Short answer

A fake Speedmaster Racing is a copy of an Omega Speedmaster Racing, a chronograph Omega has sold since 1968. Current steel versions measure 44.25 mm across and run the Omega caliber 9900, a METAS-certified Master Chronometer. Copies use Seagull, Miyota or similar chronograph movements and sell for $100 to $600. The genuine steel model lists at about $7,700 on a strap.

Five checks matter: case size, movement beat rate, dial print, tachymeter bezel and paperwork.

Case and weight

Genuine Speedmaster Racing cases measure 44.25 mm in diameter and about 15.3 mm thick. Most fakes do not match. Many replica cases measure 42 mm or 45 mm. Weigh the watch. Steel versions run about 130 g on a bracelet. Many replicas weigh 20 g to 40 g less because the case is thinner and the movement is smaller.

Look at the pushers. Omega uses two round pushers with a slight taper. Replica pushers sit lower or stick out further. The crown guard on a copy is wider than the genuine guard.

Movement

Caliber 9900 beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour, or 3.5 Hz. A copy with a Seagull ST19 or a Miyota 6S family movement runs at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) or 28,800 vph (4 Hz). Watch the second hand sweep. A fast or uneven sweep points to a copy.

Genuine Speedmaster Racing watches have a sapphire caseback. The movement shows Co-Axial escapement parts, a silicon balance spring and Cotes de Geneve finishing. Fakes show stamped rotor text and rough edges. Rotor engraving depth is shallow on copies.

Dial, bezel and hands

The Racing dial uses a two-register layout: subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock, date at 6. Some replica dials place the date window 1 mm off center or print the Omega logo with thick letterforms. The applied logo on a real watch is polished and sits on a flat plane. Copies use printed logos or thin glued metal.

Genuine bezels carry a black ceramic ring with a tachymeter scale. Earlier models used an aluminum ring. Lume on real hands is white Super-LumiNova. Copies use green or yellow lume.

Serial and paperwork

Every Omega carries a serial number on the caseback and on the movement. Both must match. Request the warranty card. The card lists the reference number, the serial and the purchase date. Replicas ship with cards, but the fonts and the card stock differ.

An authorized Omega dealer or a watchmaker with a caseback opener confirms the movement in minutes. Omega's own service center performs the check for a fee.

Legal facts

US law, 19 U.S.C. 1526, bans imports of goods that carry a counterfeit trademark. Customs and Border Protection can seize a shipment. Selling a fake as a real Omega is trademark infringement and fraud.

A price under $1,000 for a Speedmaster Racing is a signal. No authorized channel sells a new Master Chronometer Speedmaster Racing below list price.