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The Omega Speedmaster is a classic timepiece that has been a favorite among watch enthusiasts for decades. However, its high price tag may be out of reach for many. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, we’ve rounded up five options that offer similar style and functionality without breaking the bank.
History of the Omega Speedmaster
The Omega Speedmaster was first introduced in 1957 as a sports and racing chronograph. Its design was based on the Omega Chronograph, which had been in production since the early 1940s. The watch was powered by the Omega calibre 321 movement, which was known for its accuracy and reliability.
One of the key features of the early Speedmaster was its tachymeter bezel, which allowed the wearer to measure speed over a known distance. This feature was particularly useful for race car drivers and other athletes who needed to measure their speed and distance. The bezel was also marked with a pulsometer scale, which allowed the wearer to measure their heart rate by timing the beats of their pulse.
The Speedmaster was primarily marketed as a sports watch for athletes and racing enthusiasts. However, its rugged construction and precision timekeeping soon made it popular among pilots and other professionals who needed a reliable and accurate timepiece.
It was in space though that the watch would achieve its greatest fame. The watch had been selected by NASA for its accuracy, durability, and legibility in the harsh conditions of space. The Speedmaster’s chronograph function was also used to time critical maneuvers during the mission.
In 1962, astronaut Walter Schirra wore a Speedmaster on the Mercury-Atlas 8 mission, making it the first Omega watch to be worn in space. However, it was the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 that would cement the Speedmaster’s place in history. On July 20th, 1969, Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the surface of the moon wearing a Speedmaster Professional.
During the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, the crew used their Speedmasters to time critical engine burns that helped bring the damaged spacecraft back to Earth safely.
In the 1990s, Omega introduced the Speedmaster “Schumacher” edition, which was named after Formula One driver Michael Schumacher.
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Victorinox Alliance Sport
Features
- Caliber: Swiss Ronda 5030.D quartz chronometer movement
- Function: Time, Date, Chronograph, Tachymetre
- Water resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet / 210 ATM
- Bezel: Aluminium Tachymetre Scale
- Crown: Pushed Down
- Case material: Stainless
- Case diameter: 44 mm
- Lug size: 21 mm
- Crystal: Flat sapphire lens
- Illumination: Superluminova® Inserts
Price: from $595
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Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph
Country of Origin: USA
Parent Brand: Citizen
The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph is a great alternative to the Omega Speedmaster for those on a budget. This watch was actually worn by astronaut Dave Scott during the Apollo 15 mission, giving it a unique connection to space exploration. It features a black dial with white sub-dials, a tachymeter bezel, and a stainless steel case and bracelet. The Bulova Lunar Pilot Chronograph also has a quartz movement, making it more accurate and affordable than the Speedmaster’s mechanical movement. Overall, this watch offers a great combination of style, history, and affordability.
Features
- Caliber: Miyota NP20-Y0Z Quartz Movement 262 kHz
- Function: Chronograph
- Water resistance: 50 meters / 165 feet / 5 ATM
- Bezel: tachymetre
- Crown: Screw-down
- Case material: Stainless / Stainless Black Non-Reflective PVD
- Case thickness : 13.5 mm
- Crystal: Flat sapphire lens
Price: $766
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Seiko Speedtimer Solar
Country of Origin: Japan
Features
- Caliber: Solar powered Seiko V192
- Function: Time/Calender/Chronograph
- Water resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet / 10 ATM
- Bezel: Tachymeter
- Crown: Pushed sown crown and buttons
- Case material: Stainless Steel
- Case diameter: 39 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Lug-to-lug: 45.5 mm
- Crystal: Curved sapphire lens with inner AR coating
- Luminous Paint Type: Lumibrite
Price: $500
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Q Timex Chronograph
Country of Origin: USA
Features
- Caliber: Epson YM12a Central Chrono
- Function: Time, Date, Chronograph
- Water resistance: 50 meters / 165 feet / 5 ATM
- Bezel: Tachymetre
- Crown: Pushed Crown and Buttons
- Case material: Stainless
- Case diameter: 40 mm
- Lug to Lug: 46 mm
- Lug Width: 18 mm
- Crystal: Mineral Glass Dome
- Illumination: Faux-Patinaed-Lume
Price: $219
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Forzo Enduratimer
Country of Origin: Great Britain
Parent Brand: Geckota
Features
- Caliber: Seiko VK64 Mechanical-Quartz hybrid calibre
- Function: Chronograph
- Water resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet / 10 ATM
- Bezel: inner tachymeter
- Case material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Case diameter: 40 mm
- Lug to Lug: 47 mm
- Lug: 20 mm
- Thickness: 12.5 mm
- Crystal: Raised & chamfered edge thick sapphire
- Lume: Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9
Price: $539 – $659
Sternglas Tachymeter
Country of Origin: Germany
Features
- Caliber: Miyota 0S20 Quartz
- Function: Date, Stopping Function, Tachymeter scale, Small Second, 24-hour-Display
- Water resistance: 50 meters / 165 feet / 5 ATM
- Bezel: fixed tachymeter
- Case material: 316L Stainless Steel
- Diameter 42 mm
- Case Height 10 mm
- Band Width 20 mm
- Lug-to-Lug 50 mm
- Case diameter: 40 mm
- Crystal: Flat sapphire glass with double anti-reflective coating
- Lume: Swiss Super-LumiNova® BGW9
Price: 289 €
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