Maybe it wasn’t my most worn, but it was most definitely my best-worn watch of 2023. I’m talking about my perfect replica Omega Speedmaster that they call the “Replica” or “Relaunch.” Yes, it’s the reference 3594.50.00, which features Broad Arrow hands and a steel bezel. I’ve tried a couple of straps this year, but the one I’m most satisfied with is a perforated pigskin strap from Joseph Bonnie. It’s thin, it’s supple, and it has a very uncommon brown hue. Therefore, it doesn’t have a name.
The luxury Omega “Replica” I’m wearing was made in 2001, and that makes it 22 years old this year. When is a watch considered vintage? Some say 20, others say 25 years. Since my Swiss movement replica Omega is older than 20 years, it’s not a pre-owned watch, but either new-vintage or even vintage. The strange thing is, I don’t see this watch as vintage. That’s for two reasons.
The first one is that my kid was born the same year that the watch was made, and I don’t consider my 22-year-old a vintage son. The second reason is a bit more confronting because it has to do with aging: I still think 2001 happened almost yesterday. To me, vintage is the 1960s. In other words, when I wear my aaa quality fake Omega UK, I look at a new watch while feeling vintage myself. But the watch looks so good with its steel bezel, Broad Arrow hands, and sculpted case that I don’t care.