Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 39mm Circa 2000s

Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00

Introduction

Produced from the late 1980s into the early 2000s, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 offered a new take on one of the most recognisable chronographs ever made. It brought the familiar look of the Speedmaster into a smaller, more wearable 39mm case and added an automatic movement for convenience. While it carried much of the visual DNA of the Speedmaster Professional, it was not designed to replace it. Instead, it stood as a more approachable, everyday version of the famous chronograph that had already written its name into history.

A Short History of the Speedmaster

The Omega Speedmaster first appeared in 1957, designed as a precision chronograph for motorsport and timing events. The model took on legendary status in 1969 when it was worn by NASA astronauts during the Apollo 11 mission. That same hand-wound Speedmaster became known as the “Moonwatch,” a nickname that remains closely tied to Omega’s identity today.

By the 1980s, however, many watch buyers were looking for automatic watches that offered the convenience of self-winding and a smaller, more versatile size. The classic 42mm Moonwatch was considered large by the standards of the day. Omega’s answer was the Speedmaster Automatic, soon known by collectors as the “Reduced” for its smaller proportions.

The 3510.50.00 Reference

The Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 took the familiar black-dial, white-marker formula of the Speedmaster and refined it into a slightly more compact design. Its 39mm case retained the signature twisted lugs and tachymeter bezel while maintaining strong visual ties to the Moonwatch.

Inside was the Omega calibre 1140, an automatic chronograph movement based on the ETA 2890-2 with a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module. This configuration allowed Omega to deliver an automatic chronograph while keeping the case profile slim.

The watch came fitted with the Omega 1469 stainless steel bracelet and 811 end links, designed to taper neatly around the wrist and complement the smaller case dimensions.

Case and Construction

The 3510.50.00 features a stainless steel case measuring 39mm in diameter and around 12mm thick, striking a balance between presence and comfort. The design retains the Speedmaster’s iconic twisted lugs, brushed upper surfaces, and polished case flanks. These subtle contrasts in finish give the watch the same sense of depth and refinement found in larger Speedmaster models.

The tachymeter bezel, a defining feature of the Speedmaster, uses an aluminium insert with white numerals. It serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, allowing the wearer to measure speed over distance. The crystal is made of hesalite, a material chosen for its clarity and vintage appearance. Unlike sapphire, hesalite can be easily polished if scratched, a practical feature that keeps the watch looking sharp.

The case design offers 30 metres of water resistance—sufficient for daily wear but not suitable for swimming or diving.

Dial and Hands

The dial of the Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 is pure Speedmaster in style: black with high-contrast white printing and a clean tri-compax layout. The three sub-dials display running seconds at 9 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock, and a 12-hour totaliser at 6 o’clock.

Because of the modular construction of the movement, the sub-dials are positioned closer together than those on the 42mm Professional, giving the watch a distinctive appearance that differentiates it within the Speedmaster family.

The baton hour markers and central hands are filled with luminous material for legibility in low light. Early versions of the 3510.50.00 use tritium, identified by the “T SWISS MADE T” text below 6 o’clock, while later examples like this one use LumiNova, marked simply “SWISS MADE.”

The chronograph hands are slender and precise, giving a clear reading against the dial. Combined with the tachymeter bezel, the layout provides the same readability that made the Speedmaster famous.

Movement: Omega Calibre 1140

At the heart of the Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 is the Omega calibre 1140, an automatic chronograph movement built around the ETA 2890-2 base calibre paired with a Dubois-Dépraz 2020 chronograph module. It runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has a 42-hour power reserve, and includes 46 jewels.

The calibre 1140 was a practical choice for the period. It provided the reliability and accuracy of a proven ETA base while allowing Omega to offer an automatic chronograph at a competitive size and price. The chronograph module delivers smooth pusher action and accurate timekeeping while maintaining the watch’s relatively thin profile.

Although later Speedmaster Reduced references transitioned to the updated calibre 3220, the 3510.50.00 is most closely associated with the original 1140 movement, the one that launched the model and defined its character.

Bracelet and Clasp

The Omega 1469 bracelet fitted to the 3510.50.00 complements the case design perfectly. Constructed from brushed stainless steel with polished edges, it has a solid, fluid feel without excessive weight. The 811 end links connect seamlessly to the lugs, giving the watch a cohesive appearance.

The bracelet tapers gently toward the clasp, which features a secure folding mechanism engraved with the Omega logo. The design prioritises both comfort and durability, making the watch easy to wear all day without fatigue.

The 1469 bracelet is part of what gives the Speedmaster Reduced its balanced proportions. While modern Omega bracelets have grown heavier and more solid, this period-correct design offers flexibility and comfort that many enthusiasts still appreciate.

Caseback and Finishing

The caseback is stainless steel and engraved with the Omega Hippocampus emblem—an image used by Omega since the 1950s as a symbol of reliability and maritime endurance. The “Speedmaster” name is also engraved in bold letters, reinforcing the watch’s connection to the broader line.

The finishing across the case is clean and functional, with no unnecessary decoration. The alternating brushed and polished surfaces highlight the structure of the case without distraction.

Wearability

The Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 is known for its comfort and versatility. At 39mm, it sits naturally on most wrists and has a lower profile than the 42mm Professional. This makes it easy to wear both casually and under a cuff.

The hesalite crystal adds warmth to the design, while the aluminium bezel keeps the overall look faithful to the classic Speedmaster aesthetic. The combination of a smaller case and automatic movement makes it an ideal everyday chronograph—capable, reliable, and well-balanced.

Production and Variations

The Speedmaster Reduced debuted in 1988, and the 3510.50.00 became the most recognisable reference in the range. Over its production run, Omega introduced small updates in lume material, dial text, and bracelet construction, but the design remained largely unchanged for nearly two decades.

Collectors may notice minor variations between early and late examples, including differences in the applied or printed Omega logo, tritium versus LumiNova lume, and subtle updates to the movement designation.

Production continued until the mid-2000s, when the Reduced was eventually discontinued as Omega shifted focus to larger, integrated-chronograph models such as the Speedmaster Co-Axial line.

Role Within the Speedmaster Family

The 3510.50.00 occupied a distinctive position in the Speedmaster range. It was not a substitute for the Moonwatch but a companion to it—an automatic, more compact version designed for daily use. Its release allowed Omega to appeal to those who wanted the Speedmaster look and chronograph function without the larger size or manual winding.

While some enthusiasts initially saw the Reduced as a simplified version, it has since gained recognition for exactly what it is: a well-made, purpose-built Speedmaster that broadened the reach of one of the most iconic chronographs ever produced.

Servicing and Maintenance

Servicing the calibre 1140 involves attention to both the ETA base movement and the Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module. As the chronograph functions sit on top of the base calibre, proper servicing requires experience with modular chronograph construction. When maintained correctly, the movement is robust and capable of decades of reliable performance.

Replacement parts for the bracelet, hesalite crystal, and aluminium bezel remain available, and the simplicity of the design makes the watch relatively easy to keep in excellent condition.

Legacy

The Speedmaster Reduced represents a clear moment in Omega’s history when the company adapted its most famous chronograph to meet modern expectations. It offered the essence of the Speedmaster’s design in a smaller and more accessible format, appealing to those who valued practicality without sacrificing quality.

Today, the 3510.50.00 remains one of the most recognisable versions of the Reduced line. Its proportions, movement, and bracelet make it a distinctive entry in the Speedmaster family and an enduring reminder of Omega’s ability to evolve while respecting its traditions.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 is a precise, functional, and historically relevant chronograph that delivered the Speedmaster experience in a smaller and more automatic form. Its 39mm stainless steel case, black dial, calibre 1140 movement, and 1469 bracelet with 811 end links reflect a balance between design integrity and everyday practicality.

While the Moonwatch remains the icon that defines the line, the Reduced demonstrates how Omega successfully adapted that design to meet the needs of a changing era. It retains all the hallmarks that make the Speedmaster one of the most enduring watch families in history, presented in a way that is accessible, versatile, and unmistakably Omega.

(References: Omega Archives; Fratello Watches “The Smaller Speedy: Omega Speedmaster Reduced,” 2023; Hodinkee “The Omega Speedmaster Automatic,” 2022; WatchBase; Chrono24; Worn & Wound “Affordable Classic: Omega Speedmaster Automatic Reduced.”)

Case in very good condition and unpolished. No major dents. Bracelet has little stretch and is in good condition. Bracelet has been polished. Bezel is in very good condition. Discolouration seen in photos of the word ‘Tachymetre’ is dirt and not a scratch.

Dial and hands in excellent condition. Crystal is in very good condition with small hairline scratches visible.