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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic | Mechanical | Swiss quartz | Quartz |
| Case Size | 38mm, 39.7mm, 42mm (most common) | 42mm | 42mm | 44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 44.9mm, 45mm, 47.2mm | 48mm | 47.34mm | 56mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel bracelet | Nylon polyester strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m | 50m | 30m | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Jomashop |
Buy Now at Alpha
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Buy Now at StockX |
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Omega Speedmaster
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| Movement | In-house swiss automatic |
| Case Size | 38mm, 39.7mm, 42mm (most common) |
| Lug to Lug | 44.9mm, 45mm, 47.2mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at Jomashop |
Alpha Chronograph
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| Movement | Mechanical |
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Lug to Lug | 48mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Alpha
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Omega X Swatch Mission to the Moon
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| Movement | Swiss quartz |
| Case Size | 42mm |
| Lug to Lug | 47.34mm |
| Band | Nylon polyester strap |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It | Buy Now at StockX |
Timex Clock Man
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| Movement | Quartz |
| Case Size | 44mm |
| Lug to Lug | 56mm |
| Band | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Key Benefits |
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| Get It |
Buy Now at Amazon
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The Omega Speedmaster is the most important chronograph in the world.
Sure, the Newman Daytona made waves in auction, and the original Zenith Chronomaster may have quietly influenced the entire chrono genre. Still, most people will immediately recognize the Speedy, sometimes even over the Omega brand.
Plus, it has an aesthetic that’s both sporty and gadget-forward, casting a wide net of personal styles.
The six homages chosen here encapsulate this coveted vibe, some even combining features from different Speedy variants.
Read on to see which of the six Omega Speedmaster homages best fit your tastes, or to find out if you’d rather go with one of our three alternatives.
How Did I Come Up With My List?
I’ve been in the auction industry for a decade now, and I’ve worked with and worn countless Speedmasters, in every reference imaginable.
Using this experience and advising with colleagues, watch specialists in my field, and collectors of all levels, I considered every worthwhile homage on the market and came up with the edit below.
Since not all wrists and tastes are made alike, I also spent hours diving into forums and reviews. As such, all perspectives and priorities are considered.
6 Best Omega Speedmaster Homages
Image Source: Alpha
Combining the slightly simpler dial design of the Speedy Reduced with the proportions and size of the classic, the Alpha Chronograph is actually a bit more versatile than the actual Speedmaster.
The unlined counters dial back the hardcore sportiness, without taking away from it completely, especially considering the large 42mm case. This allows the watch to enter smart casual territory.
The crown and bezel are super crisp, while the pushers offer just enough resistance that bending your wrist doesn’t activate them—which is impressive at this price point.
And speaking of the watch’s operations, it runs on a workhorse mechanical Seagull, that’s beautifully layered, with glossy and rough cogs, a column wheel, and blue steel screws. Of course, the caseback is see-through.
The finishing isn’t perfect, but the shortcuts are taken in smart, hidden places, like where the links meet. At first, second, and even third glance, this watch looks far more premium than its price.
What I Like
- The combination of Speedmaster “best practices” allow this watch to go well with a range of personal styles.
- The finishing is clever, offering near-immaculate brushing and polishing on the parts of the body that can be seen.
- You can admire the mechanical movement via the exhibition caseback, and wind it up with the easy-to-operate crown.
What I Don’t Like
- Seagull automatics can be noisy, especially if they’re unserviced.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
This watch has the honor of coming out on top in several vs. reviews, thanks to its excellent price and premium-enough look and build. Many love how closely the Alpha Chrono resembles the Speedy, as well as its tactile quality.
The main complaint on the internet is that a lot of reviewers would love for this guy to be an automatic.
I personally think that’s asking a lot of a chronograph at this price point. Moreover, it’s not as if an automatic would be any more accurate or cooler to look at via the caseback. Part of the fun of a mechanical is operating it.
The Verdict
The Alpha Chronograph is a comprehensively high-achieving homage, thanks to the thoughtful differences, and the perfectly on-template similarities. This makes it stand on its own, instead of being a cheap knockoff.
The mechanical movement and caseback would satisfy horology lovers at a range of levels, while the high-level applications and finishing makes it a sleek accessory.
Top that off with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, and you’ve got great customer consideration in addition to form and function.
The Alpha Chronograph is a comprehensively high-achieving homage, thanks to the thoughtful differences, and the perfectly on-template similarities. This makes it stand on its own, instead of being a cheap knockoff.
Image Source: StockX
The truth is good chronographs are hard to build. That being the case, there aren’t many super high-end Speedy homages out there (if there are any at all).
Fortunately, Omega is part of the bigger Swatch group, who recently released a Mission to the X line, including the Mission to the Sun watch, the Mission to Venus, and so on. Of course, leading the pack is the Mission to the Moon, which is based on the Speedmaster Moonwatch.
A diffusion line of sorts, this MoonSwatch has something no other homage has: The prestige of brand legitimacy. It’s like a Tudor model that looks like a Rolex flagship model—but even more affordable.
And it’s a pretty good watch too. The finishing is literally perfect, and the smooth lines and hard turns of the case are complex and sophisticated. The moon medallion on the back of the case is vividly executed, and a nice touch.
Additionally, Swatch’s Bioceramic construction isn’t only eco-forward, but gives the classic Speedmaster template a matte and unique almost gunmetal look.
What I Like
- This watch is flawlessly finished, from the detailed hand outlines and the dimensional subdials, to the exquisitely textured case.
- Since Omega is part of the Swatch family, this watch is a rare example of a brand-decreed homage.
- The functions are all at a premium level, including the crisp tachymeter, and the SuperLuminova glow.
What I Don’t Like
- It might be asking a lot for a big Swiss brand to do this, but this was a missed opportunity to build a mechanical watch at the sub-500 level. We know the watch world hard-hitters never do this, but we also know it’s possible.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Dubbed the biggest watch release in decades, this highly-anticipated collab has been well received from both publications and forum-goers. Reviewers love how well-made it is, how much it looks like the Speedy, and how official it is.
There’s a bit of controversy over the mystery behind the quartz movement used though. It might be the ETA Caliber G10.212, which is perfectly accurate but hardly a super premium quartz. It’s actually known to be a go-to movement for big companies who want to upcharge a timepiece using their brand name.
The Verdict
A truly uncommon model, the Omega X Swatch Mission to the Moon MoonSwatch gets you the look of the Speedy, in a fun remixed format so it isn’t just a copy. You also get the brand heritage. It’s well-finished, acclaimed, and though it isn’t a limited edition, it’s definitely an immediately historical release.
A truly uncommon model, the Omega X Swatch Mission to the Moon MoonSwatch gets you the look of the Speedy, in a fun remixed format so it isn’t just a copy. You also get the brand heritage. It’s well-finished, acclaimed, and though it isn’t a limited edition, it’s definitely an immediately historical release.
With a 13mm thickness and way more levels on its dial than the Speedmaster, the Timex Clock Man is arguably a more robust-looking tool watch than its source material.
The outer dial is one level up from the index track, which is one level up from the center dial where the racetrack subdials, and their raised edges, are located. The applied indices and the sword hands add even more topography, while the thick broad bezel looks more akin to that of a dive watch.
Operation-wise, the crown guards stop short of the crown’s screw-top, which protects it, but gives your fingers plenty of room for grip.
What I Like
- The watch’s super robust elements and overall large size gives it an authoritative military aesthetic.
- The finishing on the case and indices is near-perfect, definitely punching way above its price point.
- It’s reliable and easy to use, thanks to its quartz movement and well-designed crown.
What I Don’t Like
- The 56mm lug-to-lug size will mostly suit larger wrists, and definitely be too big for you if you’re slender-wristed.
- The 30m water resistance is pretty meager for a durability-forward sport watch.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love how durable and rugged this watch is. One even mentions how he wore a watch exactly like this during his military career, and can attest to its strength and long life.
A small number of people complain about the weak lume, though this seems to be inconsistent throughout reviews. Make sure to keep in touch with your seller if this is a concern to you.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a brawnier, heavier, and even sportier Speedmaster look-alike, the Timex Clock Man checks all the boxes. It may be a budget watch, but it’s dependable and can definitely handle high-impact situations, as long as it doesn’t involve water.
If you’re looking for a brawnier, heavier, and even sportier Speedmaster look-alike, the Timex Clock Man checks all the boxes. It may be a budget watch, but it’s dependable and can definitely handle high-impact situations, as long as it doesn’t involve water.
Image Source: Jomashop
Leave it to Seiko to build an homage that becomes a popular collector’s item in its own right. That’s what happened with the SKX007, a Sub look-alike, and that’s what happened with this SSB031, which is inspired by the Speedy.
What Seiko does well is going its own direction with the original template, and going as far as they can with the functions, within the budget.
The SSB031 sports the very brand-specific polygonic indices, and designs each subdial just a little different from the other, adding variety without looking Frankensteined. Plus, there’s a lot more shine on this watch than the Speedy, especially since the main dial is sunrayed.
Even more special is its movement, which is the Seiko 6T63, a quartz-accurate movement with a chronograph hand that moves as fast as many automatics do. This uncommon caliber is referred to as a mecha-quartz.
What I Like
- This watch is a coveted collector’s item by watch lovers of all levels.
- The mecha-quartz movement is unique, accurate, and offers a chrono-hand speed similar to that of automatics.
- Seiko collectors are a big and enthusiastic community, which means you can find a lot of support and answers on forums if you’re having issues with your watch.
What I Don’t Like
- This watch is discontinued, and will only occasionally pop up on the secondary market. Jomashop and eBay are good places to frequent. Otherwise, the SSB379 is similar, but not as collectible and runs on a regular quartz movement.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers praise this watch for being a no-worry beater that looks “Moonwatch-esque” and much higher-end than it actually is.
Some like the red accents on the dial face, and others don’t. I personally love that they add a fun pop of color. There are also some complaints about how the hollow end links make the bracelet feel lightweight and cheap.
Regardless, most, if not all, agree that you get a good watch given the price point.
The Verdict
The Seiko SSB031 squeezes as many features into this watch that the price will allow, most noticeably the sweeping mecha-quartz movement and the thoughtfully designed dial applications. If you’re in the market for a technical Speedy-like watch with just an extra pop of color and a bit more shine, this watch is a cost-effective option.
The Seiko SSB031 squeezes as many features into this watch that the price will allow, most noticeably the sweeping mecha-quartz movement and the thoughtfully designed dial applications. If you’re in the market for a technical Speedy-like watch with just an extra pop of color and a bit more shine, this watch is a cost-effective option.
Image Source: Pagani Design
The Pagani Speedmaster Homage comes in seven variants. Five of these are different colorways: Blue and white, black, black with gold accents, green, and gold with black accents. The other two variants are the black version with a black textile strap and the blue version with a blue strap.
The blue variation has a panda style color arrangement with a white main dial, and cerulean subdials, while the green version is mostly monochromatic, with gold accents to match the gold-toned bracelet. These colorways are found in the Speedmaster, but are pretty rare.
Given their ~$115 price point, these watches are a great way to experiment with non-standard colorways that you might be more hesitant to dip into at the actual Speedy price points.
The functions are good, but the lume stands out as particularly impressive. It’s super bright, even in pitch black situations, which is unexpected for a budget watch.
What I Like
- There are seven variants, featuring colorways that’s hard to find when it comes to the real Speedmaster, providing a level of customization and collectibility.
- The lume is as bright and long-lasting as the lume on watches double its price.
- You have the option of getting it delivered from their facilities in China, the US, or Europe, depending on your location, for the fastest possible delivery.
What I Don’t Like
- Pagani’s stainless steel bracelet comes with a microadjustment that’s hard to use due to the small side holes, which are difficult to locate.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers praise Pagani for the discipline and detail that goes into this Speedy homage.
Some complain that the product descriptions mislead buyers into thinking the crystal is sapphire. Pagani uses an artificial sapphire-like treatment, which is almost as scratch-resistant, but is in fact mineral.
The Verdict
The Pagani Speedmaster is an effective homage for two kinds of buyers.
If you’re looking to test drive the Speedy at a budget price, this watch wears and looks pretty close to it.
If you want the Speedy in a non-standard colorway, but don’t want to drop a few thousand for something on the trendy side, the Pagani comes in a handful of different variations. That, and its affordability, also give it a collectibility factor.
The Pagani Speedmaster is an effective homage for two kinds of buyers.
If you’re looking to test drive the Speedy at a budget price, this watch wears and looks pretty close to it.
The Casio Edifice EF503D-1AV features relatively small lugs, an angled bezel, and close-to-body pushers, which allows the dial face to get most of the spotlight.
This is a good thing, since there’s a lot of shine on the different surfaces of this dial. The white indices and concentric-circled counters glimmer in the light, and stand out next to the angled circular dial track. The date window is outlined with a dimensional silver-toned trim.
There’s a lot of beautifully polished elements here and pictures don’t do it justice. Even the tachymeter, which angles down, offers mesmerizing lightplay.
This watch is also durable, reliable, and incredibly popular.
What I Like
- The combination of a busy look with high-polish elements creates a sporty yet elegant look.
- The two-button deployment clasp makes the bracelet easy to take on and off, but won’t easily pop off since you need to hit both buttons at the same time.
- Similar to our Seiko entry, this watch has a substantial forum-world fan club. Even better is the fact the fan club is specific to this model, which serves as a good resource.
What I Don’t Like
- There’s a little bit of play on the bezel.
- It’s a discontinued model that’s sometimes difficult to find. eBay is a good place to look, but grab it fast if you find it. It’s a hot ticket.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
This Edifice is one of the most popular Speedmaster homages in the watch forum world. It’s so highly recommended, it could’ve taken our top spot, if not for the fact it’s a bit hard to find.
Two excellent insights from reviews include how product shots don’t do this watch justice since there’s so many polished layers on the dial (and I fully agree), and that the solid band it comes with is hard to find at this price point (versus folded links).
The Verdict
The Casio Edifice EF503D-1AV boasts that luxury sport watch look, at a fraction of the cost, thanks to its finishing and busy look. On top of that, this objectively good timepiece is esteemed, granting you access to the kind of online community of wearers and fans that big-name models often come with.
3 Quality Omega Speedmaster Alternatives
While homages are affordable tributes to more expensive watches, an alternative is a comparable model, often because it’s in the same category. It won’t necessarily look like the Speedmaster, and it won’t necessarily be more affordable either.
In fact, alternative models are often competitor watches. What makes the Speedy unique though, is that it has one direct competitor that happens to be a mid-tier timepiece, that’s far less expensive.
The Speedy’s direct competitor, and literal pinch-hitter, is actually a midtier timepiece at a fraction of its price. The Bulova Lunar Pilot is the “other Moonwatch” and was worn by Commander David Scott during the 1971 Apollo 15 mission after his Omega broke.
Not only is it a classic chronograph with historical importance, but runs on a Bulova specialty: A high-performance quartz, with eight times more frequency than the average quartz, for unrivaled accuracy.
The Cosmograph Daytona may have lost to the Speedy during the space race, but today, it’s still considered one of the best chronographs on the market. Modern Daytonas flaunt Rolex-specific features, like its extra corrosion-resistant, extra shiny Oystersteel construction that’s patented by the brand, giving the watch a touch more luxuriousness.
It also runs on a COSC-certified Chronometer, that Rolex levels up even more to their own Superlative standard that’s accurate at -2/+2 seconds a day (more accurate than the Speedmaster), and 72 hours of power.
Image Source: Zenith
Though the name isn’t as immediately recognizable to everyday people, watch insiders know that the Zenith Chronomaster Original is one of the most important chronos in history. Its accurate and complex El Primero movement used to power the Rolex Daytona, long before the crown went fully in-house.
It also has a funner look than either of the watches, with its signature overlapping subdials, textured lugs, and use of bright colors. Most impressively, is how equally perfect the finishing is on its dial compared to its more famous counterparts.
Which Omega Speedmaster Homage Should You Get?
The Alpha Chrono is our top pick thanks to its high marks on function, looks, and price, while the MoonSwatch is an upgrade both in build and brand legitimacy.
The Alpha Chronograph is a comprehensively high-achieving homage, thanks to the thoughtful differences, and the perfectly on-template similarities. This makes it stand on its own, instead of being a cheap knockoff.
The robust Timex Clock Man may be cheap, but it’s handsomely rugged and durably long-lasting.
Both the Seiko SSB031 and Casio EF503D-1AV are fan-favorites that combine elegance with sportiness, topped off with topnotch function.
If you’re looking for a brawnier, heavier, and even sportier Speedmaster look-alike, the Timex Clock Man checks all the boxes. It may be a budget watch, but it’s dependable and can definitely handle high-impact situations, as long as it doesn’t involve water.
Meanwhile, homage expert Pagani offers a Speedy homage in several fun colorways, perfect for collecting or experimentation.
It’s all about choosing what you love most about the Omega Speedmaster, and finding those in the best homages.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Speedmaster and the Speedmaster Reduced?
The Speedmaster Reduced came out in late ‘80s as a smaller 39mm option, compared to the classic 42mm. Today though, you can get the classic Speedmaster at 38mm, though the Reduced continues to be a popular watch in its own right.
Is the Speedmaster a good investment?
The Speedmaster and the Seamaster are two safest investments when it comes to Omega watches. Keep in mind that part of the “investment” is also the enjoyment of wearing and owning it before selling. It’s more like art and less like stocks.
Is there an automatic or mechanical Speedmaster homage?
Chronographs are hard to make cheaply, so there aren’t many. The Alpha Chronograph is our top pick, partly due to its mechanical movement that you can see through the caseback.
Ever since I received an Omega Seamaster for my 16th birthday, I fell in love with watches. Professionally, this led me to work for New York and LA’s leading auction houses. Personally, it led to a life as a collector, my Seamaster and my Explorer II being my favorite timepieces.
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