1998 Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 3570.50 - Tritium Dial Cal. 1861 - SOLD
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 one of the last tritium dial Speedmasters and earliest of the reference 3570.50 Moonwatch.
In the 1990s, the Speedmaster professional underwent a number of changes. Omega changed their model numbering system to the PIC (Product Identifier Code), with the Speedmaster Professional receiving the model number 3590.50. At the same time, the caliber 861 used since 1968 was changed to include an additional jewel bringing the count to 18, and the plating changing from a rose color to yellow gold plating. Around 1996, the Speedmaster Professional changed again, receiving a new model designation of 3570.50. Along with the new model number came a new bracelet design, the movement was updated once again to a rhodium plating and renamed the caliber 1861, and the luminous material was changed from tritium to luminova.
However, there was a transitional period where these components were all mixed - very early examples of 3570.50 received the yellow plated 18 jewel version of the 861 with tritium dial and hands, then some kept the tritium lume but were equipped with the caliber 1861 like the example here. Later watches were fitted with luminova dial and hand sets, the configuration most think of with a modern Speedmaster.
The Moonwatch offered here is in outstanding condition, unpolished, and entirely original. It's an excellent example of one of the last Speedmasters fitted with a tritium dial, and one of the first equipped with the caliber 1861.
Take a look at the photos and our condition description below:
Case: 42mm stainless steel case in outstanding 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 and intact paint. Note that remnants of the original "red dot" can still be seen on the case and caseback in the photos.
Crystal: OEM Omega hesalite crystal in excellent condition as pictured.
Movement: Caliber 1861 manual wound chronograph movement. 48.37million serial number dates production to circa 1998. 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.