30th is coming up, looking to get my first real watch.

I've always loved watches, but have generally stuck to cheaper ones my whole life. I'm turning 30 in a couple of weeks, and have decided to pick up my first "real" watch, a Speedmaster Pro.

Looking for some advice based on my budget and requirements. With a budget of $2500-3000, I'm looking at picking up something used. After doing a bit of reading online, I'm looking to play it safe with something like the 3570.50, but am leaning more towards the 3572.50 for the crystal back so the movement is visible.

I went to a jewellery store to try them on for size, and it seems like a lot of the newer models all have crystal backs, and some of them were also automatic, where I'm looking for something hand wound. Is the 3572.50 a safe bet? It seems like they only made them around '99 so I'm not sure why they stopped afterwards. Are 3572.50's more in demand than the 3570, or is it just a scarcity thing?

Any advice on the purchase would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

So what about the 3592.50? Correct me if I'm wrong but it has the same hesalite/saffire as the 3572.50, but was just manufactured earlier?

Get the sapphire back version. Everybody loves to look at movements.

It's not a real Moon watch at any rate.

OP - either the the 3570.50 or the 3572.50 would be an outstanding choice. You can be proud to wear both.

They are both "moonwatches" - so disregard the crackers around here. Go with the one that sings to you and you will be happy for years and years.

3592.50 is the same as the 3572.50 except that the older 3592.50 will have a tritium dial (the lume will have yellowed slightly and will continue to do so over time) and a cal. 863 movement with yellow gold plating instead of the 1863's rhodium. Both are fine pieces; the 3592.50 will be slightly less expensive.

If you have decided you'd really like a watch that shows you the movement, then you'll like the 3572.50 or 3592.50. Both have the gorgeous, warm hesalite crystal on the front and the correct caseback text ("first watch worn on the moon" as opposed to "first and only watch worn on the moon").

@bryanmanio
I was in the exact same situation as you. I opted for the 3572, though I got really lucky in finding my piece. Kringkily is your man if you're looking for anything though.
@Shem
The transition from 3592 to 3572 is pretty jumbled if I remember correctly. Case in point: I have a 3572, but with 18-jewel gilded 863 movement, and tritium dial. I believe the transition to superluminova happened around the same time as the gilded to rhodium-plated transition, but even then some dials and movements were paired piecemeal. Also, the 3572 will usually come with either a modern-looking 1498 or 1998 bracelet, whereas the 3592 will have the older, "hairgrabber" type bracelet.
Concerning the option of adding a display back to the regular 3570; the xx3 series movements (ie 863 and 1863) have Geneva Stripes and a metal brake for extra ornamentation. Not that much of a difference to the normal person, but WIS will definitely notice. Also, aftermarket sapphire casebacks are usually sturdy, but not nearly as nice as the authentic Omega ones, and even if you find an authentic Omega display caseback it will run anywhere from $300-500, which is about the difference between the two Speedy Pros, but without the benefit of the movement ornamentations.
As for the crystal, IMO the hesalite adds a nice warmth to the dial, and I also don't really care for the "Milky Ring" that the sapphire produces on the 3573.

I had exactly the same thing a couple of months ago when I turned 30. I eventually went for the 3573. I love that I can see the moevement, it's what differentiates it from lesser (i.e. Quartz ;-) ) watches. I wanted the sapphire crystal, however, as its a daily wearer and I didn't want to have to keep polishing scratches out of the hesalite. I'm probably in the minority when I say I quite like the look of the sapphire. Gives it a crisp look and the 'milky ring' is as if the dial is eclipsing the moon itself (that's what I tell myself anyways). The hesalite does look good though, and the 3572, if you can find a good one, would be an excellent choice. I'd suggest you view both the sapphire/hesalite versions in person before making a decision, as it really can make a difference.

Good luck!

@Maximus84
You raised some good points on the sapphire glass for everyday usage. My 3572 isn't a daily wearer, so repolishing the crystal once every few months isn't that big a deal. And the clarity of the sapphire is definitely preferable to some (Milky Moon Eclipse Ring, notwithstanding).
Also with the 3572s the softer hesalite with a tritium dial (with aging markers) really pairs well. If the 3572 has the superluminova, all-white markers I think the sapphire might pair better.

You can't go too far wrong with those choices! For a similar birthday / grown-up watch I decided to buy a 3570.50 from the ever-affable @Kringkily here on the forum. It's all personal preference - and mine leans towards as classic as possible while remaining in a reasonable budget and great condition - so a new 1861 with regular steel back and hesalite crystal for me!

And as I'm sure everyone here would tell you, the moonwatches seem to go pretty well with everything whether it be casual / office / dressy etc; it's a really versatile 'first proper' watch that will probably always find a place in your collection.

I wish I could be 30 again.

Wish granted.

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys. After doing another 2 hours of research today I think I've decided on the 3572.50. Seems like a nice modern approach while still acknowledging the heritage of the watch.

The hunt begins.

@bryanmanio
Great choice, but I'm a bit biased. You will not be disappointed when you find your piece.

not to mention- are we going to the moon anytime soon?

Fwiw, I bought a 3570. I was in a similar position for my 35th and decided to go with the steel back...only because its "closer" to the real thing, you can see the display back when you're wearing it, and if you change your mind, there are excellent aftermarket display backs available.

That said...both are superb and have excellent resale, so do what speaks to you!!