Best Omega Speedmaster Alternatives by Budget

The Omega Speedmaster “Moonwatch” is a legendary timepiece, but its premium price can be a hurdle for many watch enthusiasts. Fear not! We’ve handpicked the best alternatives across three budget-friendly categories: under $500, $500 to $1,000, and $1,000 to $3,000. Each of these selections captures the essence of the Speedmaster’s style without breaking the bank.

While we focus on mechanical (or automatic) chronographs, we’ve also included some top-notch quartz models in the lower price ranges where options are scarce. Dive into our recommendations for detailed specs, striking design similarities, exceptional value, and links to trusted retailers or manufacturers. Discover your new favorite watch today!

Under $500

Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch “Mission to the Moon”– ($260 at Swatch Boutiques). This bioceramic quartz chronograph is an official collaboration that resembles the real Moonwatch. It even proudly says “Speedmaster” on the dial.​

The Mission to the Moon edition features the classic Speedmaster colorway (gray case, black dial, white markers), and it’s hard to tell it from the original at a glance.

You get the 42mm case and tri-subdial layout of the Speedy, but in a lightweight plastic/ceramic mix. While not mechanical, it’s the ultimate affordable alternative endorsed by Omega. ​

Bulova Lunar Pilot – (~$400 on bracelet). Nicknamed “the other Moonwatch,” the Lunar Pilot is a 43.5mm stainless steel chronograph directly based on the Bulova worn on the Moon during Apollo 15 in 1971​.

It shares many visual cues with the Speedmaster: a black dial with three recessed sub-dials, crisp white markings, and a black tachymeter bezel.​

Inside is Bulova’s 262 kHz high-performance quartz for exceptional accuracy and a smooth sweeping seconds hand​.

It has a sapphire crystal, a steel bracelet, and a nylon strap. In short, you’re getting a space-proven design with much Speedmaster DNA at a fraction of the cost.​

Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph (CA4540-54E) – (~$350–$450). This Citizen offers a ton of value as a Speedmaster look-alike. It’s a 43mm stainless steel chrono powered by Citizen’s solar Eco-Drive (caliber B620), so no battery changes are needed.​

The design is on point: a jet-black dial with a tri-compax layout, luminous hands/markers, and a tachymeter scale (here on a steel bezel)​.

It even boasts modern specs like 100m water resistance and a sapphire crystal, surpassing the Moonwatch in durability. The flowing case lines and 5-link bracelet echo the Speedmaster’s mix of polish and utility.​

This Citizen is hard to beat if you want a Speedy-esque aesthetic with grab-and-go quartz reliability.

Dan Henry 1962 “Racing Chronograph”– ($260 direct). A favorite in the microbrand scene, the Dan Henry 1962 delivers vintage Speedmaster vibes on a budget. At 39mm in diameter, it has proportions similar to a classic Moonwatch (a tad smaller, making it very comfy). Visually, it nails the look with twisted lugs, a black dial with contrasting sub-dials, pump pushers, and a tachymeter bezel – at a glance, it’s very close to a ’60s Speedy.​

The movement is Seiko’s VK63 meca-quartz, which gives you a mechanical chronograph’s crisp tick and reset with quartz accuracy. Details like the domed crystal and retro “Evil Panda” dial option (black dial, silver subdials) add to the vintage charm.​

You won’t get the prestige of a Swiss brand here, but you will get an attractive, well-built homage that even outclasses the MoonSwatch in some ways (the case is solid steel, 50m water resistant, and the sweep second hand is smoother).

$500–$1,000

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph (SSC819) – ($600–$700). Seiko’s modern “Speedtimer”captures the spirit of vintage chronographs – and it looks much like a Speedmaster’s younger cousin. This model comes at a very wearable 39mm with a tidy profile.​

Notably, the entire dial and bezel are a uniform matte black with white markings, the most “sobering” and Speedmaster-like design of Seiko’s lineup​. It features three sub-dials (chronograph minutes, running seconds, 24h indicator) in a similar 3-6-9 arrangement and even a domed sapphire crystal. The movement is Seiko’s V192 solar quartz, so while it’s not mechanical, it’s ultra-reliable and captures the chronograph seconds at 1/5-second increments. Inspired by Seiko’s 1964 chronographs, the Speedtimer delivers the same sporty, technical vibe the Moonwatch is loved for​

With 100m water resistance and Seiko’s renowned build quality, this is an everyday “Speedy” alternative you can enjoy without worrying.

Tissot PRC 200 Automatic Chronograph – ($995 on leather strap). It’s rare to find a Swiss-made automatic chronograph under $1,000, which makes Tissot’s PRC 200 Auto a standout choice. This watch offers a robust Valjoux 7753-based movement (branded Tissot C01.211) inside a substantial 44mm stainless steel case​. Design-wise, it has a classic black dial with three subdials and a tachymeter chapter ring, very much channeling the Speedmaster’s racing spirit (with a dash of red accents on the dial for a sporty touch​). There is a date window at 3 o’clock, and the six-hour chronograph counter at 6, but the overall look is still that of a “bread-and-butter” tool chronograph​.

The PRC 200 packs 200m water resistance – far exceeding the Omega – and a sapphire crystal, making it extremely solid for the price. As Hodinkee noted, the new PRC 200 offers an accessible way to get into a Swiss automatic chronograph for about $995​. You’re essentially getting Swiss pedigree and a workhorse movement at a price point dominated by quartz, which is a huge value for money.

💡 Note: In this mid-tier range, affordable mechanical chronographs are limited – the Tissot above is one of the few new Swiss autos under $1k. Most other options (like the Seiko) use solar or quartz movements to keep prices down while retaining the Speedy’s look. If you’re open to pre-owned/vintage, you might also find older mechanical gems (for example, a 1970s Seiko 6138 or a 1990s Omega Speedmaster Reduced on the secondary market) hovering around this price range, though condition and availability will vary.

$1,000–$3,000

Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chronograph (H36606130) – (~$2,200). Hamilton delivers a compelling modern “Speedmaster alternative” with this Jazzmaster Performer. It’s a 42mm stainless steel automatic chronograph that checks all the right boxes: a sleek black dial with three chronograph registers, a“must-have” black tachymeter bezel, 100m water resistance, and an elegant sport-chic style reminiscent of the Moonwatch’s 1970s roots​. Inside is Hamilton’s H-31 caliber (a modified Valjoux 7753) with an extended 60-hour power reserve​, so it’s an accurate mechanical chrono with excellent specs. The dial is clean and highly legible, with bright polished hands and indices against the black background. There’s also a date window at 4:30, adding a touch of everyday convenience without heavily detracting from the Speedy-like appearance. Overall, the Jazzmaster Performer offers a similar look and feel to the Speedmaster – robust, stainless steel on a bracelet and a balanced, sporty design – at roughly one-third the price of Omega’s Moonwatch. (Link: Hamilton – Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono)

Omega Speedmaster “Reduced” (3510.50 Pre-Owned) – (~$2,000–$3,000 pre-owned). For some, the best Speedmaster alternative is an actual Omega Speedmaster. The now-discontinued “Speedmaster Reduced” model offers authentic Omega heritage at a much lower cost than the Moonwatch. With the Reduced, you can score a genuine Speedmaster for roughly a third of the Moonwatch’s price​. This model features a 39mm case (hence “Reduced”), making it slightly smaller and more wearable for many. Visually, it’s almost a twin of the classic Speedmaster Professional – black dial, tri-compax chronograph layout, tachymeter bezel, and even the venerable hesalite crystal on many versions. The key differences are inside: the Reduced uses an automatic movement (Omega cal. 3220, based on an ETA chronograph with a Dubois-Dépraz module) and has the seconds subdial at three instead of 9. In practice, it looks nearly identical on the wrist to a Moonwatch. If you prefer brand cachet and true Speedmaster looks over any other alternative, the Speedmaster Reduced is a fantastic choice for this budget. Just factor in the upkeep of a 20+-year-old watch (ensure it’s been serviced) and enjoy owning the real deal for a fraction of the new Omega price. (Link: Omega – Speedmaster 3510.50 info)

Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chronograph – (~$1,800-$3,000, model dependent). If space heritage draws you to the Speedmaster, Fortis has you covered. Russian cosmonauts have worn fortis chronographs since the 1990s, and the Official Cosmonauts Chronograph (often called the Fortis B-42 Cosmonaut) earned its stripes in orbit. The latest iterations feature a 42mm steel case and a black ceramic tachymeter bezel, with a matte sheen and engraved white scale as the Speedy’s bezel (and it will never scratch or fade)​. Fortis uses top-notch Swiss automatic movements (usually the ETA/Valjoux 7750, visible through an exhibition case back) and typically includes day-date complications on the dial. The design is a bit more tool-like – you’ll see bold luminous numerals and perhaps some orange or green accents depending on the model – but the core elements of a Moonwatch are present: black dial, tri-register layout, prominent tachy bezel, and pump-style pushers. These watches are built for endurance (many have screw-down pushers and 200m water resistance) and have true“been to space” credibility. Prices vary by model and strap/bracelet option, starting around $1,700 for older references up to ~$3k for new releases​. For a unique twist on the Moonwatch concept – one that nods to the stars but stands out from the crowd – Fortis is an excellent choice. (Link: Fortis – Cosmonauts Chronograph (aBlogtoWatch))

Rado HyperChrome Chronograph – (~$1,500–$2,000). Rado might not be the first name you think of for a Speedmaster alternative, but their HyperChrome Chronograph delivers a striking mix of familiar Speedy elements and modern flair. This 45mm Swiss-made quartz chronograph carries a black “ceramos” (ceramic and metal composite) tachymeter bezel and a deep black dial​. The layout – three subdials, date at 4:30, bold hour markers – and the techy scale- echo the Moonwatch’s sporty dashboard look. Rado adds its own twist with some motorsport-inspired red accents: you’ll notice red highlights on the first quarter of the minute track, the subdial hands, and the tip of the chrono second's hand​. These pops of color give it a racing personality (comparable to specific Speedmaster Racing editions). The case and bracelet are high-quality stainless steel, and the crystal is sapphire with an anti-reflective coating. While purists might prefer a mechanical movement, Rado’s high-tech quartz ensures zero maintenance and reliable timekeeping. In short, the HyperChrome Chronograph is a great value pick for a Swiss luxury chronograph, blending Speedmaster-like design cues with Rado’s signature ceramic technology for durability​.

Each watch offers a taste of the Omega Speedmaster’s style and spirit at a more accessible price. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly quartz “moonwatch”or a mid-range Swiss mechanical, you’ll be wearing a timepiece that captures the Speedmaster’s iconic look – all while keeping your wallet happy. Happy chronograph hunting!