Omega Speedmaster

Our love of Speedmasters is pretty apparent we'd say - with lengthy descriptions and stories recounting the tales of the original rocket men and their magnificent machines regularly gracing these electronic pages.

While we are generally describing Speedies from the Apollo era, we absolutely have an appreciation for their modern counterparts and maintain that buying a brand new model is far from the worst way to spend your hard-earned money!  Indeed, we have steered many a friend in the direction of a contemporary Speedy when the situation calls for it - and let's face it, there are occasions in which wearing something newer and capable of taking a bit of a beating is desirable.  Hell, even NASA thinks so....

Our preferences generally run to the old and the aged, but when the situation calls for something tough, or just really shiny (can those be the same occasion?), a contemporary Speedy is at the top of our short list.  After all, they have barely changed the damned thing since 1968.  Sure, they are now fitted on a bracelet that is made of something more substantial than dreams and bailing wire and have luminescent material that actually works in the dark.  But inside, the heart of its Apollo-era ancestors still beats in the form of the Calibre 1863 - which is little more than an improved Calibre .861, originally introduced a year before the Moon Landing.  The best part about (some) contemporary Speedmasters is the addition of a Sapphire display back, which allows the user to explore and enjoy the inner workings of this marvelous little machine.

This particular model, a Reference 3572.50, is fitted with just such a display back - but is also fitted with an acrylic Hesalite crystal, which keeps the warm vintage feel of the originals on the front side. Constantly in demand, 3572.50s have held their value well and make a great modern counterpart to a vintage Speedmaster collection.  With its complete original kit and only light signs of wear, this example is ready to go, to infinity and beyond!

(Or to the beach).

For an excellent review of the Reference 3572.50, head on over to Fratellowatches, HERE.