Here is a refreshing change, a discontinued Omega Speedmaster reduced ref: 3510.50.00 automatic based on the original version of the Moon watch, but slightly smaller. I will dive into the charm and story behind a real classic from the Speedmaster family: Omega Speedmaster 3510.50.00 — affectionately known among watch lovers as the Speedmaster Reduced.
This watch was Omega’s answer for people who loved the iconic Speedmaster look but wanted something smaller and more everyday-wearable. While the legendary Moonwatch is a big 42 mm beast, the Reduced clocks in at around 39 mm, which makes it feel more balanced on a wider variety of wrists without losing that unmistakable Speedy silhouette.
From a distance, the Reduced looks like its bigger sibling: black dial with three subdials for chronograph functions and the classic tachymeter bezel that Speedmaster fans adore. But under that familiar face is something quite different mechanically. Whereas the Professional Moonwatch uses a manual-wind chronograph movement, the 3510.50.00 runs on Omega’s automatic Calibre 3220, which is essentially an ETA base movement with a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module mounted on top. It’s easy to wear daily — set it, forget it, and let the automatic winding do its thing.
The case is stainless steel with Hesalite crystal — that slightly warm, vintage-feeling acrylic that matches the classic Speedmaster vibe — and water resistance around 30 m, so it’s more about daily confidence than diving depths. The bracelet or strap choices lend versatility too, whether you rock it on steel or leather.
This reference was produced for a long stretch (essentially late 1980s through the early 2010s), so you see a ton of variations in condition and age out in the pre-owned market. It’s not a limited edition or rare unicorn, but it is a genuine piece of Speedmaster history that sits beautifully between iconic design and practical everyday wear.
Collectors and enthusiasts often love the 3510.50.00 because it’s a bit of an underdog, also cheaper to buy on pre owned market a true Speedmaster look with a smarter size and automatic convenience, all at a friendlier price point than the Moonwatch itself
Let’s talk about how the Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 stacks up against its legendary big brother, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch — because they look similar, but they’re very different watches in how they feel, perform, and collect over time.First up, size and wrist feel. The Reduced sits at roughly 39 mm in diameter, which makes it noticeably smaller and often more comfortable on a wider range of wrists compared to the Moonwatch’s classic 42 mm case. It’s also slightly thinner, around 12 mm versus the Moonwatch’s beefier profile. That smaller footprint is one reason many people covet the Reduced as a daily wearer if they find the Moonwatch too bulky.
Mechanically, this is where they diverge most. The Reduced runs on an automatic movement — specifically Omega’s Calibre 3220, built from an ETA base with a chronograph module — which means it winds itself on your wrist and is super easy to live with. The Moonwatch, meanwhile, sticks to a manual-winding chronograph derived from the Lemania lineage (like the 1861 or newer 3861 calibres), which is part of its identity and collectible charm. The act of winding the Moonwatch is something enthusiasts often celebrate as part of the experience. It is a great size for everyday wearing, I found, and a great piece overall for my collection.
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