The replica Speedmaster 1957 4th generation is a copy of the 1957 broad arrow Speedmaster, the straight lug chronograph that Omega later reissued in its 1957 Trilogy line. In the replica trade, "generation" is seller shorthand rather than an official number, so a 4th generation piece is the fourth revision a given maker has released, usually with a slimmer case, cleaner dial printing, and a better bracelet than earlier runs. It is a copy, not an original Omega, and it carries no brand warranty or factory service support.
What "4th Generation" Actually Means
No industry body assigns generations to replica watches. Each seller, workshop, or factory counts its own revisions, and one seller's 4th generation can be another seller's 2nd. That makes the label a rough marker of tooling age rather than a quality grade.
- Ask the seller what changed from the previous version. Case thickness, lug profile, dial print, and bezel insert are the usual updates.
- Treat "4th generation" as a version number, not proof of accuracy.
- Compare photos of the actual watch in stock, since sellers often reuse older images across versions.
- Newer often means better finishing, but not always better proportions. Early runs occasionally get one detail right that later runs change for the worse.
What the 1957 Speedmaster Looked Like
The original 1957 Speedmaster and the later 1957 Trilogy reissue share a distinctive set of design cues. Copies are judged against those cues, so it helps to know them before you compare listings.
- Steel case in the 38 to 39 mm range with straight lugs and no crown guards.
- Black bezel with a base 1000 decimal scale rather than a tachymeter scale.
- Broad arrow hour hand, baton minute hand, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock.
- Matte black dial with printed text and applied or painted markers depending on the version.
- Acrylic style crystal on the vintage look, though some copies ship with sapphire.
- Chronograph movement. Originals used a column wheel caliber, while replicas use quartz or generic automatic movements dressed to look the part.
How to Evaluate a 4th Generation Copy
- Case profile. Look at the lug shape and how the caseback sits. Thin, flat lugs read closer to the reference. Chunky lugs with wide bevels read as generic.
- Dial print. Check the arrow logo, the subdial spacing, and whether the text sits at the right height. Misaligned print is the fastest giveaway.
- Bezel insert. Confirm the base 1000 scale is legible and centered, not squashed or off register.
- Hands and lume. The broad arrow should be wide and flat. Lume that looks green or grainy under normal light reads as fake.
- Pusher feel. Chronograph pushers should start and reset with a firm click. Mushy pushers usually point to a cheap movement.
- Strap or bracelet. Match the reference. If the original reference shipped on leather, a steel bracelet copy is a cosmetic mismatch.
Realistic Expectations
- Resale value is close to zero. Replicas are not investments.
- Water resistance claims are not reliable unless the seller pressure tests and states a rating.
- Repair options are limited to the seller or a local independent watchmaker.
- Two watches from the same generation can differ, because workshops change parts between batches.
Legal and Practical Notes
Copies that carry a brand name and logo can infringe trademarks, and customs authorities in many countries seize counterfeit goods. Homage style watches that borrow the shape but carry no brand markings sit on different legal ground. If you shop for a first copy Speedmaster 1957, understand the risk before you order, and buy from a seller who shows real photos and states a return policy.
Common Questions
Is a 4th generation better than a 3rd generation?
Usually the newer revision has cleaner dial print and a thinner case, but confirm the specific changes rather than assuming.
What does "4rd generation" mean?
It is a common misspelling of 4th generation and refers to the same seller revision numbering.
Will a copy pass as genuine?
No. Movement, case finishing, and crystal material give it away under close inspection or to anyone who handles the real watch.
What matters most when comparing sellers?
Actual photos, stated case size, movement type, and whether the seller honors returns. Those four points tell you more than any generation label.