The Omega Speedmaster Professional is undoubtedly one of the most legendary watches of all time. However, its ever-increasing price is making it harder and harder for watch enthusiasts and collectors to own one. Are the good old days of getting this Omega icon on your wrist for less than $5,000 gone for good? Well, no. Check out these six exciting Speedmaster models that can still be yours for under $5,000.
Speedmaster Professional Ref. 311.30.42.30.01.005
If you’ve definitely got to have a Moonwatch, all roads lead to the reference 311.30.42.30.01.005. The predecessor of the current Omega Speedmaster Professional, this model was in production until 2020. Sure, this reference doesn’t have the Co-Axial movement or the stunning new bracelet, but otherwise you’re not missing a thing. You still get the legendary dial and case, and the Hesalite crystal gives it that amazing vintage vibe that watch lovers can’t get enough of.
If we’re being honest, the Speedmaster feels best on a NATO or leather strap, don’t you think? Expensive bracelet issue solved! Now, while there’s admittedly not a long list of offerings to choose from here, there are still listings for this reference in well-maintained condition that come with their original box and papers, some even on a steel bracelet, starting at around $4,500. And the older reference 3570.50.00. in pre-owned, very good condition can be had for less at around $3,700.
Omega Speedmaster Mark II
The Speedmaster Mark II is an exotic rarity, released by Omega in 1969. This is model stands apart from most other Speedmasters. At 41.5 mm, the Mark II is all about functionality, both visually and technically. Its cushion-shaped case and integrated bracelet ooze 1970s charm. If you’re looking for a Speedmaster with character and are a fan of ’70s design, the Mark II may very well be your watch, and you can find models in good condition for under $3,000. Now, you’ll pay considerably more if you’re looking for a model that comes with its box and papers, but with any luck you’ll still come in under our $5,000 budget.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Quartz Ref. 186.004
If you think things can’t get any better after seeing the Omega Speedmaster Mark II, check out the Omega Speedmaster Professional LCD Quartz (ref. 186.0004). No, this isn’t the latest watch collaboration between Casio and Omega. This Speedmaster model was made in the late 1970s and is a remarkable, unique timepiece through and through, with a case size of only about 37 mm, an anniversary bracelet, and an LCD.
One look at this reference, and you’ll know you’re looking at a genuine Speedmaster, especially when you see the trademark asymmetrical lug design that you’ll recognize from the original Speedy. Still, the Omega Speedmaster Professional LCD Quartz is a rarity; while you can certainly find one for under $5,000, anyone looking for a full set can expect to pay prices a bit north of our budget – a pretty penny for a quartz timepiece.
Swatch X Omega MoonSwatch
Next up is the MoonSwatch, which debuted with a bang in 2022, and opinions on this Swatch-Omega collaboration are, to say the least, mixed. Is the MoonSwatch a true Speedmaster? One look at the dial is all you need to know: You betcha! The watches in this collection are not Speedmaster Professionals, automatics or Moonwatches. They’re the Speedmaster MoonSwatch in Swatch’s own BIOCERAMIC, powered by a reliable quartz caliber. Choose from a wide range of now more than a dozen of these models, most of which won’t set you back more than $500.
If you’re looking for a fun watch, the MoonSwatch is for you. With the cool, playful, bright colors in this collection, there’s truly something for everyone. And if you’re in the market for a true Moonwatch alternative, the Mission to the Moon and the Mission to Mercury are sure to be right up your alley. While the MoonSwatch is more Swatch than Omega, it’s certainly an original and very affordable alternative to a real Moonwatch.
Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. 3510.50.00
The Omega Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 is a smaller, simpler variant of the Speedmaster Professional. The iconic dial design, Hesalite crystal, and chronograph function are almost identical, and the visual changes are minimal compared to the original Moonwatch. The Speedmaster Reduced has a 39mm case – a size that enthusiasts are increasingly happy to see these days, and which will fit almost any wrist perfectly.
Compared to the larger Moonwatch, the subdials on this watch are configured differently, and due to the construction of the caliber ticking away underneath the dial, they are more widely spaced. While the small seconds are at 9 o’clock on the Moonwatch, they are at 3 o’clock on the Reduced, with the 30-minute subdial at 9 o’clock.
The biggest difference to the Omega Speedmaster Professional is seen with its movement. The Speedmaster Reduced is not powered by a hand-wound caliber as classically seen with the Speedy, but instead by an automatic movement made by Swiss caliber manufacturer ETA, which is also part of the Swatch Group. This is the caliber 3220, based on the three-hand ETA 2890-A2 movement, and combined with an additional chronograph module produced by Dubois Dépraz. A used Speedmaster Reduced 3510.50.00 in good condition can be yours for around $3,000.
You’ll find an updated Speedmaster Reduced under the reference number 3539.50.00. This model features a sapphire crystal, and comes on a new stainless steel bracelet, both high-quality upgrades from the predecessor. An unworn model can be yours for $4,500.
Omega Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial
The Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial 38 (ref. 324.30.38.50.01.001) is basically the successor to the Speedmaster. It’s a great choice for watch lovers who aren’t specifically in the market for a vintage watch. This 38mm Speedy has unfortunately been overshadowed by the Speedmaster Professional. That’s a shame, because this is truly the better watch in many ways. Fans of automatic calibers will love the Co-Axial movement and its 50-hour power reserve. The Speedmaster 38 also has a practical date complication at 6 o’clock and is water-resistant to 100 meters (10 bar, 328 feet).
The classic Professional model, on the other hand, has a hand-wound Co-Axial caliber, no date complication, and a water resistance of only 50 meters (5 bar, 164 feet) compared to its smaller Speedmaster counterpart. In terms of design, the automatic 38mm version differs only slightly, with a wider spacing between the subdials and a narrower tachymeter scale. It also has a glossy dial, while the Professional’s dial is matte. At around $5,000 new, the Omega Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial is a very interesting Moonwatch alternative. One drawback, however, is that this watch lacks the legendary “Moonwatch” pedigree.
