Overview
In 1988, Omega introduced a smaller automatic version of its famous Speedmaster Professional under the reference 3510.50. The new watch utilized an ETA-based caliber fitted with a Dubois Dépraz chronograph module and housed it within a case that measured 3mm smaller than its older brother (39mm vs. 42mm). While it wasn’t the first Speedmaster with an automatic movement (that title goes to the Speedmaster Mark III released in 1972), the Speedmaster Reduced—as it was nicknamed—was an important watch that allowed Omega to reach a broader audience with its Speedmaster series. Finally, those with smaller wrists, and those who preferred the convenience of an automatic movement, were able to own a piece of Omega’s celestial history.
Over time, the Speedmaster Reduced became a vessel for numerous limited editions, including a series of Schumacher racing dials and several panda configurations made specifically for the Japanese Domestic Market. Perhaps the most desireable of these are the first and second generation Marui department store models with creamy panda dials and black tachymeter bezels that harken back to vintage examples of the Rolex Daytona and Universal Geneve Compax. It is speculated that only a few thousand of these watches were made and sold in Japan for a limited period throughout the 2000s.
Omega did produce additional dials and handsets of the Marui limited editions, presumably to cover the need for replacement at service. The extra supply has allowed for those with Omega parts accounts to independently source and sell them to collectors who then fit them on a base Speedmaster Reduced and “build” a Marui for less than the cost of the now scarce originals. This particular example is one such watch, coming from the factory as a 3510.50 and later being fitted with a first generation Marui dial and handset. Of course, the original dial and handset have been preserved, and can be swapped back if this watch were to ever be sent to Omega for servicing.
Specifications
Brand:
Omega
Model:
Speedmaster Reduced
Reference:
3510.50
Year:
2002
Case Number:
58070413
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
39 mm
Lug Width:
18 mm
Thickness:
12.1 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
44.5 mm
Dial:
Cream
Lume:
LumiNova
Crystal:
Acrylic
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
Omega 3220
Bracelet/Strap:
Omega 1469 stainless steel bracelet with 811 end links
Max Wrist Size:
7.625 in (24 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The stainless steel case shows light signs of wear with some hairlines, tiny scratches, and small nicks. The bottom edge of the case sides near the lugs at 5 and 11 o’clock have a couple very faint dings. The lugs themselves are thick and sharp with superb definition between brushed and polished surfaces. The tachymeter bezel is in excellent condition, with no scratches or peeling and a few small nicks at the outer edge. The caseback shows normal wear for a watch this age, with hairlines, light scratches, and faint scuffs throughout. The backs of the lugs have light scratching from bracelet removal. The hippocampus and serial number engravings remain sharp and detailed.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The cream dial and black painted hands are in pristine condition with no notable imperfections and fully functioning LumiNova. The hesalite crystal is super clean and free of any major dings or scratches.
Bracelet/Strap: The stainless steel bracelet shows little-to-no stretch and light signs of wear with a few hairlines and tiny scuffs throughout. There is a small scratch to the center of the endlink at 6 o’clock. The clasp has a few desk diving marks, but nothing major. The "Speedmaster" engraving and Omega stamp are crisp and detailed.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and chronograph start/stop/reset are working as expected.
Service History: The watch recently underwent a full service by D's Time Service that was completed on 09/28/2023.
