7Likes
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Omega Speedmaster 3510.50
Hi guys, posted this a few years ago on another forum and it has had about 15,000 hits, so i thought i would share it with u guys at Watchuseek which is where I spend all my time these days! Just a couple of updated photos- enjoy. Cam
Background
After 15 years loyal service from my Tag Heuer F1 and a significant birthday on the horizon, I went looking for a new watch last year. I always had it in my mind that I wanted an Omega Seamaster Professional, but after endlessly surfing the net and looking through the windows of ADs, I set my sights on the Omega Speedmaster. I am fascinated with the heritage of the Speedmaster and love the classic and timeless design. The Speedmaster never seems to go out of fashion and looks good with a t-shirt through to a suit. I settled on the 3510.50 Speedmaster Automatic (Reduced ) for a few reasons.
1/ I liked the fact that it looked very similar to the legendary Moon watch.
2/ It has an Automatic movement compared to the manual winding movement of the Moon watch.
3/ You get the Moon watch look and the Omega reputation for about $1000 (Aus) less than the Moon watch.
4/ I am no “Big watch“ fan, this felt right for me on a 7” wrist.
12 months down the track, I am very happy with my choice.
Movement – The watch uses the Omega 3220 as a base movement with a Dubois-Debrois chronograph module mounted on top. My research indicates that this is a reliable arrangement and I have had no problems in the last 12 months. Some say that this arrangement can be difficult for watchmakers to work on. The movement has settled into a regular rate of +1 second per day. Expect to get about 40 hours of power reserve from this movement. I am very pleased with the performance to date. Omega recommend that this should be serviced every 4-5 years.
Case- The case is polished stainless steel, with brushed sides. The case is actually about 38 mm which is larger than is advertised on the Omega website. I think for my wrist size (7”), this is a really good fit. 38mm is a good compromise between a dress watch and a big sports watch. A classy watch does not have to dominate your wrist and scream out to everyone to “ Look at me”. This is a reason I have always liked the TAG Heuer Carrera Chrono. The back of the watch is a snap on rather than a screw on arrangement, but I have not purchased this watch, nor was it designed, for diving.
Crystal- The 3510.50 comes with a domed Hesalite crystal, which is an acrylic. I have to confess that this was a big concern for me before purchasing the watch. The criticism of the this material is that while it is shatterproof , it can scratch easily. However, if this occurs , a $6 tube of Polywatch will have it looking new in 1 minute of polishing. The other benefit of this material is that it is very cheap to replace if you really make a mess of it.
Crown – The crown is a nice size with the Omega symbol on top of it. This is a non screw down crown so be careful not to be over adventurous with this watch in the water. They say that swimming is OK but diving is out. I leave mine in the drawer and put on the old TAG in the pool and at the beach.
Dial and Hands – This is the great strength of this watch. The beautiful black dial and the contrasting white baton hands add up to unbeatable readability. The sub- registers also make reading the actual time on this watch extremely easy ( I know I am pedantic about this but I am sure I am not the only one). Three nicely spaced sub-dials make using the chrono function easy. Note: the seconds and minute sub-dials are reversed when compared to the moon watch and the spacing is slightly different. The 3510.50 also has Arabic numbers which the moon watch does not.
There is no date on the dial of this watch which takes a bit of time to adjust to if you are used to having it on your watch but who does not carry a mobile phone with the date on it these days?
I find it is a beautiful watch and a real pleasure to watch time go by with.
Bezel- Raised non rotational ring with tacyhemetre. The tachymetere is designed for calculating speed when you know the factors of distance and time. I have tried using it a couple of times and it works well but in my case, it is there more for decoration than practicality.
Bracelet and Clasp
The 3510.50 uses the ref.1468 bracelet with a fold over clasp with the Omega symbol and the word Speedmaster. I find the whole affair more than satisfactory but you definitely get what you pay for with Omega and more expensive models use a better looking push button clasp. Frankly, I find the whole debate about clasps a bit of a yawn, as long as it is secure and reasonably presentable who cares?
Overall
If you are looking for a well priced mechanical chronograph with great looks you should seriously consider the 3510.50. It is not perfect, but when you consider the whole picture of price, quality, functionality and looks, this is a desirable option.
I like the fact that people recognise the brand and the model ( even if some think it is the moon watch). 12 months onwards, I still put it on every day and spare some moments to look and appreciate this watch.
Had the watch for 5 years now and have worn it every day. Still love it. In for its first service as we speak
Reply With Quote
}
