The replica Speedmaster 1957 4rd generation is the fourth production revision of the fake Omega Speedmaster 1957 Broad Arrow reissue, and it is the version most dealers now ship. "4rd" is the spelling buyers type into search bars for what factories and forums call gen 4. Compared with the first three runs, the fourth generation tightens the case profile, cleans up the broad arrow hands, and moves the dial layout closer to the original CK2915 look.
What "4rd Generation" Actually Means
Replica watches are not made once and left alone. Factories rework a popular model whenever a competitor releases something better, and each rework gets a generation number. The Speedmaster 1957 has gone through several of these cycles.
- Gen 1: the first widely sold Broad Arrow clone. Chunky case, soft hand edges, thick printing.
- Gen 2: thinner case, corrected lug shape, better dial finish.
- Gen 3: upgraded bracelet, sharper bezel insert, more accurate hand set.
- Gen 4: the version sold today, with refined case geometry, a closer dial layout, and consistent finishing across batches.
Some sellers skip numbers and call the newest run "updated" or "V4." That is usually the same thing.
The Watch It Copies: Speedmaster 1957 Basics
The 1957 Speedmaster is the first Speedmaster reference, known for the broad arrow hands and a clean, tool-watch dial. Omega revisited it as a reissue, and the modern version most replicas follow measures about 38.6 mm across, uses a hand-wound chronograph movement in the 1861 family, and keeps the straight lugs and crown without guards.
Key features a good replica has to match:
- 38 mm to 39 mm steel case with a slim, flat profile
- Broad arrow hour hand with a brushed finish and sharp edges
- Three-register dial with narrow subdials and thin printing
- Tachymeter bezel with crisp, evenly spaced numerals
- Hand-wound chronograph movement, no date, no automatic rotor
What Changed Between Generation 1 and Generation 4
The gap is easy to see once you put two examples side by side.
- Case: earlier runs were too tall and had rounded lug tips. Gen 4 sits flatter and the lugs taper correctly.
- Hands: the broad arrow was bulbous on gen 1. Gen 4 uses a slimmer arrow with a cleaner inner angle.
- Dial: subdial spacing and text weight were off on early versions. The fourth run moves the subdials inward and thins the printing.
- Bezel: the tachymeter scale is sharper and the insert sits closer to flush with the case.
- Movement: gen 4 watches are more consistently regulated and easier to service than the first batches.
Details to Inspect Before You Buy
Case and lugs
Check the lug tips under a light. Sharp, even bevels point to a newer run. Soft, waxy edges usually mean an older batch or a lower tier factory.
Dial and hands
The broad arrow should be flat on top with a defined edge, not rounded. Look at the subdial hands: they should be thin and straight, with no burrs or uneven length.
Bezel
Run a fingernail around the insert. It should sit level with the case. Numbers and hash marks should be crisp on both sides, not faded on one half.
Movement and caseback
Ask for a photo of the movement. A hand-wound chronograph with a clean, uncluttered bridge layout is what you want. Caseback engraving should be sharp and centered.
Bracelet and clasp
Screw links are better than pin links on this model. The clasp should close with a firm click, and the end links should meet the lugs without a visible gap.
How to Tell a Gen 4 From an Older Replica
- The case looks thinner in profile photos, not just in the listing description.
- The broad arrow hand is slim, with a straight top edge.
- Subdial spacing is tight and even.
- Bezel printing is consistent across the full scale.
- The seller can show the same watch in multiple angles, not stock images only.
Price Expectations
Fourth generation examples normally cost more than earlier runs because the factories charge more for the improved case and dial work. Prices also shift with the movement inside, the bracelet style, and whether the seller includes box and papers. Treat a gen 4 listing that costs the same as a gen 1 as a warning sign rather than a bargain.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
- Buying from photos that only show the dial, never the case profile or movement.
- Assuming every seller uses the same generation numbers. Ask what changed in the latest batch.
- Ignoring the bracelet. A good case on a poor bracelet looks worse than the reverse.
- Skipping a service check on older stock, even if it is labeled gen 4.
- Expecting a hand-wound chronograph to behave like an automatic. It needs winding, and that is normal.
Quick Verification Checklist
- Confirm the case diameter and thickness with the seller.
- Ask for a movement photo and the movement family.
- Inspect the broad arrow hand shape against reference photos.
- Check bezel alignment and insert height.
- Confirm lug width so straps and bracelets fit.
- Ask about the return window before paying.
FAQ
Is the 4rd generation the best Speedmaster 1957 replica?
It is the most refined version generally available, mainly because of the case and dial corrections. Newer batches may appear under different labels, so judge the watch on its details rather than the number alone.
Does it use the same movement as the original?
No. The original uses a hand-wound Omega chronograph caliber. Replicas use a clone or a third-party hand-wound chronograph movement that looks similar but is a different design.
Will a jeweler notice it is a replica?
A trained eye can spot differences in finishing, engraving, and movement construction. The goal for most buyers is a convincing look on the wrist, not authentication-proof construction.