A Time Capsule

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.50.00 - 3573.50.00

Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.50.00 – 3573.50.00

This article was originally published on July 4th, 2013. We have updated the links below but made no changes otherwise.

The Speedmaster Professional is an icon. A classic like few other watches. These two are undisputed facts. Period. Not up for discussion.

However, I’d like to add a third term to describe the Speedmaster Professional: a Time Capsule. For two reasons: the watch itself and the pricing. I’ll explain..

Since the introduction of the 145.012, which was the first to feature the now-signature case style with twisted lugs and protected pushers and crown, the appearance of the Speedmaster has not changed. Of course some details have been updated throughout the years, but the overall design has not been changed in the slightest.  Note – the 145.012 was introduced back in 1963! That’s timeless design.

When talking movements, the Speedmaster has been using the same movement since the introduction of the caliber 861 in the 1968 145.022. Sure, the movement is called 1861 nowadays, but don’t be fooled – apart from some minor changes, mostly cosmetically, it is still the same movement. And this is not a bad thing.. It is a great and reliable movement that proved its worth on earth and in outer space!

So, the most notable change in the appearance of the Speedmaster Professional is to be found in the bracelet, which has had a few updates to keep up with current wishes and demands – heavier, more solid. The basic design has remained the same since 1963, and the movement has not been changed since 1968. That’s classic for you.

Now let’s talk prices. There was a time, not too long ago, in which the classics amongst the sports watches -let’s say the Breitling Navitimer, the Rolex Submariner and the Speedmaster Professional- could be had for more or less the same money. In today’s market however, if you’re looking for a classic sports watch with a bit of history attached, the Speedmaster seems to be nothing short of a bargain. At the time of writing this article, a Speedy on bracelet will set you back EUR 3.410 including Dutch VAT (21%), and slightly less on alligator. The current Navitimer that resembles the classic 806 the most? Double that. The 114060 Submariner No-Date? More. Sure – they have been updated to a great extend, feature state of the art movements – but does it matter in the end? Considering Omega’s recent up-scaling, we’re very curious to see how long the Speedmaster Professional will remain in the catalogues in its current form.

Eager to own a piece of history? Buy a Speedmaster Professional at an Authorized Dealer:

Note January 5th 2018: these links are now outdated and should be: