Short answer
A fake Moonwatch is a counterfeit Omega Speedmaster Professional. The current genuine watch runs the manual-wind calibre 3861, measures 42 mm across, and costs about $7,000 USD on a strap. Replicas sell for $80 to $600. Most fail on the movement, the dial print, and the caseback.
Imitation Moonwatch: A Comprehensive Guide
Know the reference
Omega sells the Moonwatch with two crystals. Hesalite ref 310.30.42.50.01.001 and sapphire ref 310.30.42.50.01.002. Both share a 42 mm steel case, 13.2 mm thickness, 47.2 mm lug to lug, and 50 m water resistance. The 3861 movement has a 50 hour power reserve, a Master Chronometer rating, and 15,000 gauss magnetic resistance.
Start with the movement
Ask for a photo of the movement through the sapphire caseback. The 3861 has a Co-Axial escapement, a free-sprung balance, and Geneva stripes on the bridges. A replica often hides a Chinese ST19 hand-wind or a decorated automatic. Look at the balance bridge shape and the regulator. Fake plates sit on top of a different movement.
The hesalite version has a closed steel caseback. You cannot see the movement. In that case check the engraving depth on the back and the seahorse medallion.
imitation speedmaster moonwatch
Dial and hands
- Subdials: 3-6-9 layout. Running seconds sit at 9.
- Text: OMEGA and Speedmaster PROFESSIONAL print. Replicas show thick letters and wide spacing.
- Logo: applied metal Omega symbol at 12.
- Step dial: a raised ring between the minute track and the center.
- Lume: Super-LumiNova on hands and hour markers. Uniform color, no dark patches.
Case and bracelet
Measure the case. 13.2 mm thickness and 20 mm lug width. Replica cases run thick or thin, and the lug edges feel sharp. Check the bracelet end links for a tight fit and a stamped clasp code. The pushers on a genuine watch start and stop the chrono with a short, clean click.
Papers, serial, and price
A steel Moonwatch at retail is about $7,000 USD. A $200 watch does not come with an Omega warranty card. Ask for the serial on the caseback and the pictogram card. A boutique can check a serial.
Legal note
In the US, trafficking in counterfeit goods violates 18 U.S.C. 2320. Customs can seize shipments. Buying for personal use is a separate matter from selling.