Omega Speedmaster Moonphase ref. 3576.50.00 Papers and Pictogram Certificate

It’s quite ironic that the Speedmaster, which built its reputation on being the first watch to be worn on the moon, took such a long time to show the Moon’s phases. Choosing the Speedmaster in 1965 for their standard issue astronaut kit after rigorous testing, NASA took the Speedmaster to the lunar surface four years later in 1969, but the first Speedmaster with a moonphase and date was the reference 345.0809, which arrived years after the Apollo programme ended in 1985 and was only produced until 1989. Following another moonphase indicator hiatus from the Speedmaster line-up, Omega launched the ref. 3576.50.00 in 2003, which is what we have here. Carrying that idea into the modern Moonwatch case, it is the most quietly complicated Speedmaster of its generation, and its moonphase indicator and pointer date combination give its dial a carefully balanced aesthetic. 

The basis for the ref. 3576.50.00 is a familiar one, it's got a 42mm stainless steel case with twisted lyre lugs, a black dial, a black anodized aluminium tachymeter bezel, and a manually wound movement that Speedmaster purists insist on. The movement, which is on display behind an exhibition caseback is the cal. 1866, derived directly from the cal. 1861 and descended from the same Lemania design powering the original Moonwatch, with a moonphase and pointer date sundial added to the usual 30-minute and 12-hour counters and running seconds. Departing from the standard Speedmaster Professional by using a sapphire crystal front and caseback (sapphire sandwich as Speedy fans would call it), it even includes an engraving that reads “The First And Only Watch Worn On The Moon.”

Offered in excellent condition, this example’s stainless steel case is free from any large or obvious signs of wear such as deep scratches or dents. Its front and read sapphire crystals are pristine. Its original dial and hands are also pristine. Its black aluminium bezel insert is free from any scratches, with its glossy surface well intact. The bezel ring does have a very very small dent at 12 o’clock.

Brand: Omega
Model: Speedmaster Professional Moonphase
Reference: 3576.50.00
Set: Watch, Omega service box, papers, pictogram card
Year: 2004
Dial: Black
Material: Stainless steel
Movement: Manual-wind cal. 1866
Case Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 13.9mm
Lug-to-lug: 48mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet