So You Want To Buy An Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch…

It’s no shock that we obtain fairly just a few messages in regards to the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. Over 500 articles on Fratello cowl this chronograph, which ends up in some questions, particularly from first-time patrons who’re asking for some steering when shopping for their first Omega Speedmaster.

The basic Omega Speedmaster Skilled Moonwatch

Regardless of sporting my Speedmaster Calibre 321 (2020) and Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moonshine (2019) extra usually than my common Moonwatch, I nonetheless really feel if there’s one Speedmaster to personal, it’s the usual Moonwatch mannequin with a Hesalite crystal. It’s an important watch to personal and put on, and it is best to not less than attempt it as soon as to see if it fits you and your assortment.

The fashionable Moonwatch with caliber 3861

Lately, you may go to any Omega boutique or licensed seller and purchase the Speedmaster Skilled Moonwatch with a Hesalite or sapphire crystal, a black or white dial, and a bracelet or strap. The fashionable or present Omega Speedmaster Skilled Moonwatch with both Hesalite or sapphire is one of the best purchase.

Speedmaster bracelets (high to backside) — the previous bracelet, the fashionable bracelet, and the present bracelet with an extension mechanism within the clasp.

A couple of years in the past, Omega upgraded the Speedmaster with a brand new motion, a brand new bracelet, a case design primarily based on the “Skilled” that was used on the Moon, and the old-style chronograph seconds hand.

Caliber 3861

However, after all, this comes at a worth (€7,700 for the Hesalite model and €8,900 for the one with sapphire crystals). The Hesalite model can be my decide, however I can think about some individuals need to have a look at the motion or desire a sapphire crystal for its scratch resistance. Moreover, the fashionable Moonwatch is assured water-resistant to 50 meters. Each Moonwatch has been tried and examined for its water resistance, so it’s secure to swim with it (however not dive). A whole overview of the distinction between the fashionable Moonwatch and its predecessor is offered right here. One facet notice to that article is that Omega has up to date the Moonwatch’s bracelet with an extension mechanism since then.

The present worth of the Moonwatch could be a shocker to those that bear in mind on the lookout for a Moonwatch (many) years in the past. Proper earlier than the introduction of the present reference, the Moonwatch had a retail worth of simply lower than €5,000, and on the pre-owned market, it will usually promote for much less.

Omega Speedmaster Skilled 311.30.42.30.01.005

The predecessors of the present Moonwatch

With that quantity in thoughts, you may nonetheless discover a Moonwatch immediately on the pre-owned market. The predecessors of the fashionable Speedmaster Moonwatch refs. 310.30.42.50.01.001 (Hesalite) and 310.30.42.50.01.002 (sapphire) are nonetheless extremely good watches. Omega’s Speedmaster Skilled ref. 3570.50 was within the assortment from 1997 until 2014, and it acquired a small replace with the 311.30.42.30.01.005 that was within the assortment till 2021.

Omega Speedmaster Skilled 145.022-76

You may return to older references, such because the 3590.50 (1988–1996) or any of the 145.022 iterations (1968–1988), however these are barely dearer and require some extra homework. We’ve coated sufficient of those references to convey you on top of things on the subject, although. You’ll find them right here.

Reference 3570.50

Speedmaster Skilled 3570.50 and 311.30.42.30.01.005

The Omega Speedmaster Skilled refs. 3570.50 and 311.30.42.30.01.005 are very comparable. Within the latter model, Omega modified the bracelet hyperlinks to incorporate screws as an alternative of friction pins. The watch additionally got here with a big Omega field with every kind of extras, akin to a NATO strap and Velcro strap, a device to swap the bracelet for a strap, a loupe, and a commemorative coin. In any other case, the watches are primarily the identical and each use the Lemania-based 1861 motion. In flip, Omega’s caliber 1861 is an evolution of the previous 861 motion. Caliber 861 was used from 1968 until 1996, with a number of small iterations. The final model of the 861 was already similar to the 1861. It’s the 861 that was examined and flight-qualified by NASA in 1978 for the Area Shuttle missions within the Nineteen Eighties (and onwards).

Omega caliber 1861

As at all times, the very early Speedmaster Skilled fashions after the replace (from 3590.50 to 3570.50) present some overlap within the particulars. You would possibly discover a 3570.50 with a tritium dial and fingers, whereas it was additionally the primary reference to have Tremendous-LumiNova utilized to its dial and fingers. You would possibly even discover a 3570.50 nonetheless powered by a caliber 861. These so-called “transitional” fashions are usually dearer as a result of their collectability.

Omega Speedmaster Skilled 3573.50 — Picture: The Diamond Field

Speedmaster Skilled 3573.50 and 311.30.42.30.01.006

Similar to the present Moonwatch, additionally, you will discover display-back-equipped variations of earlier Speedmaster Skilled references. These had been produced between 1996 and 2021. These fashions used Omega’s 1863 motion, an iteration of the 1861 with nicer ornament. You may observe the Côtes de Gèneve, perlage, and polished levers via the case again’s sapphire window. This motion additionally makes use of a metallic chronograph brake as an alternative of 1 fabricated from Delrin, an artificial materials. Nevertheless, it wasn’t till 2002 or 2003 that the entrance crystal modified to sapphire for the fashions with a clear case again.

Caliber 1863 — Picture: The Diamond Field

Omega produced the Speedmaster Skilled 3572.50 between 1997 and 2003, and it had a Hesalite crystal and sapphire-equipped case again. The Speedmaster Skilled model with the 2 sapphire crystals, sometimes called the “Sapphire Sandwich,” has the reference quantity 3573.50. When Omega up to date the 3570.50 in 2014, the double-sapphire 3573.50 acquired the identical modifications, ensuing within the Speedmaster Skilled ref. 311.30.42.30.01.006.

Speedmaster Skilled 3570.50

What are the fashionable choices?

Because of this if you’re on the lookout for a considerably extra inexpensive however nonetheless fashionable normal Moonwatch, these are the choices:

Speedmaster Skilled with a Hesalite crystal:

• 3570.50 or 311.30.42.30.01.005

Speedmaster Skilled with a sapphire crystal:

• 3573.50 or 311.30.42.30.01.006

The latter Speedmaster Skilled references (2014–2021) can be one of the best decide as they’ve the up to date bracelet and the massive field with extras.

Availability and costs of the 3570.50 and 3573.50

When you seek for Speedmaster refs. 3570.50 and 3573.50, you’ll doubtless discover fairly just a few of those because the manufacturing interval was fairly lengthy. When looking for the 3570.50, you will discover examples on supply for simply over €3,000. Because the situation is every little thing, although, you’ll in all probability need to improve the finances barely. Packing containers and papers could be of significance to you, but when it’s a watch you intend to put on often and never purchase particularly as a collector’s merchandise, my recommendation is to prioritize the situation over a full set.

Speedmaster Skilled 3573.50 — Picture: Watch Oyster SA

Sapphire Sandwich

That stated, Omega has produced so many of those references that you simply don’t must compromise.  The variety of Omega Speedmaster Skilled “Sapphire Sandwich” (ref. 3573.50) fashions supplied is far decrease than that of the Hesalite counterpart, however you may actually discover them. Costs are barely increased, and an entire set in good situation will set you again roughly €5,000. Omega bought each fashions with the well-known pink leather-based field. If you see a vendor’s photographs of a deteriorated field, you shouldn’t fear about it. It’s a frequent difficulty with these.

Speedmaster Skilled 311.30.42.30.01.005 — Picture: Marc Gebauer Life-style

Availability and costs of the 311.30.42.30.01.005 and 311.30.42.30.01.006

You’ll find the Omega Speedmaster Skilled ref. 311.30.42.30.01.005 supplied for roughly the identical quantity as its predecessor with sapphire crystals. Nevertheless, the variety of listings for the 311.30.42.30.01.005 as an entire set is somewhat increased as this reference is newer. Plus, it appears most house owners needed to maintain the bigger field with all of the extras as an alternative of throwing it away, as many did to the outdated pink packing containers. You’ll find a full set in good situation for round €4,500. The sapphire model of this watch, ref. 311.30.42.30.01.006, begins at that quantity and shortly goes as much as over €6,000 for one in good situation (and an entire set). It’s in all probability not the quantity you had in thoughts when looking for a pre-owned Omega Speedmaster Skilled at a sexy worth. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless fairly a spot between the Omega Speedmaster ref. 311.30.42.30.01.006 and the present sapphire model (ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002).

A 3570.50 with a contemporary service overhaul

I might go for a pre-owned Speedmaster 3570.50 in good situation if I had been shopping for it for myself. It’s the basic Speedmaster, and between €3,000 and €4,000, there’s not a lot (or nothing) in the marketplace that may beat this watch (for me). If you’re on the lookout for a watch you may swim and even dive with, this isn’t the one for you. A diver chronograph could be one thing to search for as an alternative.

An alternative choice for many who need a Moonwatch is to go for an inexpensive 3570.50 and have it serviced/overhauled by Omega. The model will cost you €950 for this service. I just lately had a closely worn 2007 Moonwatch 3570.50 serviced by Omega HQ, and it got here again trying like new with a two-year guarantee.

Lastly, some listings you’ll discover will state that an Omega-certified or unbiased watchmaker serviced the watch. Nevertheless, if there’s no paperwork or guarantee card to again up this declare, you shouldn’t contemplate it serviced.

You’ll find extra data on the fashionable Speedmaster on the official Omega web site, and click on right here for an outline of Omega’s service costs.