Replica Speedmasters sold as the 1957 fifth generation copy the CK2915 case. The label mixes two systems. The 1957 Speedmaster is Omega's first generation, reference CK2915. The fifth generation in collector counts is the 145.012, a 1967 reference with the cal. 321. Sellers also use generation for their own batches of replicas. Ask which meaning applies before you compare two watches.
What the 1957 Reference Is
Omega released the Speedmaster in 1957. The reference is CK2915, in three known versions, CK2915-1 through CK2915-3. The watch runs the cal. 321, a column wheel chronograph at 18,000 vibrations per hour with 17 jewels. The case measures about 39 mm across with 19 mm lugs. The bezel is stainless steel with a base 1000 tachymeter scale. The dial carries a broad arrow hour hand and an applied Omega logo. The word Professional does not appear on the dial. That text entered the line in 1964 with the 105.012.
Speedmaster 1957 5th Generation Watch Replica Cost Guide
What Fifth Generation Means in Listings
Collector counts differ. One common count runs CK2915, CK2998, 105.002 and 105.003, 105.012, then 145.012 as the fifth. Another count adds the 145.022 as a sixth. Omega does not publish generation numbers. A listing that pairs 1957 with fifth generation joins a 1957 reference to a 1967 reference. Treat the phrase as a seller term until the batch and the copied reference are named.
Parts to Compare
Case and lugs
CK2915 lugs are straight and thin. The 145.012 lugs are twisted. A replica with a 1957 label and twisted lugs copies the wrong case.
speedmaster 1957 5th generation replica
Bezel
The 1957 bezel is steel with a base 1000 scale. Black aluminum bezels arrived with the CK2998 in 1959. Compare numeral shape and scale spacing against reference photos at the same angle.
Dial and hands
Check the logo type, applied or printed, the lume color, the subdial spacing, and the font weight on the subdial rings. Subdial spacing follows the movement, so a wrong movement shows in the dial layout.
Movement
Originals use the cal. 321. Most replicas use the Seagull ST19, a hand wound column wheel design based on the Venus 175, at 21,600 vibrations per hour with 19 jewels. Some use an ETA 7750 base. Neither is a 321. The 321 runs at 18,000 vibrations per hour, five beats per second. The ST19 runs at six beats per second. Listen to the balance or count the ticks.
Crystal
Originals use a domed Hesalite crystal. Replicas ship with acrylic or sapphire. Sapphire reads sharper and adds a visible edge at the case rim.
Caseback
Compare font weight and engraving depth around the reference number and the hippocampus. Laser engraving looks flat. Stamped engraving leaves a raised burr at the edge of each cut.
Bracelet and strap
Period images show the CK2915 on leather. Replica batches ship with leather or steel. Confirm the 19 mm lug width and the end link fit to the case.
Price Bands
- ST19 based replicas: about 200 to 500 USD.
- ETA 7750 based replicas: about 400 to 900 USD.
- Genuine CK2915: auction results in the tens of thousands of USD.
These are ranges. Sellers move them with batch, movement, and finish level.
What a Comparison Cannot Change
Movement architecture, case production method, and dial printing differ between a replica and a genuine CK2915. No batch fixes those. A replica is a lookalike, not a restoration. A 2017 Omega re-edition of the 1957 Speedmaster exists as reference 311.10.39.30.01.001, and it uses a modern manual movement rather than a 321. That watch is a third object in any comparison.
Checklist Before You Buy
- Ask which reference the replica copies: CK2915, 145.012, or the 2017 re-edition.
- Confirm case diameter and lug width.
- Confirm bezel material and scale type.
- Ask for the movement model and beat rate.
- Request photos of the caseback, crown side, and lug profile.
- Compare subdial positions to reference photos at the same angle and light.