By Meor Amri Meor Ayob
I have always wanted to get a Speedmaster in my collection. The original idea was to get a Speedmaster Professional “Moon” watch due to its romantic tie-in with the NASA moon landings. Although stories abound on how the Omega was chosen over other brands, the two important criteria, accuracy and the inability of the crystal to shatter and create dangerous floating debris in zero gravity makes the Omega the first choice. If this were the only two important factors for a “Moon” watch, I realized that Omega has another similar looking piece that fulfills the original scope set by NASA. After a lot of thought, I got a pre-owned piece.
The Omega Speedmaster Automatic Chronograph Reference 3510.50 or sometimes called the “Reduced” Speedmaster Moonwatch looks very similar to the Speedmaster Professional. The watch uses the Omega 3220 as a base movement with a Dubois-Debrois chronograph module mounted on top. The case is polished stainless steel, with brushed sides. The case width is 39 mm (versus 42 mm for the Professional). Its height is 11.7 mm (versus 14.4mm for the Professional). Meanwhile, the “Reduce” comes with a domed Hesalite crystal, which is made out of acrylic. The case back is solid and is a snap-on (for the Professional it is a solid case back but screw down).
The chronograph function works as advertised. As the pushers and crown does not have a screw down facility (including the case back) it is advisable to keep this watch away from being immersed in water. Although it has a water rating of 30 m (swimming is possible), I wouldn’t if I were you.
The dials and hands of the two watches are superb. Black dial and white hands give the best contrast. Both have 3 sub-dials but here is where the similarity ends. For the “Reduce”, the seconds and minute sub-dials are reversed when compared to the moon watch and the spacing is slightly different. Moreover, the “Reduce” has Arabic numerals every 5 min market unlike the Professional.
The “Reduce” uses the reference 1468 bracelet with a fold over clasp with the Omega symbol and the word “Speedmaster” (see above). From the picture it looks very regal but in reality, it is not as solid as the newer bracelets from Omega.
With a width size of 39 mm, this watch fits my 7.5 inch wrist perfectly. The watch matches nicely with the bracelet and is well balanced on the wrist. The lower height of the watch (actually, I was surprised that this automatic piece can be thinner then the pure winding Professional model) makes it easy to use with formal wear. I truly feel that this specimen can be use in all occasions. It is also a unisex watch. The size makes it easier for female users as well. The automatic function also makes it a more practical piece in my opinion (it can be wound using the crown just like the Professional).
This watch has been called the “bastard” brother of the more famous Professional model. However, I tend to agree with a number of users that such accusation is uncalled for. Omega made this watch for a purpose and the purpose is not to hoodwink people in thinking that it is the legendary Professional but to provide a more user friendly watch with an automatic movement to a set of customers that wants it. It is a different watch altogether.
Meor Amri Meor Ayob – Contributing Editor
Meor Amri is a passionate watch collector from Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Having bitten by the horology bug in 2010, he has written extensively about the watch scene and has assembled a large collection of watches (excessively!!) on his own free time.
His blogs on the same subject are: Watch Collection Hobby & My Horological Photos
