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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 346 — Real vs. Fake: Identifying Counterfeit Omega Speedmaster Components
The Omega Speedmaster—especially the “Moonwatch”—is one of the most iconic and most frequently counterfeited watches ever produced. With more than 50 years of reference variations, interchangeable parts, service components, and subtle generational differences, counterfeiters exploit every complexity of the model. Even experienced collectors unknowingly purchase Speedmasters assembled from aftermarket, service, or entirely fake components.
This guide provides the complete professional forensic workflow used by watchmakers, appraisers, and authentication specialists to evaluate every Speedmaster component with precision.
Inside, you’ll learn how professionals:
Authenticate dial fonts, subdial spacing, printing thickness, step-dial depth, and “Speedmaster” script shape
Distinguish tritium vs. Super-LumiNova lume and evaluate UV/blacklight response
Identify correct chronograph hand shapes, counterbalance profiles, and lume tone
Authenticate DON/DN70 bezels, font weight, numeral curves, and tachymeter spacing
Identify off-center numerals, incorrect DON placement, and perfect modern ink used in fakes
Evaluate case machining, lyre-lug bevels, brushed/polished transitions, crown geometry, and pusher profiles
Authenticate caseback engravings, seahorse medallion depth, brushing patterns, and reference/serial alignment
Verify Hesalite vs. sapphire crystal height, Omega-logo etching, AR coating, and curvature
Inspect bracelets, endlinks, clasp engravings, tolerances, link articulation, and stamping accuracy
Authenticate movements: Caliber 321, 861, 1861, 3861—bridge finishing, jewel count, plating hue, and serial placement
Identify laser-etched aftermarket parts, fake rotors, and non-OEM bridges
Detect Frankenwatches with mismatched-era dials, bezels, hands, bracelets, or movements
Evaluate packaging, warranty cards, manuals, and red-flag inconsistencies
Understand how non-original components impact value from collector grade to parts watches
Whether you’re buying, selling, or appraising vintage, transitional, or modern Speedmasters, Volume 346 gives you the complete forensic system needed to authenticate components and avoid costly mistakes.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access
The Omega Speedmaster—especially the “Moonwatch”—is one of the most iconic and most frequently counterfeited watches ever produced. With more than 50 years of reference variations, interchangeable parts, service components, and subtle generational differences, counterfeiters exploit every complexity of the model. Even experienced collectors unknowingly purchase Speedmasters assembled from aftermarket, service, or entirely fake components.
This guide provides the complete professional forensic workflow used by watchmakers, appraisers, and authentication specialists to evaluate every Speedmaster component with precision.
Inside, you’ll learn how professionals:
Authenticate dial fonts, subdial spacing, printing thickness, step-dial depth, and “Speedmaster” script shape
Distinguish tritium vs. Super-LumiNova lume and evaluate UV/blacklight response
Identify correct chronograph hand shapes, counterbalance profiles, and lume tone
Authenticate DON/DN70 bezels, font weight, numeral curves, and tachymeter spacing
Identify off-center numerals, incorrect DON placement, and perfect modern ink used in fakes
Evaluate case machining, lyre-lug bevels, brushed/polished transitions, crown geometry, and pusher profiles
Authenticate caseback engravings, seahorse medallion depth, brushing patterns, and reference/serial alignment
Verify Hesalite vs. sapphire crystal height, Omega-logo etching, AR coating, and curvature
Inspect bracelets, endlinks, clasp engravings, tolerances, link articulation, and stamping accuracy
Authenticate movements: Caliber 321, 861, 1861, 3861—bridge finishing, jewel count, plating hue, and serial placement
Identify laser-etched aftermarket parts, fake rotors, and non-OEM bridges
Detect Frankenwatches with mismatched-era dials, bezels, hands, bracelets, or movements
Evaluate packaging, warranty cards, manuals, and red-flag inconsistencies
Understand how non-original components impact value from collector grade to parts watches
Whether you’re buying, selling, or appraising vintage, transitional, or modern Speedmasters, Volume 346 gives you the complete forensic system needed to authenticate components and avoid costly mistakes.
Digital Download — PDF • 10 Pages • Instant Access