Omega Speedmaster Schumacher Blue 3510.81 39mm 1990s Box & Papers

Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.81 Blue Dial

Introduction

Produced during the 1990s, the Omega Speedmaster reference 3510.81 is part of the Speedmaster Automatic line, often referred to as the “Speedmaster Reduced.” It features a 39mm stainless steel case and is powered by an automatic movement, setting it apart from the larger, manually wound Speedmaster Professional models. This particular reference is notable for its blue dial and matching blue tachymeter bezel, a combination that was unusual at the time and gives the watch a distinctive identity within the Speedmaster family.

The 3510.81 reflects Omega’s effort to create a chronograph that maintained the spirit of the Moonwatch while being more wearable and versatile for everyday use. Its compact case, automatic winding system, and colourful design positioned it as a contemporary evolution of one of the most recognisable chronographs ever made. While it shared the same design DNA as the Professional, the Reduced series appealed to a broader audience, offering the look and functionality of a Speedmaster in a smaller, more practical format.

The Origins of the Speedmaster Reduced

The Speedmaster Reduced was introduced in the late 1980s as part of Omega’s plan to modernise its chronograph line and respond to changing preferences in size and convenience. The traditional Speedmaster Professional, with its 42mm case and hand-wound movement, remained the flagship, but Omega recognised that some buyers wanted a more compact and automatic alternative.

Launched around 1988, the Speedmaster Automatic carried the same core design features as the Professional, including the tri-compax dial layout, tachymeter bezel, and the overall case shape that had become synonymous with the Speedmaster name. At 39mm, it was more proportionate for smaller wrists, and its automatic calibre allowed users to enjoy the look of the Speedmaster without the need for daily winding.

The Reduced line became an important part of Omega’s catalogue through the 1990s and early 2000s. Though it was positioned below the Professional in the range, it was built to a high standard and captured the essence of the Speedmaster’s design language. It also represented a period of experimentation for Omega, with the brand offering more colour and material variations across its watches, including the blue-dial 3510.81.

The Reference 3510.81

The Omega Speedmaster 3510.81 is among the most recognisable versions of the Reduced series due to its distinctive colour palette. The deep blue dial and matching blue aluminium tachymeter bezel give the watch a tone that is more refined and contemporary compared to the traditional black-dial models. The contrast between the blue dial, white chronograph hands, and silver sub-dials enhances legibility while adding a sense of depth and texture to the design.

The case measures 39mm in diameter, with a thickness of around 12mm. These dimensions make it notably smaller than the 42mm Speedmaster Professional but still large enough to retain a strong wrist presence. The case features brushed lugs and polished sides, a sapphire crystal, and a screw-down caseback engraved with the Speedmaster hippocampus emblem.

The watch is powered by the Omega calibre 3220, an automatic chronograph movement based on the ETA 2890-A2 with a Dubois-Dépraz chronograph module. It offers a 40-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This combination provided Omega with a reliable automatic platform that retained the Speedmaster’s familiar sub-dial configuration.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

The blue-dial Speedmaster 3510.81 stands out immediately because of its colour scheme. Omega had experimented with blue dials in other lines such as the Seamaster, but the Speedmaster was traditionally conservative in design. The choice of blue brought a modern tone to the collection, making the watch suitable for both professional and casual wear.

The dial itself is well balanced, featuring three recessed sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock that record elapsed time and running seconds. White printing and luminous hour markers ensure readability, while the central chronograph seconds hand provides an easy-to-read sweep across the dial. The polished hour and minute hands include luminous inserts, ensuring visibility in low light.

The blue aluminium bezel features the signature tachymeter scale in white, linking the watch to its chronograph heritage. The bezel’s finish and font are consistent with other Speedmaster models from the same period, reinforcing the visual continuity that ties the Reduced line to the Professional.

The 3510.81 was typically sold with a stainless steel bracelet, either reference 1469 or 1471, which featured solid links and a folding clasp signed with the Omega logo. The integration of the bracelet into the case gives the watch a cohesive, balanced look that suits its proportions.

Movement and Functionality

The Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.81 is powered by the Omega calibre 1143, an automatic chronograph movement based on the ETA 2890-A2 with a Dubois-Dépraz 2020 module. This configuration allowed Omega to retain the traditional three-register Speedmaster layout while introducing automatic winding and a slimmer case profile.

The calibre 1143 runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has 45 jewels, and offers a power reserve of about 40 hours. It displays hours, minutes, small seconds, a 30-minute chronograph counter, and a 12-hour counter. The hacking seconds feature enables precise time setting.

The modular construction contributes to the watch’s compact proportions and distinctive dial layout. While more complex to service than an integrated chronograph, it remains well engineered and consistent with Omega’s production standards of the period.

The 3510.81 in Context

When it was released, the Speedmaster 3510.81 represented Omega’s attempt to make the Speedmaster concept more accessible. It appealed to a wider audience by offering automatic functionality and a slightly smaller size, both of which aligned with the tastes of the 1990s watch market.

This period was one of experimentation for Omega. The brand introduced several colourful dial variants across its lines, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences toward individuality and style. The blue-dial Speedmaster captured this movement perfectly. It retained the engineering and credibility of the Speedmaster name but added a modern design sensibility that felt fresh and distinctive.

For many, the 3510.81 became the ideal entry point into the Speedmaster family. It carried the unmistakable design cues of the Moonwatch but required no manual winding and wore more comfortably on a wider range of wrists. Its combination of practicality and heritage helped establish the Reduced line as an important companion to the Professional series.

Comparison with the Speedmaster Professional

While visually similar, the Speedmaster Reduced and Speedmaster Professional are quite different watches. The Professional features a manually wound movement derived from the calibre 321, and later 861 and 1861, all of which were tested and used by NASA. It has a larger 42mm case and a more robust, hand-assembled chronograph calibre.

The Reduced, in contrast, is a product of late 20th-century watchmaking trends. Its automatic calibre and modular construction reflect Omega’s focus on convenience and modern engineering. The Reduced was not part of the NASA program and was never marketed as a space-qualified watch, but it retained the visual and mechanical identity that linked it closely to its famous sibling.

The key advantage of the Reduced lies in its comfort and practicality. For many wearers, the 39mm case feels more proportionate, and the automatic movement makes it better suited for daily use. The blue dial of the 3510.81 adds a degree of individuality that distinguishes it even further from the monochrome aesthetic of the Professional.

Wearability and Design Balance

One of the strengths of the 3510.81 is its wearability. The 39mm size offers excellent balance on the wrist, and the combination of polished and brushed finishes gives it a presence that feels refined rather than flashy. The slightly domed crystal provides a subtle distortion at the edges, lending depth to the dial without affecting readability.

The watch’s blue tone makes it highly versatile. It pairs comfortably with both business and casual attire, and its restrained proportions make it appropriate for daily wear. The bracelet, with its solid construction and secure clasp, ensures durability while maintaining comfort during extended use.

The tactile operation of the chronograph pushers and the smooth winding action of the crown reflect the attention to detail typical of Omega’s manufacturing during this period. The Speedmaster Reduced may have been smaller, but it was built to the same exacting standards as its larger counterpart.

Legacy and Collectibility

In hindsight, the Speedmaster 3510.81 occupies a unique place in Omega’s history. When first released, it was often overshadowed by the Professional, but over time it has earned recognition as a distinct model rather than a simplified version. Its blue dial, in particular, has become a highlight of the entire Reduced range.

Collectors have increasingly turned their attention to these watches as interest in 1990s Omega models has grown. The 3510.81’s combination of colour, size, and automatic functionality makes it an attractive option for those who appreciate vintage Omega design but want a piece that feels modern enough for everyday wear.

As the Reduced line was discontinued in the early 2000s, well-preserved examples of the 3510.81 have become more sought after. Its appeal lies in its balance of familiarity and individuality. It is unmistakably a Speedmaster, but it carries a character all its own through the use of colour and proportion.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Speedmaster 3510.81 Blue Dial is a distinctive expression of the Speedmaster story. It maintains the essence of the original chronograph that became part of space history while offering an automatic movement and a more approachable size. The blue dial gives it a modern personality that set it apart from the traditional black-dial models and helped define the 1990s era of Omega design.

For those who admire the Speedmaster but prefer a smaller, self-winding version, the 3510.81 remains one of the most compelling choices. It is comfortable, versatile, and mechanically sound, with a design that connects directly to one of the most important chronograph families in Swiss watchmaking.

• Case & bracelet in excellent condition, little to no wear visible.
• Bracelet has little to no stretch and remains in excellent condition.

Dial & hands excellent condition.