them to return to Earth safely. Without the watch, who knows what the outcome would be? But NASA was quick to admit that the result was likely to be the death of all its passengers. Subsequently, after the mission, NASA awarded the watch the heroic “Snoopy Award.” The brand has since paid tribute to this special association with several highly collectible editions.
The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most covetable designs in horological history. But, as with all good things, there is a downside. The Moonwatch is costly to collect. Prices start at around $6k on average and go up from there. For those for whom the watch is not accessible, this list of alternatives is sure to prove useful. First, however, let’s look at why it’s so darn expensive.
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Why Is the Speedmaster So Expensive?
The Speedmaster has a premium build and the manufacturer sources superior materials that complement its design. Of course, fame, history, and brand provenance also play an integral role in its price. Chronographs are infamously complex and one of the hardest watch complications to make. The Speedmaster is an exceptional chronograph with a COSC-certified co-axial movement, further compounding this.
The demand for luxury watches has also broadened over recent years. Huge waiting lists with manufacturers make purchasing watches at retail stores more challenging. Collectors are now looking beyond a Rolex or Omega investment towards more affordable alternatives, some of which I’m listing here.
The Best Omega Speedmaster Alternatives
There are many alternatives to Omega Speedmaster options on the market. Most offer something similar to the Moonwatch without verging on homage watch territory. They each offer an attraction similar to a Speedy, but as you’ll soon see, for a more affordable price. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!
1. Swatch x Omega Moonswatch Price: $300
I can’t start this guide without addressing the elephant in the room. The Swatch x Omega Moonswatch is not an official Speedmaster. Moreover, it’s like a toy version of one. First and foremost, it’s a Swatch watch, not an Omega watch. I can’t help but think the set-up was part of a much bigger marketing strategy. Why else would Omega want its name associated with an entry-level swatch brand? My guess is that it’s to broaden awareness of the Speedmaster.
Indeed, those who try this Moonswatch on at an affordable price may inevitably want the real deal. For those unaware of the design, the Moonswatch cleverly puts the Speedmaster on their radar.
Either way, the Swatch x Omega Moonswatch has become a sensation. It even features the Speedmaster watch against the dial. Could this be the most relevant and accurate entry point into the Speedmaster-collecting world? Quite possibly.
2. Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph White Price: $2,345
The Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph takes the panda dial to the next level. Not only does it look very much like the iconic Speedmaster, but its vintage-esque styling is spot on. The watch comes on a mesh-style (Milanese) stainless steel bracelet, giving it a distinctive sporty edge.
Hamilton pairs these Speedmaster-like features with a reliable automatic movement – the Calibre H-31. The movement offers a 60-hour power reserve and sits in a case impervious to rust, tarnish, and corrosion. The watch takes inspiration from a Hamilton watch from 1968 and comes in different colours too. And if the steel bracelet isn’t your thing, you could always switch things up. Why not pair it with one of Hamilton’s leather bands for a more relaxed style?
3. Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Chronograph 2 Black Price: $1,500
A winning combination of affordable and Speedmaster characteristics – the Steinhart Ocean Vintage Chronograph watch. This model boasts a black dial with silver-filled chronograph counters in the familiar Speedy layout. An aluminum inlay features a tachymeter scale, too. This feature comes in handy whenever you want to measure speed based on time.
The Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Chronograph 2 Black watch features a sapphire crystal glass front and a column wheel chronograph mechanism. The Swiss hand-wound movement “Schaltradchronograph” sits inside a 100-meter water-resistant steel case with partially brushed and polished finishes.
4. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph White SSC943 Price: $680
The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer was knocking around during the same time as the Speedmaster and even bears a similar-sounding name. In fact, the Japanese watchmaker still offers several designs within this line-up that constitute a great alternative to the Speedmaster option. Original models featured the Calibre 6139, the company’s first automatic chronograph. A column wheel and vertical clutch comprise the beating heart, eradicating the “jumpy” hand during stopwatch timings.
Today, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph comes in iterations like the reference SSC943. It’s an ideal design for anyone who likes the idea of a Speedmaster but with a quirky, colorful spin. This solar-powered model features a champagne-colored dial with a green-filled aluminum tachymeter bezel. It also features deep blue chronograph counters and a black perforated leather band – another tasteful touch. This watch design leans heavily towards the Rolex Daytona styling, mirroring several of its iconic features.
5. Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Price: $4,900
Bell & Ross may not be the first brand you consider when considering a Speedmaster alternative. The brand is famous for its circle-within-a-square case shape, after all. But the Bell & Ross BR V2-94 is undoubtedly a formidable contender in the realm of Speedmaster substitutes. This is an inspired model, harking back to cockpit instruments of a bygone era.
Its stainless steel case, black dial, and white numerals make for the perfect Speedmaster-esque concoction. It features the glossy black tachymeter scale that Speedy fans love, plus a matching steel bracelet. This is a 41mm model and costs around $2k less than the Speedmaster itself. So, if you’re a fan of the Speedmaster but want something different, this could be an excellent option.
6. Invicta Speedway 9211 Price Range: $80
Invicta watches are a controversial topic. However, the brand does bear some relationship with space and aeronautics. Its watches may not have been to the moon, but they came close. In 2012, Invicta launched its Edge of Space project. Here, 36 watches reached the upper stratosphere to see if they could survive such conditions. They were successful.
Today, Invicta offers the Speedway watch. These models only run on quartz movements but look at the true-to-form case dimensions. This watch measures a very manageable 39mm diameter, making it an ideal Omega for smaller wrists. The model features a white dial and black-trimmed sub-counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. The watch also promises plenty of luminous material on the hands, hour markers and a robust steel bracelet.
7. Bulova Lunar Pilot Price: $900
As we now know, Omega is not the only brand with inextricable links to the space and aeronautical industry. Bulova does, too, and has enjoyed great success. In 1971, the Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph equipped the wrists of astronauts on the Apollo 15 Mission. Its ultra-accurate design helped prevent anyone from running out of oxygen, battery power, or water. This partnership led to 45 missions throughout the 1950s through the 1970s. Today, the Lunar Pilot Chronograph pays homage to these two very special decades.
The 43mm Bulova Lunar Pilot features an exclusive high-precision quartz movement to keep costs down. Its case shape straddles the line between a tonneau and a cushion, adding to its uniqueness. This model features a black dial with chronograph counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. A black tachymeter scale frames these features in a design reminiscent of the famous Speedy.
FAQs
Still curious about the Omega Speedmaster? These FAQs should help you decide what alternative is best for you.
What Is the Closest Watch to the Speedmaster?
The Bulova Lunar Pilot might be the closest-looking watch to the Speedmaster. It’s also an original since this popular design has existed since the 1960s. Similar to the Omega Speedmaster, the Lunar Pilot played a part in some of NASA’s important space missions.
What Is the Most Affordable Speedmaster Professional?
One of the most affordable Speedmaster Professional watches on the current market is the Omega Speedmaster Racing Automatic Chronograph. The reference 32630405002001 retails for around $3.5k and features a white dial with a black tachymetric bezel.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re going for an equally luxurious alternative like the IWC or a budget Seiko, the market offers many Speedy-type options. However, the ones in this list of best Omega Speedmaster alternatives are particularly friendly on the wallet.
The great thing is that vintage watches like the Bulova still exist. They’re reminiscent of the golden age of space exploration but promise the advantage of cutting-edge technology. Other suitable alternatives from brands like Hamilton, Steinhart, and Bell & Ross are also worth a peek.
What’s your favorite option on this list? Do you own the perfect Speedy alternative? Let’s see what you have. Leave your comments at the bottom of this article and sign up for our newsletter at the same time!
I’ve been considering getting an Omega Speedmaster for a while now, but the price point has always held me back. It’s great to see some alternative options here that are more affordable. I’ll definitely be checking out some of these brands and models. Thanks for the helpful post!