Omega Speedmaster Date Ref. 3210.50: A More Practical Take on a Chronograph Icon

When most people think of the Omega Speedmaster, the image that springs to mind is the black-dialled, manual-wind Professional Moonwatch, strapped to the wrist of an astronaut. And for good reason: that watch has become one of the most recognisable chronographs ever made. But the Speedmaster family is broader than many realise, and one of its more quietly competent members is the Speedmaster Date Ref. 3210.50.

Released in the mid-2000s and produced through the late 2000s, the 3210.50 offers a more contemporary, automatic take on the Speedmaster ethos. It combines the visual language of the classic Moonwatch with a modern movement, sapphire crystal, 100-metre water resistance, and a full calendar. For those who like the idea of a Speedmaster but want more daily practicality, it represents a compelling alternative.

Before diving into the specifics of the 3210.50, it’s worth understanding the wider history of the Speedmaster range—because this watch, while not a Moonwatch, is still very much a Speedmaster.

A Brief History of the Omega Speedmaster

The Speedmaster was first introduced in 1957 as part of Omega’s “Professional” trilogy, alongside the Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Its original purpose was not linked to space, but to timing laps at the racetrack. That first reference, CK2915, was equipped with a tachymeter scale on the bezel—the first wrist chronograph to do so—and featured the now-iconic tri-compax layout with broad arrow hands and a robust steel case.

In 1962, a Speedmaster became the first watch worn in space, when astronaut Wally Schirra brought his personal CK2998 aboard Mercury-Atlas 8. This unexpected trial in zero gravity caught NASA’s attention, and in 1965, after a series of gruelling qualification tests, the Speedmaster was officially certified for all manned space missions. It went on to accompany astronauts on Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle missions—including, of course, Apollo 11’s moon landing in 1969.

From that point, the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch became a legend in its own right. But Omega didn’t stop there. Over the following decades, they expanded the Speedmaster family to include automatic movements, date complications, sapphire crystals, and more modern case designs. The 3210.50 falls into this broader category, offering more convenience without abandoning the DNA of the original.

The Speedmaster Date Line: Function Meets Flexibility

The Speedmaster Date series emerged in the 1990s as Omega sought to bring the Speedmaster to a wider audience. These models kept the core chronograph functionality, but introduced automatic winding, a date complication, and updated styling to suit modern tastes. The watches retained tachymeter bezels, applied indices, and the distinctive Speedmaster logo, but were now powered by modified ETA movements rather than the hand-wound Lemania 1873 (cal. 861/1861).

Reference 3210.50, introduced in the 2000s, represents a mature version of this concept. With a 40mm case, black dial, and classic layout, it feels familiar yet fresh. It offers the complication of a triple-register chronograph with an added date at 3 o’clock—an everyday tool watch wrapped in Speedmaster tradition.

Case and Bezel: Balanced Proportions

The case of the 3210.50 is stainless steel and measures 40mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug length of around 46.5mm. It’s noticeably smaller than the 42mm Moonwatch case but wears solidly thanks to its thicker profile and robust bracelet. At 15mm thick, it’s not a slim watch, but the rounded caseback and curved lugs help it sit comfortably on the wrist.

The tachymeter bezel is fixed, rendered in black aluminium with crisp white printing. It frames the dial in the same way as traditional Speedmasters, providing both a visual anchor and a practical scale for speed measurement. Unlike the Hesalite crystals of earlier models, the 3210.50 features a domed sapphire crystal—more scratch-resistant and better suited to modern wear.

The case offers 100 metres of water resistance, a notable step up from the Moonwatch’s 50 metres. Screw-down pushers and crown help achieve this rating, giving the watch a more sport-oriented usability. While few will take it swimming, the added water resistance adds peace of mind.

Dial and Hands: Familiar but Functional

The dial layout is classic Speedmaster, with three recessed sub-dials at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. The running seconds sit at 9, while the 30-minute and 12-hour counters are at 12 and 6 respectively. A date window is tucked into the 3 o’clock position, providing added utility without overwhelming the symmetry of the dial.

The black dial surface is finished in a subtle matte sheen, with applied hour markers filled with Super-LumiNova. White printing provides high contrast, while the Omega logo and Speedmaster text are neatly placed under 12. The central chronograph seconds hand is thin and pointed, complementing the baton-style hour and minute hands.

In low light, the lume is effective and evenly applied. While it lacks the vintage charm of tritium or aged lume, the Super-LumiNova offers better legibility and safety, and is consistent with the watch’s modern design brief.

Movement: Omega Calibre 1164

Inside the 3210.50 beats the Omega calibre 1164, a movement based on the reliable ETA 7750. This automatic chronograph calibre has been used in countless watches due to its robust architecture and ease of servicing. Omega has modified and decorated the movement to meet their standards, adding Rhodium-plated components and custom finishing.

The calibre 1164 runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 44-hour power reserve. It includes hacking seconds, quickset date, and a unidirectional winding rotor. The 7750 base means the watch uses a cam-lever chronograph system rather than a column wheel, which is less romantic but often more robust and easier to maintain.

Importantly, the movement is hidden behind a solid caseback engraved with the Speedmaster hippocampus logo—tying it back to its professional line heritage.

Bracelet and Wearing Experience

The 3210.50 comes mounted on the Omega reference 1575/899 bracelet, a five-link steel bracelet that blends brushed and polished finishes. It’s a solid, well-built bracelet with a secure push-button clasp and a slight taper from lugs to buckle. The end links fit snugly into the case, and the bracelet itself balances the weight of the head nicely.

While the case thickness may deter some with slimmer wrists, the watch overall wears comfortably. Its 40mm diameter hits the sweet spot for many wearers, sitting between the diminutive dimensions of vintage chronographs and the often oversized cases of contemporary sports watches.

Daily Use and Practicality

This is where the Speedmaster Date 3210.50 really comes into its own. While the Moonwatch’s hand-wound movement and lack of a date can be charming, they also demand a level of interaction and attention that doesn’t suit everyone’s routine. The 3210.50, by contrast, is built for everyday convenience.

Its automatic winding means it stays powered as long as you’re wearing it. The quickset date allows for fast adjustment when crossing months. The water resistance, sapphire crystal, and screw-down crown give it modern resilience. And the triple-register chronograph remains a genuinely useful function, whether you’re timing your coffee brew or a drive down the coast.

It’s also a more discreet watch than the Moonwatch. It lacks the bulk and glare of the larger models, and the added utility of the date gives it crossover appeal to those who may not usually reach for a chronograph.

Collectability and Position in the Market

The Speedmaster Date line has always flown somewhat under the radar. Collectors tend to focus on the Moonwatch and its various limited editions, leaving models like the 3210.50 relatively affordable. But this obscurity is part of its appeal.

The 3210.50 offers a lot of value: classic styling, a strong brand pedigree, a reliable movement, and real-world versatility. It’s not a reissue or a throwback—it’s a product of its time, and unapologetically so. For someone looking to own a Speedmaster without the cost or upkeep of the Professional, it’s one of the best options around.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Speedmaster Date Ref. 3210.50 from 2007 is a reminder that the Speedmaster story extends well beyond the Moon. While the Professional rightfully holds a place in the horological hall of fame, references like the 3210.50 demonstrate that Omega also understands practicality, balance, and evolution.

It wears well, works hard, and brings the charm of the Speedmaster line into the rhythm of everyday life. It may not have orbited the Moon, but for many wearers, it does something just as important—it fits their world. And that, in its own way, is what the Speedmaster has always been about.

Good condition, light hairlines visible on bracelet. Case remains in great condition.

Excellent condition.