The replica Speedmaster 1957 3rd generation is the newest batch of the Broad Arrow reissue, and it fixes the two flaws that hurt earlier copies: a flat dial and a bulky crown guard. It runs a hand-wound chronograph inside a 38.6 mm steel case, with broad arrow hands and a base-1000 tachymeter bezel. That mix is what makes it the pick for anyone who wants the 1957 look without the boutique price.
What Is the Speedmaster 1957?
Omega launched the Speedmaster in 1957 as reference CK2915. It used a broad arrow hour hand, a steel case, and a tachymeter scale on the bezel rather than the dial. Omega brought the design back in 2017 for the model's 60th anniversary, and the replica factories followed with their own version.
1957 3rd generation speedmaster replica
The "1957" label covers all three: the original, the anniversary reissue, and the copies. When collectors say 3rd generation, they mean the third round of tooling from the replica makers.
speedmaster 1957 3rd generation replica
How Do the Three Generations Differ?
- Gen 1: Soft case edges, tall crystal, logo printed too high on the dial, loose pusher feel.
- Gen 2: Sharper case, stepped dial added, but subdial spacing sat too wide and the crown guard was too thick.
- Gen 3: Correct stepped dial, tighter crown guards, 19 mm lugs, better movement finishing, and a slimmer profile.
The gap between gen 2 and gen 3 shows up on the wrist. Gen 3 wears flatter, the pushers click with less mush, and the dial catches light the way the 2017 reissue does.
Case, Size, and Fit
Gen 3 measures 38.6 mm across, about 14 mm thick, 19 mm at the lugs, and 48 mm lug to lug. Those figures track the 2017 Omega reissue, so straps and bracelets built for that reference will fit.
Steel is the standard case metal. Some sellers offer a gold-plated version, but the 1957 was a steel watch, so gold misses the point.
Will it fit a small wrist?
Yes. A 38.6 mm case with a 48 mm lug span sits well on wrists from about 15 cm up. The hand-wound movement keeps the case thinner than an automatic, so it slides under a shirt cuff.
Which Movement Sits Inside?
Gen 3 uses a hand-wound chronograph. Most units run a Lemania 1861-style copy with a horizontal clutch, and some batches use a column-wheel ST19. Both wind by hand only, which matches the CK2915 feel.
Power reserve lands near 40 to 48 hours depending on the base. Service options are limited, so buy from a seller who offers a warranty on the movement.
Dial, Hands, and Bezel Details That Matter
- Broad arrow hour hand, baton minute hand, and a straight chronograph seconds hand.
- No "Professional" text on the dial. If you see it, the dial is wrong.
- Base-1000 tachymeter scale with the dot over 90, not the base-500 scale of later Speedmasters.
- Solid caseback with the seahorse medallion, not a display back.
- Logo and dial text are printed, not applied.
How to Spot a 3rd Generation From Older Batches
- Look at the dial step. Gen 3 has a clear step between the outer minute track and the center, with a matte finish.
- Check the crown guards. Gen 3 guards taper into the case. Gen 1 and gen 2 guards sit as blobs.
- Measure the lug width. 19 mm points to gen 3 tooling. 20 mm points to an older case.
- Turn the watch over. A solid caseback with the seahorse medallion fits gen 3. A glass back does not.
- Wind the crown and start the chrono. A crisp zero reset from both pushers is a good sign.
Straps, Bracelets, and the 1957 Look
The 1957 Speedmaster came on a leather strap, not a bracelet. Gen 3 sellers ship with a flat leather strap and contrast stitching, which suits the case.
If you add a bracelet, use a 19 mm end link or a straight-end design. A 20 mm bracelet will not seat and will rub the lugs.
What to Check Before You Buy
- Ask for photos of the actual watch, not stock images.
- Confirm the movement type and the warranty length in writing.
- Check the bezel print with a loupe photo. Fuzzy edges mean a cheap insert.
- Test the chrono reset. The seconds hand should snap back to 12 with no drift.
- Ask about water resistance. Most replicas are splash-proof at best, so keep them out of the pool.
Legal and Practical Notes
Owning a replica watch is legal in most countries, but selling one as genuine is fraud, and some countries restrict imports. Check your local rules before you order.
Keep the watch out of the water, service the movement every few years, and store it away from magnets. A hand-wound chrono with a horizontal clutch is a simple machine, and simple machines last when you treat them well.
FAQ
Is gen 3 worth more than gen 2?
It costs more, and it looks closer to the 2017 reissue. If you care about the dial step and case shape, the extra money buys a visible upgrade.
Does a 3rd generation replica take genuine Omega parts?
Some parts swap, such as the crystal and spring bars. The movement and case parts do not. Treat any claim of full parts interchange as a sales pitch.
Hesalite or sapphire crystal?
Hesalite matches the 1957 original and picks up scratches. Sapphire resists scratches and looks flatter. Pick based on whether you want the vintage feel or a scratch-free lens.