Omega Speedmaster Reduced
AUTOMATIC - REF. 3510.50
This review is not sponsored. All photos are taken by and are © to Behindthelume.com / @watch_girl_life
The Online Auction
This story might surprise you…
Funny how certain watches attract the most attention.
Ever since announcing my Speedmaster Reduced came into my collection, it as been the one to receive the most interest. I think it is mystery of it. A watch that Omega discontinued in 2009 replaced with the Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Chronograph 38.
The backstory: A novice at online auctions. I had been on the mailing list for a Sydney watch auction for weeks. Looking for the elusive Speedy Professional. I wanted a pre-loved one. I figured an auction was a safe place to find one.
I hate auctions! That pressure to keep bidding higher. Typically I stay away as my trigger finger is dangerous. I had been watching the pre-action bids on a Speedy. 12 o’clock on a Sunday the auction started. Lot #87. And then the trigger finger launched. I was the highest bidder.
True Story: My elation turned to dismay. After the auction closed, landing what I thought was a bargain, I took a closer look. In all the hype and anxiety of bidding, I had won the auction for the wrong watch. I thought I was bidding on a Speedmaster Professional. I had bought a Speedmaster Reduced. OMG!! I was kinda disappointed, well until it arrived by special courier a week later.
Sometimes things are just meant to be, the right watch at the right time (pardon the pun).
What I have discovered
Yes, the Speedmaster Reduced is discontinued, might not be perfect, however it soon became one of my go to watches. Because it is older, has some war wounds I dont seem to worry about it. It also very photogenic.
First thing I discovered it is what the watch fam classify the black Speedy as ‘strap monster’. Bracelet, nato, leather straps all look amazing on this watch. Not just my black Speedy, but all black Speedy’s.
Dress it up, or throw on a nato or a leather strap for a different look and you have one of the most versatile watches.
Mine has the hesalite crystal. What does this mean. Hesalite is a plexiglass material, made from a form of acrylic. Hesalite came about in the 1840s. Unlike many other plastics, hesalite has very good clarity. Be warned!! It will scratch. So the go-to recovery is to have a tube of Polywatch on hand.
Check the photo above, can you see the small issue. Have a look at the 30-minute chronograph totaliser. The hand no longer returns to home base. Turns out the cost of the service is super expensive (probably more than what the watch cost me). In the current times, if it needs to go to Switzerland to be prepared, it could take 3-6 months to service it. The AD said I was best to wait. I went with that advice.
Another cool thing about the Speedy Reduced is that is comparably cheeper than other Speedmaster models on the grey market. If you are considering a pre-loved Speedy and your wrist is around the 6.5-6.75 inch mark and you dont want one that has been on the moon - lol, this could be a great choice.
It is no way perfect, remember pre-loved comes with history.
What’s Under the Hood
Bracelet: steel
Case: Steel
Case diameter: 39 mm
Dial colour: Black
Crystal: Hesalite crystal
Water resistance: 3 bar (30 metres / 100 feet)
Lug to Lug: 42mm
Calibre: OMEGA 3220
Self‑winding chronograph movement with rhodium‑plated finish.
Power reserve: 40 hours
Type: Self winding
‘Watch’ Outs:
The bracelet is very average. So buy with the view to swap it out
I wont wear it swimming.
Expensive to service (according to the AD I spoke to)
The 40hr power reserve is not great. Be prepared to reset it at every wear.
Mine gains time, a couple of minutes a day
18mm lug width means the OEM Nato straps wont fit. You will need after market straps
My rating out of 10: 7
Would I recommend it: This one I am on the fence. The watch is something to consider for people who like the look of Speedy’s and are happy to buy pre-loved without the inflated price tag.
Wrap up
I had never owned an Omega. The brand had spiked my interest some time ago. I had listened to and read may reviews. There is definitely a lot of love for the Speedmaster amongst watch enthusiasts. And now I get the WHY!
A design that will suits most wrists. The way it sits on the wrist, the way it works in with me. Dont be scared off by the lower price than other Speedmasters. If you find the right one that has been loved by someone for around $2500 AUD you have probably found a winner. Let’s face it we wont be taking it to the moon and back.
As a daily wear or to the office, the Speedmaster Reduced wont let you down. Having said that, if you are rough on watches it probably best to leave this one. I am sure the first scratch on the hesalite and you will be cursing me - haha.
Shown in my photo, mix and match straps of your choice. It looks killer on black or grey nato and my favourite look is on a tan leather strap.
I am a firm believer in buying a watch that has a story. I wish I new the story before it landed with me. I am sure the previous owner cared as much about watches as I do.
In my opinion, if you are just jumping into collecting watches it could be a good place to start to stick the toe in the water without the price.
Its just a cool watch for the money pre-loved.
If you get one, post on Instagram and tag me @watch_girl_life
I would love to hear your story.
Thanks for reading my reviews
Feedback is always appreciated, suggestions for future reviews of watches in my collection 🙏🏼
