Short answer
The "6th generation" Speedmaster 1957 is a seller label, not an Omega term. Omega built the first Speedmaster in 1957 as the CK2915. Omega re-issued that design in 1997 as ref 3594.50.00 with the caliber 1861. Replicas copy the 1997 re-edition. Between generations the parts that change are the movement, the crystal, the bezel insert, the dial, the caseback, and the lume. No factory publishes a generation index. Two sellers can use the same number for two different watches. Compare parts, not numbers.
Speedmaster 1957 6th Generation Replica Watch Price Comparison Guide
Specs of the two watches being copied
- 1957 CK2915: caliber 321, 39 mm case, broad arrow hands, steel bezel with an engraved tachymeter scale, no crown guards.
- 1997 ref 3594.50.00: caliber 1861, 42 mm case, 20 mm lugs, broad arrow hands, steel bezel insert.
Both use a hand-wound movement and three subdials at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. The caliber 321 runs at 18,000 vph. The caliber 1861 runs at 21,600 vph.
Speedmaster 1957 6th Generation Replica With Perpetual Calendar: What Buyers Are Actually Getting
Parts that change between replica generations
- Movement. Most mid-tier builds use a Seagull ST19, a hand-wound column-wheel chronograph at 21,600 vph with a 40-hour power reserve. The 6th generation label points to an ST19 with a decorated bridge plate and a different balance cock.
- Crystal. Some builds ship domed mineral glass. Later builds ship domed sapphire or acrylic. Check for a distortion ring over the subdials when the watch is held at an angle.
- Bezel insert. The 1957 bezel is steel with an engraved scale. Replica builds use a printed insert in aluminum or steel. Check the font weight and the gap between the numerals and the outer edge.
- Dial. Check the step at the dial edge, the depth of the subdial rings, and the width of the "Speedmaster" wordmark. Subdial hands on the 1997 watch are long and thin. Short subdial hands are a common flaw.
- Caseback. The 1997 watch has an engraved seahorse medallion. Replica casebacks range from stamped to laser-etched. Depth of the engraving is the tell.
- Lume. The 1957 watch used radium. Replica builds use C3 or BGW9. Color match between hands and markers is the common complaint.
- Bracelet. Photos of the CK2915 show a leather strap. The 1997 re-edition ships on a steel bracelet. Check the end link fit and the clasp stamping.
Movement options
- Seagull ST19: hand-wound, 21,600 vph, 40-hour reserve. Common in this price band.
- Copy of the Lemania 1873 base used by the caliber 1861: listed by some sellers at a higher price.
- Quartz: a ticking second hand gives it away.
How to compare two listings
- Ask for case diameter and lug width. Target 42 mm and 20 mm.
- Ask for the movement name and the beat rate.
- Ask for the crystal material and the height of the crystal above the bezel.
- Ask for photos of the caseback, the clasp, and the crown.
- Ask for a side profile photo. Case thickness is where most builds differ from the 1997 watch.
What no generation fixes
Replica Speedmasters are not made by Omega. They carry no Omega warranty and no Omega service support. Water resistance claims on listings are unverified. Lug finishing and crown guard shape vary between units from one batch. A 6th generation label does not mean a better watch than a 5th generation label from a different seller. Ask for photos of the unit you will receive.