The Modest Moonwatch Alternative: Omega’s Speedmaster Reduced

Many of you will know that, from 1988 to 2010, Omega offered a smaller alternative to its Moonwatch known as the Speedmaster Reduced (reference 3510.50.00). There was also a series of smaller Speedmaster models that looked similar to the Reduced and offered a date or calendar, but only one used the original Moonwatch as a blueprint. It still had the Hesalite crystal, offered a smaller case diameter, and used a self-winding movement. It became a go-to choice for those who either wanted a smaller Speedy or didn’t like hand-wound movements used in the Moonwatch models.

The price tag of these Speedmasters was also “reduced.” A regular Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (with Hesalite crystal) would have set you back €2180 in the year 2000, while the Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50 had a price tag of €1220. I am certain this also played a huge role in its popularity. In the good old days, these could be had for less than a €1000 on the pre-owned market. Many of them are still out there today and will undoubtedly continue to appeal to collectors everywhere. So what exactly are the differences between this Speedmaster Reduced and a Speedmaster Professional? Let’s dive in.

Image source: LOVE AND FUN PRODUCTION UG (via Chrono24).

Moonwatch versus Reduced

Let me start by writing that the now-discontinued Speedmaster Reduced is still often mistaken for the popular Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. If you are not that deep into Speedmasters and just like the look of the black no-date dial with three registers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, it is easy to mistake the Reduced for a Moonwatch. But if you take a closer look, you will find that the differences are obvious.

Image: Xupes

Omega Speedmaster 3510.50

Throughout this article, you can find images of the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch and the Speedmaster Reduced to compare. The first notable differences are, of course, the case size and the “Professional” printing, which can only be found on the Moonwatch. Below, you can also see the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (ref. 3570.50.00) on a bracelet.

A Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch (ref. 3570.50.00)

Reduced Dimensions

As mentioned, the biggest difference is in case size. While the Speedmaster Professional measures 42mm in diameter (and 40mm across the bezel), the Speedmaster Reduced is smaller at just 38.5mm. The Omega website states 39mm, but watch brands often round up or down. The thickness of the Reduced is approx. 12mm, which is also thinner than the Moonwatch (14.2mm for the 3570.50 and 13.58mm for the current reference with Hesalite). Last but not least, another important measurement for many is the lug-to-lug distance. With the Speedmaster Reduced, it lands on 44.5mm, while the Speedmaster Professional measures slightly over 47mm.

Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50. Image: Trophies (via Chrono24)

Different dial and pushers

One of the main giveaways that you’re looking at a Speedmaster Reduced instead of a Moonwatch is the dial layout. The subdials are positioned closer to the edges of the dial, cutting off a larger part of the indices at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Below the other hour indices, you find a separate minute scale (5, 10, 15… 55, 60). And lastly, there’s the “Automatic” word printed below “Speedmaster.” The subdials feature snailing, like those of its bigger brother.

Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50. Image: Primus Uhren (via Chrono24)

One thing about the Reduced that always bugged me is the positioning of the pushers compared to the crown. If you look at the Speedmaster Reduced from the side, the chronograph pushers are positioned slightly higher than the winding crown. This is, of course, because the chronograph function comes courtesy of a module placed above the movement.

Caliber 3861

Automatic versus Manual

The Speedmaster Professional movement is a hand-wound Lemania-based chronograph, either caliber 321, 861/863, 1861/1863, or 3861 (depending on the watch’s age). But believe it or not, not everyone is into handwound movements. It’s maybe something that some people are afraid of forgetting to do, or perhaps they just don’t like the thought of having to wind a watch each morning.

Caliber 3220 (picture via Urdelar.se)

The Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50 has an automatic movement based on the no-date ETA 2890-A2, also known as the Omega caliber 3220. Mounted to the dial side of the base movement is a Dubois-Dépraz 2020 chronograph module. The add-on module also explains this movement’s high 47-jewel count. Apparently, this movement isn’t exactly loved by watchmakers, as it requires a bit more patience when working on the chronograph module.  As an owner, it shouldn’t bother you too much, though. In practice, it’ll just mean that service pricing might be a bit higher than for a hand-wound Lemania movement used in the Moonwatch.

A smaller bracelet

On the Speedmaster Reduced, you will also find a bracelet that tapers from 18mm to 16mm. This reference 1469 bracelet looks very similar to the Moonwatch bracelet reference 1479, but with a polished center link.

The Speedmaster Reduced also came with a Hesalite crystal. Image source Xupes.

Don’t be fooled!

In the end, there is absolutely nothing wrong with an Omega Speedmaster Reduced. If you prefer automatic movements, have a small wrist, or just have a tighter budget, the Speedy Reduced 3510.50 is well worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a Moonwatch specifically, don’t be fooled. Classifieds or ads on websites will often use the “Moonwatch” name when listing the 3510.50. And often, the price is very interesting on these pre-owned Speedy Reduced models. If you don’t do your homework properly, you can easily be deceived or misled by the seller. So, no shade on the Speedmaster Reduced from our side, but just make sure you do end up with what you want when on the hunt for a Speedmaster.

The Speedmaster Reduced we featured in this Wrist Game Or Crying Shame article. Image source: LOVE AND FUN PRODUCTION UG (via Chrono24).

Price of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced

Unfortunately, these days the Speedmaster Reduced isn’t as big a bargain as it was a few years ago. These days, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced sits at around €2,500. And if you want a full set with box and papers, be prepared to pay more. And while there are many excellent Speedy Reduced listings available in Japan, be mindful of additional import duties charged on top of the sale price. Another interesting thing is that some very nice variations of the Speedmaster Reduced are worth checking out. A pre-owned modern Moonwatch (for example, 3570.50) will be more expensive, starting at around €4,500 for one in good condition.

Another option, if you want to have a smaller Speedmaster variation, is to consider the Speedmaster Calibre 321 we covered last week, or the Speedmaster First Omega in Space models. But the Reduced is the only one with a friendlier price tag. Another option might be one of the Omega Speedmaster 38 models, but none of them have the black-and-white dial and white baton hands. Only this model comes somewhat close.

You can find all of our Speedy Tuesday articles here.

This article was first published on June 25th, 2013. It has been updated with new pictures, prices, and information. Header image: Omega Speedmaster Professional (left) and Speedmaster Automatic (right). Original watch photographs with an AI-generated lunar background.