I have a very found admiration for Omega Speedmaster's and currently have four, two Speedmaster 'Reduced' pieces and I also have two pieces that are very much the big brothers of those two and they are the Speedmaster Professional's or Moonwatch, one from the 70's (ref. ST145.022) and a recent purchase from 2006 (ref. 3570.50.00), which was actually a replacement for the same model that I had stolen. I have also owned a sold on a couple of pieces with the much sought after .321 movement (ref. 145.012) but today I'm going to focus on the latest edition which is the 3570.50.00.
I bought this new and as mentioned above it was bought after I had my previous 3570.50 stolen, I had my first 3570.50 for a few years and like the piece that I have today it got a lot of wear.
To me there is a certain magical quality about the Speedmaster Pro that is inevitably related to its history. This Speedmaster Pro is also known as the 'Moonwatch' because of its strong links to the NASA space programme and the Omega Moonwatch is the only timepiece in the world certified for space flight by NASA. To achieve this certification the watch underwent an enduring process that would ultimately lead to the iconic status it carries today. It is officially the first time piece to ever be taken into space, this historic landmark in the Omega Speedmaster's history was achieved on Wally Schirra's wrist aboard Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) on October 3rd 1962. The Speedmaster was also the first watch worn on the moon, as Buzz Aldrin wore his Speedmaster (ref. 145.012) fitted with the Omega .321 caliber on 20 July 1969. Neil Armstrong actually left his Speedmaster inside the landing module during his famous first walk. It is still the only watch flight-qualified for EVA (Extra-vehicular activity) use by NASA and it is also the watch chosen for use in outer space by the Russian space agency NPO Energia.
I will cover more around the history of the Speedmaster, the links to the Space programme and the journey to the present day in a separate article, today I want to focus on the my 3570.50.
This Speedmaster Pro comes with a manual-winding chronograph movement (not COSC-certified), Cal. 1861, and has a Power Reserve just short of 50 hours. The Stainless Steel case with black Tachymeter bezel is 42mm in diameter with a depth of 14mm, the case back has an inscription which reads 'FLIGHT-QUALIFIED BY NASA FOR ALL MANNED SPACE MISSIONS', 'OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON' and also in the middle of the case back there is the Omega Sea Monster/Serpent with 'Speedmaster' lettering.
The front of the case has a Hesalite crystal with Omega logo in the centre, the Hesalite crystal is the same that was used in the original Moonwatch and was a specific requirement from NASA because if it is broken it does not shatter into small pieces, as Sapphire crystal would do, therefore not creating a major hazard during space flight. The slight drawback is that Hesalite is not as scratch resistant as Sapphire crystals but any slight scratches can be buffed out easily with tube of Polywatch.
The water resistance is upto 50 meters (167 feet), if you are looking for a watch specifically for diving purposes then you should really look elsewhere.
The dial is matt-black with the pie-pan outer edge, it has the ubiquitous three registers chronograph layout, at 3 is the 30 minute counter, 6 is the 12 hour counter and 9 is the constant seconds subdial. Then there are the very easy to read and well proportioned markers and hands in white (the tritium is actually an ivory colour). With the exception of the tiny 'Swiss Made' writing at the bottom of the dial the only other writing is 'Omega Speedmaster Professional' which is present between the centre and 12 o'clock.
The crown has the Omega symbol and either side are the 'pushers' for the Chrono functions. The Stainless Steel link bracelet comes with safety clasp and is inscribed 'Omega Speedmaster Professional'.
All in all this is an excellent watch which is steeped in history and has changed very little over the years, the Speedmaster Pro has an unquestionable build quality and is recognised the world over as a timepiece of distinction. With me watches come and go and my favourites are ever changing but there is one constant and that is the fact that the Speedmaster Pro is one watch I will be never be without , a definite recommendation from me!
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