I have a lot of admiration for the Omega Speedmaster, and I currently have four or two “reduced” Speedmaster parts. I also have two parts: the big brothers of the two, and these are the Speedmaster Professionals or Moonwatch, one of the 1970s ( Ref.ST145.022), and a recent purchase in 2006 (Ref. 3570.50.00) that replaced the same model I flew. I also sold a few copies with the coveted .321 (Ref. 145.012) movement, but today I will focus on the latest edition, the 3570.50.00.
I bought this new one, and as mentioned above, it was bought after my previous 3570.50 was stolen. I had my first 3570.50 for a couple of years, and like the part I have today, it has worn a lot.
For me, the Speedmaster Pro has a certain magical quality that is undeniably linked to its history. This Speedmaster Pro is also known as the “Moonwatch” due to its close connection to NASA’s space program. The Omega Moonwatch is the only watch in the world certified by NASA for space flight. The watch went through a long process that ultimately led to the cult status it has today. Officially, when a coin was first launched into space, this landmark in the Omega Speedmaster’s history was shot on the wrist of Wally Schirra on board the Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) on October 3, 1962. The Speedmaster was too the first watch to be worn on the moon while Buzz Aldrin was wearing his Speedmaster (Ref. 145.012) with the Omega .321 caliber on July 20, 1969. Neil Armstrong let go of his Speedmaster during its famous premiere in Go into the rear landing module. It is still the only watch that is qualified for EVA (Extra-Vehicle Activity) use by NASA. It is also the watch selected for space travel by the Russian space agency NPO Energia.
I’ll delve deeper into the Speedmaster’s history, create links to the Space program, and travel to the present in a separate article. Today I want to focus on my 3570.50.
This omega speedmaster professional comes with a hand-wound chronograph movement (not COSC-certified), Cal. 1861, and has a power reserve of almost 50 hours. The stainless steel case with a black tachymeter bezel has a 42 mm diameter and a depth of 14 mm. The inscription “NASA QUALIFIED FLIGHTS FOR ALL MANNED SPACE MISSIONS” is on the case back. “OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON,” and in the middle of the case back is the Omega Sea Monster / Serpent with the words “Speedmaster”.
On the front of the case is a Hesalite crystal with the Omega logo in the center. The Hesalite crystal corresponded to the one used in the original Moonwatch and was a special NASA requirement. It would not dissolve in small parts if it broke, such as the sapphire crystal, and therefore not pose a significant danger in space flights. The small downside is that hesalite isn’t as scratch-resistant as sapphire crystals, but small scratches can easily be removed with a poly watch tube.
The water resistance can be up to 50 meters. If you are looking for a watch specifically designed for diving, you should look elsewhere.
The dial is matte black with the cake pan bezel, has the ubiquitous three-stop chronograph format, 3 is the 30-minute counter, 6 is the 12-hour counter, and 9 is the sub-dial for constant seconds. Then there are the very easy to read and well proportioned white markings and needles (Tritium is an ivory color). Except for the tiny “Swiss Made” script at the bottom of the dial, the only other script is “Omega Speedmaster Professional” between noon and noon.
The crown bears the Omega symbol, and the push-pieces for the Chrono functions are located on each side. The stainless steel link bracelet comes with a safety clasp and is labeled “Omega Speedmaster Professional”.
Overall, this is an excellent watch steeped in history that has changed little over the years. The Speedmaster Pro has an undeniable build quality and is recognized worldwide as an outstanding watch. For me, watches come and go, and my favorites are always changing, but there is one constant, and that is the fact that the Speedmaster Pro is a watch I will never be without, a clear recommendation from me!
