1997 Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 3570.50 - Transitional 18 Jewel Cal. 861

[luxuwrist]

The Omega Speedmaster Professional is arguably the most important watch ever made, and its importance and timeless design have made the made the Speedmaster a staple for collectors. We're pleased to offer this excellent example of a transitional 1990s Moonwatch.

What makes these watches transitional? In the 1990s, Omega went through a period of changes to the Speedmaster Professional in a relatively short amount of time. The newer six digit model reference was put into place, with the Speedmaster receiving designation 3590.50 in 1989, powered by the 17 jewel caliber 861 movement which was now yellow gold plated.

In 1993, the caliber 861 was upgraded to include an 18th jewel but remained yellow gold plated until 1996, when the 18 jewel version of the movement was now offered in Rhodium plating as the caliber 1861. The introduction of the 1861 led to a model change to the Speedmaster to reference 3570.50.

With the change to the new reference 3570.50 and new movement, some leftover movements were mixed in with caliber 1861s and found their way into the newly designated 3570.50 from 1996-1998 in the 48.34 and 48.35 million serial number ranges. These 3570.50s retained the tritium dial and yellow gold, 18-jewel caliber 861 of the older model but received the newer 1499 bracelet and model designation.

These 48.34 and 48.35 million serial number 3570.50s are the last Speedmasters to receive Caliber 861 movements and were produced only in that very short time period while the caliber 1861 was phased in.

The Moonwatch offered here is in excellent condition and appearsentirely original. It's an excellent example of these last 861-powered Speedmasters.

Take a look at the photos and our condition description below:

Case: 42mm stainless steel case in excellent condition as pictured with crisp lines, and is free from any large scratches, dings or dents.

Bezel: Original tall tachy bezel in excellent condition as pictured.

Dial/Hands: Dial is original matte black tritium in excellent condition and free of any staining, scratching, or damage with intact lume plots and a pleasing even patina on the hour markers. Hands are also original tritium with a patina that matches the dial.

Caseback: Original moon landing stamped caseback in very good condition with nice crisp engravings. There is some missing paint in the engravings as pictured.

Crystal: OEM Omega hesalite crystal in excellent condition as pictured.

Movement: Rare 18 jewel caliber 861 manual wound chronograph movement. 48.35million serial number dates production to circa 1997. The watch runs great, with all movement functions working as intended, including chronograph start, stop, and return to zero. Service history is unknown.

Bracelet/Strap: Original 1499 bracelet in very good condition as pictured. The bracelet is linked to fit approximately a 7.5" wrist.

Accessories: None, sold as watch only.

































Price is $3750 shipped insured FedEx overnight CONUS via PayPal or wire (3% discount for wire). US sale preferred, international sales will pay the cost of shipping. Face to face in the Boston area also welcome. I have many references available. Please feel free to ask any questions. Thanks for looking!