Omega Speedmaster Reduced watches

Many Speedmaster fans consider the Speedmaster Reduced chronograph the little sister of the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. This is because the two models share much of their design but have cases measuring 39 and 42 mm in diameter, respectively. Thus, the Speedmaster Reduced – also known as the Speedmaster Automatic – is a great option for smaller wrists.

Omega has always outfitted the Speedmaster Reduced with an automatic caliber. Originally only available as a chronograph, later versions saw the addition of a date, day-date, moon phase, and even a perpetual calendar. Early editions without additional functions use the caliber 1140, which was later replaced by the 3220. Both movements are based on the ETA 2890-A2 and feature the Dubois Dépraz chronograph module 2020. The greatest advantage these movements have over the manual caliber 1861 found in the current Moonwatch is that you don't have to wind them every other day as long as you wear them regularly.

The Speedmaster Reduced has served as an affordable entry point into the Speedmaster collection ever since its debut in 1988. This remains true to this day, even though Omega has retired the series. Prices for these models have increased significantly in recent years. Today, it's impossible to find Reduced watches selling for 1,200 USD or less. Pre-owned pieces dominate the market and now demand roughly 2,400 USD. Those without their original box and papers sell for upwards of 1,900 USD.

From a financial standpoint, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced has performed quite well in recent years. One example is the ref. 3510.50.00 with Hesalite crystal. It went from about 1,500 USD in 2009 to 1,700 USD in early 2014. By the start of 2018, it was selling for around 1,900 USD, and by mid-2020, the watch demanded roughly 2,400 USD. That represents an increase of 900 USD (or 60%) in just over a decade.

If you'd prefer a Speedmaster Reduced with sapphire crystal and water resistance to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft), you should take a closer look at the ref. 3539.50.00. Omega also equipped this model with a more comfortable band. Collectors refer to it as the "Speedmaster Reduced II" since it is an upgraded version of the ref. 3510.50.00. You can purchase a 3539.50.00 for around 3,200 USD. The same watch would have set you back only 1,900 USD in mid-2014 and 1,700 USD in early 2010. If you had bought this model at its 2010 price, you could sell it today for an 88% profit.

Prices for Two-Tone Models and Special Editions

In the early 1990s, Omega also offered two-tone editions like the ref. 3310.20.00. Other than its combination of stainless steel and gold, this model is identical to the 3510.50.00. Be prepared to spend at least 2,400 USD for a two-tone Reduced. Well-maintained examples with a gold or white dial regularly demand upwards of 3,600 USD.

Speedmaster enthusiasts enjoy the numerous rare editions such as the Speedmaster Reduced Albino ref. 175.00.33. This timepiece combines a white dial with silver subdials. With a bit of luck, you might find this model for around 3,600 USD. The version with a white dial and subdials sells for as little as 2,400 USD.

The Japan Edition ref. 3510.82.00 pairs a blue dial with white subdials. You can call this watch your own for roughly 2,700 USD. Back in 2018, the same timepiece demanded only 1,700 USD.

Perhaps the two biggest differences between the Speedmaster Reduced and the Professional Moonwatch are the former's automatic caliber and smaller 39-mm case. Furthermore, at 12 mm thick, the Reduced is 2 mm thinner than the Moonwatch. When measured from lug to lug, the Reduced is 44 mm long and the Professional, 47 mm. Thus, the automatic Speedmaster Reduced is a fantastic choice for those with narrower wrists.

A closer look at the Speedmaster Reduced's case will reveal that its push-pieces don't line up with the crown. This is because the Dubois Dépraz chronograph module rests atop the rest of the movement.

While the dial bears a strong resemblance to that of the Moonwatch, there are some obvious distinctions. First and foremost, the Reduced's subdials sit farther out from the center and touch the minute track around the dial's edge. What's more, while the Professional has a small seconds at 9 and a minute counter at 3 o'clock, these subdials swap positions on the Reduced. Both versions feature a 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock.

Another difference is the hour markers. Omega decided to add Arabic numerals to the minute track on the ref. 3510.50.00. You can find them on the dial next to the hour indices. Both the Moonwatch and Reduced II feature only line indices.

The Speedmaster Reduced has a lug width of 18 mm. The Professional's lug width is 20 mm. This further enhances the Reduced's overall smaller nature. However, you can strengthen its wrist presence with a thick leather or NATO strap. In fact, all Speedmasters are easy to make your own by changing out the band.