Is your Speedmaster '57
the real deal?
The Omega Speedmaster '57 pays homage to the original 1957 Speedmaster with its broad-arrow hands and vintage-inspired design. Featuring modern Co-Axial movements in a retro package, it commands premium prices that attract counterfeiters.
How to authenticate a Speedmaster '57
Broad-Arrow Hands Design
The Speedmaster '57's defining feature is its broad-arrow hour and minute hands, inspired by the original 1957 model. The hour hand has a distinctive triangular arrow tip, while the minute hand is long and tapered with an arrow point. Both should be precisely finished with clean edges and even lume fill. Counterfeits often have hands with the wrong proportions, blunt arrow tips, or uneven luminous material.
Dial Tachymeter Bezel
The Speedmaster '57 features a tachymeter scale on the bezel. The numerals and markings should be precisely printed or engraved with consistent depth and color. The "TACHYMETRE" text should use Omega's specific font. The bezel insert should sit flush with the case. Counterfeits often have poorly printed numerals, incorrect font, uneven spacing, or a bezel insert that sits too high or too low.
Omega Logo & "Co-Axial" Text
The Omega logo at 12 o'clock should be applied (raised, not printed) with a perfect finish. Below it, "OMEGA" text should be crisp and properly spaced. The "Co-Axial Master Chronometer" text on the dial should use Omega's exact font and sizing. Counterfeits often have a flat or poorly shaped logo, wrong font for the Co-Axial text, or misaligned dial printing.
Case Back Medallion
The Speedmaster '57 features a sapphire display case back showing the Caliber 9906 movement. The case back should have precise engravings including the Speedmaster logo, reference number, and "MASTER CHRONOMETER" certification. The sapphire crystal should be perfectly clear. Counterfeits have blurry engravings, incorrect medallion designs, or a tinted/scratched display crystal.
Bracelet Design (Vintage-Style Links)
The Speedmaster '57 features a distinctive vintage-inspired bracelet with a unique link design that tapers toward the clasp. The bracelet should integrate seamlessly with the case, and each link should articulate smoothly. The clasp should feature the Omega logo and fold securely. Counterfeits have bracelets with loose links, poor tapering, incorrect clasp design, or visible gaps at the case junction.
Movement (Co-Axial Master Chronometer 9906)
Visible through the display case back, the Caliber 9906 should show Omega's distinctive arabesque Geneva waves decoration, a column-wheel chronograph mechanism, and the Omega-branded rotor. The movement should be METAS Master Chronometer certified. Counterfeits use generic chronograph movements that lack the specific bridge layout, decoration quality, and column-wheel mechanism of the genuine 9906.
Speedmaster '57 counterfeit warning signs
Wrong Hand Shape (Not Proper Broad-Arrow)
The broad-arrow hands are the most recognizable feature of the Speedmaster '57. If the hour hand arrow is too narrow, too wide, or has a different profile than the authentic design, the watch is likely counterfeit. Compare the hand shape carefully against official Omega product images.
Poor Bezel Insert Printing
The tachymeter scale on the bezel should have crisp, evenly printed or engraved numerals with consistent color fill. If the numbers are fuzzy, unevenly spaced, or the color is inconsistent, the bezel insert is not genuine.
Incorrect Case Back Design
The display case back should show the Caliber 9906 with its specific bridge layout and decoration. If the case back engravings are wrong, the movement visible doesn't match the 9906, or the sapphire crystal appears cloudy or tinted, the watch is counterfeit.
Movement Without METAS Certification
Every genuine Speedmaster '57 is a Master Chronometer, meaning it has passed rigorous METAS testing for precision, magnetic resistance, and water resistance. The movement should display the finishing quality and specific components consistent with METAS certification. A movement that lacks these hallmarks indicates a counterfeit.
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Frequently asked questions
What movement is in the Omega Speedmaster '57?
The Speedmaster '57 is powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 9906, a column-wheel chronograph movement with a 60-hour power reserve. It features Omega's Co-Axial escapement, a silicon Si14 hairspring, and is certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS, meaning it resists magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. The movement is visible through a sapphire display case back and features arabesque Geneva waves decoration.
How is the Speedmaster '57 different from the Moonwatch?
The Speedmaster '57 and the Moonwatch (Professional) differ in several key ways. The '57 uses broad-arrow hands inspired by the original 1957 Speedmaster, while the Moonwatch has the classic baton hands. The '57 features a sapphire crystal and is Master Chronometer certified (METAS), while the Moonwatch Professional uses a hesalite crystal (with a sapphire option). The '57 runs the Caliber 9906 with Co-Axial escapement, while the Moonwatch uses the manually-wound Caliber 3861. The '57 is 40.5mm with a more integrated bracelet design.
What size is the Omega Speedmaster '57?
The Speedmaster '57 has a 40.5mm case diameter. Despite being slightly smaller than the classic 42mm Moonwatch Professional, the '57 actually wears similarly on the wrist due to its shorter, more curved lugs and integrated bracelet design. The case is also thinner than the Moonwatch, giving it a more refined profile on the wrist that bridges the gap between a sports chronograph and a dressy timepiece.