What "T Omega copy" means
"T Omega" is a nickname used in the replica market for a small producer that builds copies of Omega models. The name comes from forum shorthand for the Greek omega symbol. The producer publishes no records, no owner name and no production numbers. Claims about its size, location or history are unverified. A T Omega copy of the Speedmaster is a counterfeit watch that reproduces the outside of the Moonwatch and uses a third-party movement inside. Omega has no connection to these watches.
Omega Speedmaster T Omega Replica Watch
Speedmaster references that get copied
- 3570.50.00. 42mm Moonwatch, Hesalite crystal, calibre 1861. Used prices run $3,000 to $5,000.
- 311.30.42.30.01.005. Sapphire sandwich version with a display back.
- 310.30.42.50.01.002. Current 3861 Moonwatch. US retail is above $7,000.
- 311.32.42.30.01.001. Speedy Tuesday, 2,012 pieces made.
Checks that separate a copy from a genuine watch
- Case size. Genuine Moonwatch measures 42mm across. Omega lists the 3861 at 13.2mm thick. Copies run thicker, sometimes 15mm, because the movement sits higher in the case.
- Crystal. The 3570.50 uses Hesalite, a soft plastic. Many copies ship only with sapphire on every version.
- Movement. Calibre 1861 and calibre 3861 are hand wound and beat at 21,600 vph. Neither has a rotor. A rotor or an oscillating weight seen through the back means the watch is not a 1861 or 3861 build. Common substitutes include the Seagull ST19 and decorated automatic movements.
- Subdials. Three registers sit at 3, 6 and 9. A date window at 3 or 4:30 does not exist on these references.
- Bezel. Pre-2021 bezels use the "dot over 90" tachymeter. The 3861 uses "dot diagonal to 90."
- Caseback. Genuine backs carry the text "FLIGHT-QUALIFIED BY NASA FOR ALL MANNED SPACE MISSIONS." Letter spacing and font weight differ on copies.
- Serial numbers. Genuine numbers are recorded by Omega. A number that repeats across listings points to a copy.
Prices and US law
Copies sell for $200 to $600. Genuine 1861 Moonwatches trade on the used market for $3,000 and up. US Customs can seize counterfeit watches under 19 U.S.C. § 1305. Selling a copy as genuine falls under 18 U.S.C. § 2320, with a first offense carrying up to 10 years in prison. Omega does not service counterfeit watches. Independent watchmakers refuse them in many cases because parts do not interchange with genuine calibres.