It’s no surprise that I’ve received quite a few messages about the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. Over 500 articles on Fratello cover this chronograph. This brings questions from first-time buyers looking for some guidance, especially when purchasing their first Omega Speedmaster.
Current Omega Speedmaster Professional 310.30.42.50.01.001
Classic Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
Speed -I feel that if I wear the Speedmaster Caliber 321 (2020) and Speedmaster Apollo 11 Moonshine (2019) more frequently than my regular moonwatch, but have one Speedmaster I own, I feel that it’s the standard moonwatch model from the HESALITE Crystal. It’s the perfect watch to own and wear, and you should try it out once to at least see if it fits you and your collection.
Caliber 3861 Modern Moonwatch
These days, you can access any Omega boutique or approved dealer to purchase a Speedmaster professional moonwatch with hesalite or sapphire crystal, black or white dials, bracelets or straps. Modern or current Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with Hesalite or Sapphire is the best purchase.
Speedmaster Bracelets (top to bottom) – A current bracelet with previous bracelets, latest bracelets, and clasp mechanisms.
A few years ago, Omega upgraded the Speedmaster with a new movement, a new bracelet, a case design based on the “professional” used on the moon, and an old-style chronograph second hand.
Caliber 3861
But of course, this has a price (7,700 euros for the Hesalite version and 8,900 euros for the sapphire crystal). The Hesalite version is my pick, but I can imagine that some people would want to see the movement or prefer sapphire crystals because of their scratch resistance. Furthermore, modern moonwatches are guaranteed to be 50 meters resistant. All moonwatches have been tested and tested for water resistance, so it’s safe to swim with them (but not diving). A complete overview of the differences between modern Moonwatch and its predecessors can be found here. A secondary note to that article is that Omega has since updated its Moonwatch bracelet with an extension mechanism.
The current prices of a Moonwatch may be shocking to anyone who remembers looking for a Moonwatch (many) a few years ago. Just before the introduction of the current reference, Moonwatch retailed for just under 5,000 euros, and was often sold frequently in the second-hand market.
Omega Speedmaster Professional 311.30.42.30.01.005
The current Moonwatch predecessor
With that amount in mind, you can still find a Moonwatch in the Chinese market. The predecessor of Modern Speedmaster Moonwatch Refs. 310.30.42.50.01.001 (Hesalite) and 310.30.42.50.01.002 (Sapphire) are still very good watches. Omega’s Speed -Master Professional Ref. 3570.50 was included in the collection from 1997 to 2014 and received a small update at 311.30.42.30.01.005, which was in the collection until 2021.
Omega Speedmaster Professional 145.022-76
You can go back to older references such as 3590.50 (1988–1996) or 145.022 iterations (1968–1988), but these are slightly more expensive and require homework. However, I’ve fully explained these references to speed up the topic. You can find it here.
Reference 3570.50
Speed -Master Professional 3570.50 and 311.30.42.30.01.005
Omega Speedmaster Professional Refs. 3570.50 and 311.30.42.30.01.005 are very similar. In the latter version, Omega changed the bracelet link to include screws instead of friction pins. The watch also comes with a large omega box with all kinds of extras, such as NATO straps and velcro straps, as well as tools to exchange bracelets for straps, magnifying glass and commemorative coins. Otherwise, the watches are essentially the same, both using the Lemire-based 1861 movement. Secondly, the caliber 1861 of the Omega is an evolution of the previous 861 movement. Calibre 861 was used from 1968 to 1996 and had several small iterations. The last version of the 861 was already very similar to 1861. Test and Flight Eligibility by NASA in 1978 was test and Flight Eligibility at Space Shuttle Mission in the 1980s (and later).
Omega Caliber 1861
As always, the updated very fast Speedmaster Professional model (from 3590.50 to 3570.50) shows duplicate details. You can find the 3570.50 with a tritium dial and hand, but it was also the first reference to apply the Super Luminova to the dial and hand. 3570.50 may also find a 3570.50 with a caliber 861. These so-called “transition” models are usually more expensive due to their collectability.
Omega Speed -Master Professional 3573.50 – Image: Diamond Box
Speed -Master Professional 3573.50 and 311.30.42.30.01.006
Like the current Moonwatch, there is also a version with a display back equipped with the previous Speedmaster Professional reference. These were produced between 1996 and 2021. These models used Omega’s 1863 movement. You can observe the gañev, parage and polished levers via the sapphire window on the caseback. This movement is not made from the synthetic material Delrin, but also uses metal chronograph brakes. However, in 2002 or 2003, the front crystal was changed to sapphire and the clear case was returned.
Caliber 1863 – Image: Diamond Box
Omega produced the Speedmaster Professional 3572.50 between 1997 and 2003, with a Hesalite crystal and sapphire equipment case back. The Speedmaster Professional version with two sapphire crystals, often referred to as “sapphire sandwiches,” has the reference number 3573.50. When Omega updated the 3570.50 in 2014, the Double-Sapphire 3573.50 took the same change and became a Speed-Master Professional Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.006.
Speedmaster Professional 3570.50
What are the modern options?
This means that if you’re looking for a modern standard moonwatch, while still slightly affordable, these are options.
Speedmaster Professional with HESALITE Crystal:
3570.50 or 311.30.42.30.01.005
Speedmaster Professional with Sapphire Crystal:
3573.50 or 311.30.42.30.01.006
The latter Speed -Master Professional References (2014–2021) is the best choice as it has an updated bracelet and a large box with extras.
Availability and pricing for 3570.50 and 3573.50
When searching for Speed -Master Refs. At 3570.50 and 3573.50, we could find a significant number of these because the production period was very long. When searching for 3570.50, you can find examples just over 3,000 euros. However, as the state is everything, you probably want to increase your budget slightly. Boxes and paper may be important to you, but if it’s a watch, you plan to wear it regularly and will not buy it specifically as a collector’s item. My advice is to prioritize the condition in a full set.
Speed -Master Professional 3573.50 – Image: See Oyster SA
Sapphire sandwich
That said, Omega produces many of these references so there’s no need to compromise. The number of Omega Speedmaster expert “Sapphire Sandwiches” (Reference 3573.50) models is much lower than the number of Hesslite counterparts, but you can certainly find them. The price is slightly higher and the complete set in good condition will bring back around 5,000 euros. Omega sold both models in the famous red leather box. If you look at the photos of sellers of the deteriorated box, you don’t have to worry. These are common problems.
Speed -Master Professional 311.30.42.30.01.005 – Image: Marc Gebauer Lifestyle
Availability and pricing for 311.30.42.30.01.005 and 311.30.42.30.01.006
You can find Omega Speed - Master Professional Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.005 is offered in roughly the same amount as its predecessor, with sapphire crystal. However, the number of lists for 311.30.42.30.01.005 as a complete set is a little higher because this reference is newer. Plus, it appears that most owners wanted to maintain a big box with all the extras, rather than throwing it away, as many people went to the old red box. For around 4,500 euros you can find a full set in good condition. See the sapphire version of this watch. 311.30.42.30.01.006 starts with that amount and immediately one goes above 6,000 euros in good condition (and a complete set). Perhaps not the amount you had in mind when searching for second-hand Omega Speedmaster specialists at attractive prices. However, there is still a considerable gap in the Omega Speedmaster ref. 311.30.42.30.01.006 and current sapphire version (reference 310.30.42.50.01.002).
3570.50 with fresh service overhaul
If you are purchasing it yourself, go in a condition suitable for the second-hand Speedmaster 3570.50. It’s a classic speedmaster and between 3,000 and 4,000 euros, there’s no way (or nothing) to beat this watch (for me). If you’re looking for a watch that you can swim, this is not for you. A diver’s chronograph might be something you’d look for instead.
Another option for those wanting a Moonwatch is to go to the affordable 3570.50 and be served/overhauled by Omega. The brand charges 950 euros for this service. I recently had a 2007 Moonwatch 3570.50 installed at Omega headquarters, and it looked new with a two-year warranty.
Finally, some lists you find state that Omega certified or independent watch manufacturers are offering services to watches. However, if you do not have documents or warranty cards to back up this request, you must not provide services.
For an overview of Omega’s service pricing, click here for more information on Modern Speedmaster’s official Omega website.
