So, today I messed around with a copy of the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, the one with the sapphire crystal and Caliber 3861. Let me tell you, it was quite the experience.
First off, I got my hands on this replica. It’s supposed to be like the real Moonwatch, you know, the one that actually went to the moon. It’s a bit bigger than some other Speedmaster models, but it’s got that classic look. The movement and crystal are different from other models, but that’s what makes it special.
I started by looking closely at the watch face. They say the spacing of the subdials and the tachymeter scale should be perfect, so I checked those out. On this copy, they looked pretty good, to be honest. The markings on the bezel were sharp, and everything seemed to line up with the dial. I was impressed.
Next, I checked out the case and the bracelet. The quality seemed decent for a replica. It didn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The finishing was okay, nothing super fancy, but it didn’t scream “fake” either.
Then, I messed around with the movement. This one has the Caliber 3861, which is supposed to be super accurate, like only off by 0 to +5 seconds a day. It can also handle magnetic fields and shocks better than the older movements. Plus, they say it doesn’t need servicing as often. I couldn’t really test all that, but it was cool to read about.
I wound it up and set the time. The crown felt solid, and the hands moved smoothly. I played with the chronograph functions, starting and stopping it, resetting it. It all worked fine, and it was fun to see the little hands sweep around.
Details that I focused on
- Subdial spacing: I made sure the spacing between the subdials looked right.
- Tachymeter scale: I checked that the markings on the bezel were clear and aligned with the dial.
- Case and bracelet quality: I felt the case and bracelet to see if they felt solid and well-made.
- Movement: I read up on the Caliber 3861 to understand its features.
Overall, I was pretty happy with this copy of the OMEGA Speedmaster. It looked good, felt good, and seemed to work well. Obviously, it’s not the real deal, but for a replica, it’s not bad at all. It made me appreciate the real Moonwatch even more. It’s no wonder it’s such an icon.
At the end of the day, I put the watch back in its box. It was a fun little experiment, and it gave me a new appreciation for the OMEGA Speedmaster. Now I’m even more tempted to save up for the real thing!
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