Affordable Omega Speedmaster Alternatives – Get the Speedy Look for Less
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While the Omega Speedmaster is far from the most expensive watch out there, for many of us, shelling out thousands for a wristwatch is still no more than a pipe dream. Nevertheless, there are some good low-cost alternatives out there that give you that Speedmaster look for much less. Here are 10 great picks to ponder over.
Lowest Cost
Fossil CH2600:
The lowest priced decent Speedmaster alternative has to be the Fossil CH2600. Over the years, fashion brand Fossil have released a few different Speedmaster homage watches. Currently, this CH2600 is their best available option. While the finishing touches may not be perfect, the watch is only £100 and has a surprisingly strong 100m (10ATM) of water resistance. This is one of the better budget choices out there.
There are cheaper watches out there, however, this is probably as little as I would spend on a watch like this. While Fossil aren’t my favourite brand, they have been around for a while and are fairly trusted in this price range.
Low Cost and Swiss Made
Swatch ‘Deep Grey’ YVS465G:
Famous Swiss manufacturers Swatch have created a few watches that imitate the famous moon watch. This YSV565G, also known as the Swatch Deep Grey, offers a look incredibly reminiscent to the Omega Speedmaster, but with numbered hour markers. Overall, this is a really attractive watch that is readily available and comes fitted with a stainless-steel strap. The Deep Grey is undoubtedly one of the best cheap options around.
I’ve tried several stainless-steel Swatch watches before and have been surprised at their performance, especially when compared to their cheaper plastic cased models. These watches have a cult following online, meaning the resale value could be higher than you expect, should you decide to part with this piece down the line.
Seiko SSB031P1:
Popular Japanese brand Seiko have a couple of Speedmaster lookalikes in their repertoire. The first of which is this SSB031, which features a couple of distinctive red accents, including a slim red second hand. The stock bracelet is rubbish, though the bulk of the watch is of Seiko assured quality.
Seiko SBPP001 (Import):
Alternatively, this Seiko SBPP001 has a design more closely matching the original Speedy. This one even has the same sub-dial arrangement, paired with a relatively slim case. This particular model is a Japanese domestic model, meaning you’ll have to order it on a site like Rakuten Global Market to get hold of one.
A small feature I like about this one is the black date window, which blends seamlessly into the watch dial – something usually overlooked by many watch brands.
German Made Premium Alternative
Junkers JUMO 9.21.01.01.M:
A higher priced option is the brand-new Junkers ‘Jumo’ watch. If you’re after a watch with similar aesthetics to the Speedmaster, yet with more exclusivity, then this could be the one to opt for. At a quarter of the price of a new Speedy, it’s far more affordable, and still features fantastic specifications; including an ETA Valjoux 7750 movement – often considered the greatest chronograph movement ever. This watch is built to the highest of standards in Germany and features 100m of water resistance. The Junkers brand dates back to World War 2 and their watches are some of the most beautiful around.
Historically Significant
Bulova Lunar Pilot:
American brand Bulova is a subsidiary of popular Japanese conglomerate Seiko, with a substantial amount of heritage. Their chronograph watches directly competed with Omega’s Speedmaster lines in the 1960’s and 70’s. This Lunar Pilot reissue is constructed using modern materials, containing their super accurate quartz movement. For under £500, this is a must for those wanting that lunar look for less than a Speedy. Many consider this to be Bulova’s best watch, especially in this price range.
Tissot T100 PRS516 Chronograph:
A rare Swiss-made alternative to the Omega is this offering from Tissot. Featuring yellow accents, this PRS516 chronograph is clearly inspired by the Omega Speedmaster. This is a great choice is you are after a watch that doesn’t look like an exact clone and retains some originality. Tissot are arguably the most popular watch brand at this price range, as they offer a good balance between price and quality. Until September 2019, this watch retailed for over £550 on Amazon, yet has recently plummeted to around £300 (at the time of writing), making it £200 cheaper than anywhere else online.
Victorinox Alliance Sport:
Founded in 1884, Victorinox are world-reknowned for their fantastic Swiss Army knives. The watches produced under their logo are technically produced by a subsidiary/contracted company; though are still produced in Switzerland.
While I think many of their watches are overpriced, this Alliance Sport in particular offers sturdy construction for a reasonable price. This watch is on the larger side, coming in at 44mm in diameter, which will suit bigger men’s wrists. Currently, this is retailing for a really affordable price on grey market dealer Jomashop.
Gigandet Chronograph:
This brand has links stretching back to the 1920’s, though has changed hands a few times since. Design-wise, this is certainly a Speedmaster copy, with the chapter ring and hands looking nearly identical. This one features an interesting Miyota JS25 quartz movement, which is nice to see in this watch, considering the price point.
The exemplary reviews online suggest that may are surprised by the quality of this relatively unknown brand. These seem to be constructed somewhere in the far East, though it seems the quality control is good.
Citizen Eco Drive Chronograph:
This Citizen Eco-Drive model features case geometry that is near-identical to that of the Omega Speedmaster. These watches are amazing because they utilise natural or artificial lights to power the lithium cell inside the watch; meaning the watch can run indefinitely without a battery change – a useful feature for those looking to wear the piece regularly.
This watch also sits at 40mm in diameter, so it should fit most wrists really well; many of the other watches on this list are far chunkier. At the current price of £170, this is great value for money and a good Speedy clone.