What a fake Speedmaster Apollo 13 is

A fake Speedmaster Apollo 13 copies the look of an Omega Speedmaster tied to Apollo 13. Two real models matter. The 1995 Apollo XIII 25th Anniversary, reference 345.0022, came in a limited run. The 2015 Silver Snoopy Award, reference 311.32.42.30.04.003, had 1,970 pieces. Fakes use a different movement, case, dial, and caseback. Serial numbers do not match Omega records.

Quick checks

  • Movement: real uses Omega calibre 1861 (1995) or 1861/1863 (2015). Fakes use Seagull ST19, Hangzhou 6300, or quartz.
  • Caseback: real has deep, crisp engraving. Apollo XIII text, limited number, and Silver Snoopy Award logo are sharp.
  • Subdial spacing: real 1861 has subdials at 3, 6, 9. Many fakes sit too close to the center or use a 12 hour layout.
  • Pushers: real pushers have a firm, short travel. Fakes feel mushy or long.
  • Crystal: real 1995 uses hesalite. Real 2015 uses sapphire with anti-reflective coating inside.

Movement

The 1995 Apollo XIII 25th Anniversary uses a hand-wound Lemania-based calibre 1861. The 2015 Silver Snoopy Award also uses 1861, with a 1863 version for some markets. A fake often uses a Chinese chronograph movement. The tell is the balance wheel location and the finish. Real 1861 has Geneva stripes and a rhodium plated finish. Fakes show rough edges or no decoration.

Caseback and serial

Real Apollo XIII 25th Anniversary casebacks list the limited number, for example 0001/2000 if the run is 2000 pieces. Check the number against Omega. The 2015 Silver Snoopy Award caseback has a Snoopy medallion and Silver Snoopy Award text. Fakes use laser etching that looks flat. Real engraving has depth.

Serial numbers sit on the lug at 7 o'clock on many Speedmasters. Fakes often reuse one serial across many units. Omega can confirm a serial for a fee.

Dial and hands

Real dials have applied metal logos, correct font weight, and clean lume plots. The 2015 Silver Snoopy Award has a white dial with blue subdials at 3, 6, 9 and a Snoopy motif on the 9 o'clock subdial. Fakes show blurry print, wrong font, or lume that sits above the dial surface. Hands on real models have polished edges and correct length. Fake hands can be too short or too thick.

Price and papers

A real 1995 Apollo XIII 25th Anniversary sells for $6,000 to $12,000 depending on condition and box. The 2015 Silver Snoopy Award sells for $15,000 to $25,000. A new watch at $500 is not real. Papers, hang tags, and a matching limited number add value. Fakes often ship with copied cards and a wrong reference number.

For replica buyers

If you want a replica Speedmaster Apollo 13, know the limits. No replica uses an Omega 1861 movement. No replica has a valid Omega serial. High end replicas copy the case shape and dial print, but the movement is a clone. Check the subdial function and the pusher feel before you buy. Ask for photos of the movement. A seller who hides the movement is a risk.