Ordinarily in the “Time Machines” column, I make a point of exploring great luxury fake watches and stories that fly under the radar, or simply haven’t had the sort of enthusiast exposure they deserve. Much of that (as well as many of the topics of this column) are rooted in my own “dare to be different” collecting philosophy, but once in a while, I come across a watch that makes me re-evaluate my entire outlook. I’ve owned roughly half a dozen Omega Speedmasters over the years, including several Mark IIs, multiple Teutonic references, and other Mark-series models, but I’ve never actually had the classic Professional design in any form — until now. When this 1978-serial UK Swiss replica Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.022 watches crossed my path, though, it was love at first sight, and a potent argument for collecting the standard icons of watchmaking.
The high quality fake Omega Speedmaster watches need no introduction. Anyone with a passing interest in timepieces likely knows the story here: originally designed for racing in 1957, selected for astronaut use by NASA in the 1960s, Apollo 11, moon landings, and the birth of the longest-running (and possibly most successful) luxury watch advertising campaign in existence. It’s frankly impossible to separate the onlin copy Omega Speedmaster Professional watches’ legacy from the moon at this point, but acting like this story’s familiarity makes it any less compelling or technically impressive carries more than a whiff of hipsterism about it.
As for the reference 145.022 specifically, there’s a solid case that this is the quintessential baseline Speedy. Produced from 1968 all the way up to 1988, the 145.022 was the launching point for the Caliber 861 movement, and pioneered a handful of other Speedmaster hallmarks we take for granted to this day. Despite launching prior to the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969, NASA astronauts passed over the 145.022 in favor of older, more familiar Caliber 321-powered examples, making those earlier references more desirable (and therefore far more expensive) to collectors. In fact, the only documented 145.022 that ever went to space was in the command module of Apollo 17 in 1972, and used for experiments. With that in mind, the 145.022 carries less lunar baggage than its predecessors, but that only leaves it more accessible to enthusiasts in an era of five-figure 321-powered Speedys. On the other side of the coin, this was the first best copy Omega Speedmaster watches reference to feature a commemorative caseback referencing Apollo 11, beginning with a simple line of text in 1971 and evolving to the more ornate, familiar medallion seen here by 1978.
Despite the massive gap in value between the ref. 145.022 and its earlier, more prestigious siblings, this is visually 99 percent identical to the cheap super clone watches that went to the moon. Most enthusiasts will be well aware of the specifications here, with a 42mm-wide stainless steel case, domed Hesalite crystal, and the classic twisted lyre lug design that has come to define the Speedy silhouette. The standard-issue black dot-beside-90 tachymeter bezel and broad, asymmetric chamfered case sides might show a fair amount of wear from nearly 50 years of service, but it’s the sort of light patina that gives vintage replica watches for sale character rather than out-and-out damage. The dial is likewise a textbook example of Speedy design, with a touch of aging on the tritium lume and some light marking around 11 o’clock. While it may not have the prestige of the earlier column-wheel Caliber 321, the in-house handwound Caliber 861 chronograph movement within is running excellently and remains legendarily tough. Its simpler cam-lever construction is basic and reliable, while the 21,600 bph frequency keeps the feel solidly vintage on the wrist.
Given how much of a departure this traditional-style 1:1 fake Omega Speedmaster Professional watches are from my usually eclectic wearing and collecting habits, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from ownership. It may be an exceedingly familiar design to most enthusiasts, but waking up to this watch every day surprises me for a number of reasons. The first is the wearing experience: at a time when a 42mm-wide chronograph seems to be at the edge of reason for most trend-focused enthusiasts, this watch still feels brilliantly well-proportioned on my 6.75-inch wrist. It’s big without being imposing, slim without feeling dainty, and almost preternaturally well balanced across its case, subdials, and lugs. On top of that, there’s the sheer versatility of the Speedmaster to consider. Most truly “iconic” watches — Speedmasters, Submariners, Cartier Santos, and the like — tend to truly suit any occasion. Unlike some of the wilder, more esoteric designs in my collection, I feel confident slipping on the ref. 145.022 with virtually any outfit, for nearly any activity. It’s a watch you don’t have to be conscious of, in a sense, as it adapts itself to fit any style one throws at it. On a related note, the idea of the Speedmaster Professional as a “strap monster” is well-founded. Whether it’s leather, canvas, rubber, NATO straps, or bracelets, this watch makes them all shine. This example tends to live on a Forstner modern flat-link bracelet to emphasize its vintage character, but there are days when I throw on an elaborately custom-tooled leather strap and it works equally well. Lastly, there’s the practical, un-glamorous side of ownership. In an increasingly uncertain economy, there’s a real comfort to be found in a watch like this Speedmaster Professional. If things really go south, anywhere in the world I might be, selling this AAA replica Omega watches should be a quick, straightforward process for a generally agreed-upon price. While there’s an immense amount of truth in the old enthusiast mantra of “never buy watches to make money,” it’s reassuring to know that I won’t be shackled to it if desperate financial times arrive.
After around two months of ownership, this buy replica Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.022 watches haven’t only reinvigorated my own personal passion for vintage collecting, it’s also served as a strong reminder that sometimes the classics are classic for a reason, no matter how popular or common they may be. While there’s importance and value in creating a personalized, unique watch collection that reflects your own distinct tastes, it’s worth exploring the “default options” from time to time, whether you’re a new enthusiast or have been collecting for decades.
