The Omega Speedmaster Reduced is a 39 mm automatic chronograph, reference 3510.50.00, sold from 1988 to about 2009. The phrase "replica Omega Speedmaster Reduced" describes counterfeit copies of that reference. It does not describe a smaller genuine model. Copies come in two forms: quartz, and automatic built on a Chinese 7750-style movement. Both differ from the genuine watch in ways you can measure.
What the genuine reference is
- Reference 3510.50.00. Introduced 1988. Discontinued around 2009.
- Stainless steel case. 39 mm diameter. 18 mm lug width.
- Hesalite crystal on the 3510.50. The later reference 3539.50 used sapphire.
- Omega calibre 1140. An ETA 2892-A2 base with a Dubois-Depraz 2020 chronograph module.
- Crown at 3 o'clock. Chronograph pushers at 2 and 4.
- Three subdials.
- Solid caseback with the Omega seahorse medallion.
Why the name says Reduced
The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is 42 mm and uses a manual-wind calibre. The Reduced is 39 mm and automatic. The nickname comes from case size. It does not signal a lower grade of finish.
Where copies differ
- Movement. Quartz copies show a stepping seconds hand. Automatic copies use a Chinese 7750 derivative. The genuine calibre 1140 stacks a module on a base movement, so subdial spacing and hand stack height differ.
- Subdials. On many copies the subdials are decorative, or one totalizer does not run.
- Caseback. Copies use a display back or a plain stamped back. The genuine 3510.50 has a solid back with an engraved seahorse.
- Dial text. Letter spacing and font weight on the OMEGA and SPEEDMASTER printing, and on the Swiss Made line, are the most reported tells.
- Pusher feel. The Dubois-Depraz module has a distinct resistance at the start of each push.
Legal status in the United States
Counterfeit watches are illegal to import, sell, or traffic. 18 U.S.C. 2320 covers trafficking in counterfeit goods and labels. U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches at ports. A personal-use purchase can still end in seizure and destruction. There is no factory warranty, no parts supply, and no service network for a copy.
Service and parts
Service for a genuine calibre 1140 goes to Omega or to a watchmaker who works with chronograph modules. Copies have no parts pipeline. A broken copy is scrap metal and glass.
What is not known
Omega does not publish production totals for the 3510.50. Output numbers for counterfeit factories are not verifiable. Any listing that gives a precise figure for either one is guessing.