It seems from my research that the 3570.50 speedmaster pro has at least two different bracelets (or maybe just clasps).
The first (without pushers):
And the second(with pushers):
I was considering buying the first one. What does the bracelet say about the age of the watch? Is one bracelet better than the other to wear? Which of the two watches would you expect to be more pricey? Thanks for any input

 

I use this as a reference:
http://www.omega-addict.com/reviews/bracelets/article2.html

And here's a handy table right on OF:
https://omegaforums.net/attachments/omega-speedmaster-bracelet-history-png.154102/

 

Thanks!

 

I think the first bracelet is a 1498/840 which was used from around 1997-2000 and the one with the pushers is a 1998/849 which was used from 1998-2014.

I've got a 1499/842 on my Speedy, it's the same thing as the 1498/840 but with a very minor difference in the engraving.

I hated the bracelet on the current Speedmaster (2014-2018) so bought the 1499/842 to replace it. The current bracelet is just like the 1998/849 - the clasp is really big and square, the bracelet is thick and heavy, it tapers only from 20mm > 18mm so looks really blocky and the push buttons really aren't necessary. Practically the only positive it has, is that you can buy a half link for it.

The 1499 or 1498 are lightweight and well balanced with the watch head, taper from 20mm > 16mm like a vintage watch (or every sport Rolex) and have thinner links so it sits closer to the wrist. These bracelets were basically the last ones Omega made with some vintage design elements to them before everything became beefier and modernised.

If I had a choice of both Speedmaster's I'd go for the one with the 1499/1498 because I think it's better. Even if it meant paying a small amount more because those bracelets don't come up for sale often. It took me about a year on eBay to find a good one and in that time I only even saw two others for sale.

Also regarding price, if you find a Speedmaster with a 1499 on it, there's a chance that the watch will be from about 1995-1998 so it may have a tritium dial. If that's the case it's going to cost more than a Luminova dial one and you'll basically be buying one of the very last modern-vintage models before the switchover in 1998.

 

The bracelet is probably the main reason I am considering the first. And also because it was made around the time I was born (1998).The first is one of the first 1861s. I’m just wondering if I should go for a newer one like the second since it is the same price. Do you know if there have been any changes in reliability during the 1861s time? I intend to use the Watch everyday. Thanks

 

I have a Speedmaster bought new in '97 which has the non push button clasp. It's a fine watch and they are very reliable - both the 861 and 1861. Here with a 70s hummer.


You'll probably pay more for the earlier watch as it may have Tritium on the dial and hands (that's what the T either side of Swiss made is signifying on mine) so, will age like mine to a yellow/sandy colour. The more modern watch won't do that.

Good luck and show a picture here before buying

Cheers, Chris

 

I have the same vintage Speedmaster. Wondering if you would share details such as what serial number sequence, what style of box, books, ect and perhaps more pics THANK YOU

 

Well I’ve been offered a trade by crown and caliber, assuming all of the details work out, I can get this Watch for 250$. No box or papers, but I know crown and caliber are top notch. However, now that I look at it, there may be a mistake, since it says that it is a 1861, but it also has a tritium dial. Is this possible?

 

Hi

I suppose you mean mine?
My serial is 48365xxx. It came in a white cardboard outer box and a red leatherette inner box. Somewhere, I have the boxes and cards but, to be honest, they didn't mean that much to me at the time... I'll see if I can find them and show some other pictures of the watch as well. Have just moved country so still haven't located everything.

Cheers, Chris

 

Yes, mine is an 1861 with Tritium so it's fine in that respect. You can't tell anything about the watch from those pics except that the bezel seems misaligned. Try and get some decent high Res pictures in natural lighting, not overexposed situation. I don't know Crown and Calibre but, wouldn't buy anything from those pictures.

And is it serviced? A proper service is not cheap.

By the way, is it $250 on top of a trade? So how much is the trade watch worth or is there a cash price?

Regards, Chris

 

Mine is a '92. The box is gray leather

 

Im probably going to trade my PO 8500 that I got for 1k. Was offered 2300 cash price, 2600 trade in. I can order the Watch and return it for free as long as I don’t remove some sticker. It also is serviced and comes with a one year warranty

 

Sounds like a fair deal! If you return it, do you get your PO back or just a credit?

 

No just credit or 2300 cash. Of course this is assuming they make the same offer once they see it in person. It’s on its way so it should be soon

 

Keep us posted! Good luck

 

Thank You. My serial number 48360xxx. The inner box is gray in color

 

Mine is 48628.... 1479 bracelet

 

I have 1499 bracelet 3570.50 with a T on each side of swiss made

 

I just looked and mine is a 1499/842. I hadn't realised the box colours changed, I bought three new Omegas between '96 and '98 as I remember and they were all in red boxes. You got an outer box, small booklet, wallet and a couple of cards in the package.

To the OP, if you can get a serviced Speedmaster with warranty for a total of under $1300 then you should buy it. I don't know the prices of these but I would imagine a good one is usually more than $2300 from a dealer so, it seems too cheap as a cash buy. If you can return it, nothing to lose if it's not nice in hand, it seems.

Cheers, Chris

 

Mine has the "T's" as well