3592.50/3572.50- Advice Needed, First 'Proper' Watch Purchase

Hi all, first time posting here. My 30th birthday is coming up and I've always wanted my first nice watch to be a Speedmaster and now seems like the time.

I'm pretty set on getting a 'hesalite sandwich' so am limited to refs 345.0808/3592.50/3572.50 and am keen to have a Tritium dial which rules out any later 3572's. I have done some research so am somewhat informed but I'm still pretty new to watches so some advice (or even better a watch for sale) would be great!

This is going to be a watch that I never sell and will wear daily. The prices here in the UK are typically more than abroad even with import duties and there are not many for sale so its unlikely I'll be able to get hands on with the watch before purchasing.

I've seen a few online which look good but I'm not really sure what to look out for. Here is an example, this 3572.50 has the earlier tritium dial but I struggle to tell if all of the hands are original?

There also seems to be two different bezel options (accent above Tachymetre and shape of the 7's), is this related to the year of the watch?

Thanks!

Thanks for the response and the very logical feedback. I've been searching through the sales threads on here for a little while and it seems the hesalite sandwiches are few and far between, maybe only a handful of them come up each year. Buying off here would be my preference but ideally I want to get a watch on my wrist in the next month or two. While I do have some flexibility in my budget and am definitely willing to pay more for the right seller I have a few other large spends on the cards this year (ring pending...)

OP - great choice for your first Speedmaster! The 359X.50 and early 357X.50s offer vintage charm at an attractive price point. That said, do factor in the cost of a service if one has not recently been performed (with evidence from the seller).

Of the references you mentioned, I’d opt for a 3592.50. IMHO the gilt 863 movement is more attractive than the 1863, and the 1479/812 bracelet is nicer.

Regarding bezels - for a few years a type without a serif on the 7s was fitted; 359X.50s with this bezel type are correct.

In the end, this is going to be your watch so your opinion is the only one that truly matters. GLWYS!

Thanks for the help, money is already set aside for a service and I've found someone local to me who can take care of it.

I agree the gilt movement on the 3592 is my preference, I'm an Engineer by trade so love things all mechanical, the 863 has a bit more 'pop' to it and it gives me something nice to look at while I'm winding it up!

Yes I did see that 3590 on here, really great example but the crystal caseback is a must for me. Aware you can buy aftermarket display casebacks but haven't really looked into it in too much detail as of yet. As its a NOS watch the price on that one is also a bit above my top end, I'm happy to have a nicely worn but looked after example so will have to wait for something more suitable to come up

You are right to not get an aftermarket crystal caseback IMO. If you are wanting to look at the movement and really enjoy that aspect of the watch, I think you are right on track. For many here, a solid caseback is a plus, but for sure there is something to be said for being able to take the watch off when you're bored, and stare at the movement.

OP - to provide you. additional motivation, here’s my 3592.50 with sans serif bezel:

Yes, beside B2 bezel that others posted above, here's my one with B5.



You wont regret with a 3592.50 as your first Speedy.

Thanks for all the advice and photos of your amazing watches, I won't even ask if any are for sale as I can tell you are all quite attached to them! I think I slightly prefer the B5 bezel and from some handy threads on here it seems the bezels changed over in 1995 which limits my options even more! MtnMarine it looks like yours also has the 'long R' dial, was that only on the earlier years?