In some sense, Omega’s Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is like no other watch. Not only is it about as iconic and compelling as any timepiece ever could be, but its base price south of $7,000 (for the current version) is relatively reasonable and makes for a worthy aspiration.
That's still plenty of money, though, so something comparable but more affordable might be what’s right for you. Or, maybe you’ve heard so much hype and seen so many pictures of Speedmasters on Instagram that you simply want something a little different, even though you like the looks.
The Moonwatch’s history is hard to beat, but its handsome, legible design that’s sporty and technical yet understated is also rare in other chronographs. However, there are alternatives out there offering something similar without feeling like a copycat. In their own ways, each option below offers an attraction similar to that of the Omega Speedmaster.
The Alternatives
Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch
- Movement: Quartz
- Diameter: 42mm
- Water Resistance: 30m
Surely, the ultimate affordable alternative to the Moonwatch is the MoonSwatch collab from Swatch x Omega. It's like a plastic toy version of the actual Moonwatch but fully endorsed by Omega itself — not to mention it becoming a bonafide sensation and cultural phenomenon. It even says "Speedmaster" on the dial. And, although any version is appropriate and fun for this purpose, the "Mission to the Moon" model (reviewed here) gets you closest to the original's look. Yeah, it's been hard to get, but the hunt is part of the fun.
Bulova Lunar Pilot
- Movement: Bulova High-performance quartz chronograph
- Diameter: 43.5mm
- Water Resistance: 50m
It’s been called the “other” Moonwatch, and it even shares some visual traits with the Speedmaster. Though less well known, the Bulova Lunar Pilot is among a handful of watches that have actual space-mission cred. Bulova collaborated with NASA for decades, contributing the likes of its Accutron technology in a few ways, including in the Lunar Pilot watch. The actual model worn on the moon by astronaut Dave Scott sold at auction in 2015 for no less than $1.625 million. Equipped with a quartz movement, however, this commercial version is eminently affordable and probably one of the coolest watches in this price range.
Bell & Ross BR V2-94
- Movement: ETA 2894-2 automatic
- Diameter: 41mm
- Water Resistance: 100m
The black dial with black tachymeter bezel and typical chronograph dial layout make Bell & Ross’s BR V2-94 aesthetically comparable to the Speedmaster, and perfect for those who perhaps like the Speedy’s look but want something less common. The BR V2-94 also offers luxury-level fit and finish commensurate with a price that’s about $2k less than the (basic) Speedy itself — and on its steel bracelet, it’s all the more Moonwatch-reminiscent.
