The rise in retail prices for watches has led to a significant increase in the cost of some of our favorite models.
This also applies to the Omega Speedmaster (Professional). The new Speedmaster Professional "Reverse Panda" version costs over €10,000, the white dial Speedmaster "Craig White" is around €9,000, and the standard model with a hesalite crystal is quickly approaching the €8,000 mark.
What to do if your budget doesn't allow for new watches?
Don't worry if you're not ready or willing to spend around €8,000 on a Speedmaster. There are plenty of alternatives on the secondary market, sometimes significantly cheaper than €5,000. However, it's important to consider additional costs such as customs duties, VAT, and possible servicing.
1. Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow 3594.50
One of my favorite Speedmaster references is the 3594.40 model, initially introduced under the name "Replica." Use this name in a YouTube video or Instagram post, and you might get blocked (it's true!). Although this wasn't the reason, several years ago Omega renamed these watches to "Re-edition." It's just a name; the main point is that it's a classic 42mm Speedmaster Professional styled after the CK2915.
The CK2915 is the first 1957 Speedmaster model, characterized by Broad Arrow hands and a steel bezel with a tachymetric scale. The case had straight lugs and was slightly smaller than the 42mm Professional case with crown protection. Inside was the Omega caliber 321. In 1997, Omega released the 3594.50 model in honor of the original CK2915 Broad Arrow, making cosmetic changes to the Professional. This model came with a stainless steel bracelet (the same as on the 3570.50) and a light brown leather strap.
Features and Issues of Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow
Today, such an approach would hardly pass, but in 1997 it was possible. The result was an unusual but interesting watch with an asymmetrical case, manual caliber 1861, and shiny Broad Arrow hands with the Omega logo on a gray-blue dial. Compared to the standard Speedmaster Professional 3570.50, this model plays with light from different angles. Many of us authors at Onewatch own these watches and appreciate them.
Known Issues:
- There may be cases of moisture getting inside the case.
- Corrosion on the Omega logo and Broad Arrow hands can indicate sealing problems.
- On Chrono24, the watches are sold in Japan at prices of €2,750-3,000, in the EU at €3,000-4,000. Complete sets and recently serviced examples cost over €4,000.
2. Omega Speedmaster "Mk40" 3820.53
In the mid-1990s, this model was advertised as "Michael Schumacher's Choice." The Speedmaster ref. 3820.53 features a bright design with large Arabic numerals and accents of red, yellow, and blue colors. The watch is equipped with day, date, month functions, and a day/night indicator (24-hour hand).
The 39mm case with a 14mm thickness appears a bit bulky by modern standards, but it's not critical for most owners. Inside is an automatic chronograph based on the Valjoux 7751 with a triple calendar and 24-hour indicator, known as caliber 1151. This makes the watch rich in features and at the same time playful.
Features and Issues of Omega Speedmaster Mk40
- On the left side of the case is the calendar corrector, which easily gets clogged with dust and may stop working.
- Sometimes professional cleaning or disassembly is required to restore functionality.
- Prices range from €2,800 to €3,500 depending on condition and completeness (box, documents).
- There is sometimes confusion with the reference number (3820.53 and 175.0084), which helps find additional options.
- The version on a bracelet with reference 3520.53 is more expensive.
3. Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50
Over the last decade, Omega has revived some models, such as the Speedmaster 60th Anniversary 2017 edition and the Hodinkee version of the Speedmaster H10 based on 3820.53. However, the Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50 model, debuting in the 1980s, has yet to receive a modern re-edition. These watches were popular among those who found the Professional too large or expensive, as well as among fans of automatic movements.
Today, Omega's catalog includes 38mm Speedmaster models, but they differ from the Reduced.
Features and Issues of Omega Speedmaster Reduced
- The movement is based on the ETA 2890 with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module.
- The cost of servicing may be higher than for manual caliber 1861 or automatics based on 7750.
- On the Japanese secondary market, prices start below €2,000 and reach €2,500 for good examples.
- In Europe, the price is around €3,000, which is significantly more affordable than the classic Moonwatch 3570.50.
4. Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.50
These watches need no introduction. The classic Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3570.50 was produced from 1996 to 2020. It can be found on the secondary market for less than €5,000, including the box and documents. This model was my everyday watch for many years and accompanied me in important life events.
During its production, Omega used various bracelets for the 3570.50, differing in minor details (link shape, engraving, clasp with buttons since 1999).
Features and Issues of Omega Speedmaster Professional
- The model is not meant for water use, although some users have not encountered problems.
- When purchasing new watches, there may be difficulties with winding, which disappear after "breaking in."
- On the secondary market, watches are priced from €3,000 in Japan and around €4,000 in the EU and USA.
- New or nearly new examples may be more expensive, but excellent options are available within budget.
5. Omega Speedmaster X-33 3290.50 or 3291.50
If you're looking for something more unusual, consider the ana-digi Speedmaster X-33, released in 1998 as the "watch for Mars." The model was developed in collaboration with the legendary Apollo astronaut, General Thomas P. Stafford. These digital watches have many functions useful for astronauts: timers, alarms, chronograph, calendar, GMT, mission time, and more.
The 42.25mm case is made of grade 2 titanium. Despite the abundance of functions, most of them are unused in everyday life, though the countdown timer is handy, for example, in the kitchen.
Omega released a second generation of the X-33 (Gen 2), which is still supplied to NASA astronauts and will be used on the Artemis II mission. The differences concern the finish of the buttons and bezel (satin instead of polished) and design of the crown. Gen 2 is harder to find on the secondary market, but it's possible.
Features and Issues of Omega Speedmaster X-33
- During servicing of the first version 3290.50, the mechanism is often replaced with the improved caliber 1666 from the second generation 3291.50.
- Determining the version of the mechanism visually is difficult.
- On Chrono24, Japanese sellers offer X-33 3290.50 from €1,400, complete sets in good condition cost €2,000-2,500.
- The set includes the original manual and a white box reminiscent of NASA's spacesuit material.
- Available options include a titanium bracelet (ref. 1998Ti) and Kevlar strap in various colors.
Which of the listed Speedmasters under €5,000 do you like the most? Perhaps it's one of the models above, or do you prefer the vibrant Speedmaster Reduced "Schumacher" versions or something else? Share your opinion in the comments.