Approximate year of production from reference number

I am looking for a basic used speedy. There are many on eBay in the $2000-$3000 aud range

I am trying to figure out how to translate the reference numbers to an approximate age range or year of production range.

Some have no date, basic date or triple date

I have gathered various example references numbers below

Is there any way to determine an approximate year of production from these reference number examples?

I have read that any specific watch's serial number can be used the find an approximate year

But sellers almost never reveal the serial number

Also the guides for working out age from serial only seem to go up to 2003

I was hoping to get a newer example

Example reference numbers:

No date subdials at 3-6-9
3510.50
3581.50

Single date subdials at 6-9-12
3211.30
3212.80
3311.10
3511.50
3511.80
3513.30
3513.33
3513.50
3513.52
3515.2

Triple date subdials at 6-9-12
3221.30
3521.30
3521.80 1996-2002?
3523.30 1993+ ?
3523.80

Ok--- this is where you need to start. It sounds like you're doing a ton, and I mean a ton, of research on a whole bunch of different references. Go back to the beginning- what watch do you want? What features should it have? I, and many other members of this forum, would Define a basic Speedmaster as the iconic moonwatch- chronograph, no date, 3 subdials, black.

Start with the features that you most want, take a look at a handful of watches with those features and set a reasonable budget, and then buy the "best" you can in that budget.

That's the best advice that I can give you and I'm sure someone else will be along shortly to echo it in some way. You are buying a luxury item that is wholly unnecessary and you need to be happy with what you get.

Taking into account your criteria and removing all the request for information about year of production, I can summarize what you are looking for as "basic used speedy" and "I was hoping to get a newer example", I would recommend looking at the tritium dialed 3570.50.

Hi Mojorising and welcome to OF.

Good to see that you have done a lot of research, but forget the Speedmasters. Get a Seamaster instead, much better watches and you avoid the bickering of the Speedy fan boys of what reference went to the moon and where the dots should be on the bezel. In stead of this fantasy, get a real James Bond Watch. I have a 2254.50 that I love, but the Ceramic co axial references are also great watches. Good luck with your choice.