What is a Speedmaster Cal 863 clone?
A Speedmaster Cal 863 clone is a copy of the Omega caliber 863 movement. The clone is not made by Omega. It comes from third-party factories. Most of these factories are in China. The clone looks like the original caliber 863. It does not use Omega parts.
Speedmaster Cal 863 Replica Price: Buying Guide
Original caliber 863 specs
- Type: hand-wound chronograph
- Base: Lemania 1873
- Jewels: 17
- Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
- Power reserve: 48 hours
- Production: 1980s to 1990s
- Finish: rhodium plated, Geneva stripes
Clone specs
Clone movements copy the layout. They use 17 jewels in most cases. The frequency is 21,600 vph. The finish is different. Clones have rough surfaces. They do not have Geneva stripes. The screws are often wrong. The balance wheel may be plain. The rotor is not present because the movement is hand-wound.
How to identify a clone
- Look at the finish. Original has Geneva stripes. Clone has none.
- Check the jewel count. Original has 17 jewels. Some clones have 17, some have 18 or 21.
- Look at the regulator. Original has a swan-neck regulator. Clone has a simple regulator.
- Check the balance. Original has a glucydur balance. Clone has a brass balance.
- Look at the shock system. Original uses Incabloc. Clone uses a Chinese copy.
Price and market
Clone movements sell for $50 to $150. Original caliber 863 movements sell for $500 to $1,200. The price difference is large. A full Speedmaster with a clone movement sells for $200 to $500. A real Speedmaster with caliber 863 sells for $3,000 to $6,000. Buyers should request photos of the movement. A lack of Geneva stripes is a clear sign of a clone.
speedmaster cal 863 fake vs genuine
Legal note
Omega holds trademarks for the Speedmaster name and the Omega logo. Selling a watch with a clone movement as an Omega is illegal in the US. Selling a watch as a replica is legal in some countries but not all. Check local laws before buying or selling.