Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00

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Stuboo

·May 27, 2020

Hi All,

I'm looking to purchase an Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante 3540.50.00.

They were only manufactured by Omega between 1999 and 2004.

I have found 2 watches of interest. One with a 1999 build date and the other with a 2004 build date. Both priced the same.

Question is, from a rarity point of view, is one of the two a better buy ie 1st generation or last generation?

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

 

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ConElPueblo

·May 27, 2020

If there aren't any cosmetic or functional differences to differentiate between the watches, go for one in best condition.

 

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Stuboo

·May 27, 2020

Hi there, they're both in perfect condition with original box and docs. Hence my ask. Any further thoughts?

 

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Maskelyne

·May 27, 2020

Make sure to check service records. Chronographs and complicated watches are expensive to service and repair.

 

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Stuboo

·May 27, 2020

Maskelyne

Make sure to check service records. Chronographs and complicated watches are expensive to service and repair.

Hi there, indeed you are correct and both watches have had full services prior to going in sale. Just not sure which one is the better buy, an 1999 (1st year) or 2004 (last year of production) model?

 

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Faz

·May 27, 2020

Hi,

Don't confuse rarity with desirability, the year of manufacturing isn't as relevant with this reference as with the classic Speedmaster Pro or pre-Pros, so I wouldn't put too much stock in that aspect.

Do you like it? That's the most fundamental question. For my personal taste and I think you'll have to consider this as well is the size. It's a very cool watch but very bulky and heavy. I once considered one and went for an an IWC 3713 instead.

Cheers,

 

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Stuboo

·May 27, 2020

Faz

Hi,

Don't confuse rarity with desirability, the year of manufacturing isn't as relevant with this reference as with the classic Speedmaster Pro or pre-Pros, so I wouldn't put too much stock in that aspect.

Do you like it? That's the most fundamental question. For my personal taste and I think you'll have to consider this as well is the size. It's a very cool watch but very bulky and heavy. I once considered one and went for an an IWC 3713 instead.

Cheers,

Hi there, yes it is as heavy as my Breitling so not too worried about that but luckily one of the dealers lives in London and will let me view it and try it on. For size before I go for it or not. Thanks for your input.

 

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Evitzee

·May 27, 2020

Year of production isn't as important as condition in a watch like this. All things being equal I would buy the later production example.

 

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Stuboo

·May 27, 2020

Thanks, really appreciate your input.

 

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Archer

·May 27, 2020

I believe there was only one version of the Cal. 3600, so there won't be any movement differences between the two. I also don't see any differences in the remainder of the watch, so really it makes no difference.

Note that your service options will be quite limited with this model.

 

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Stuboo

·May 27, 2020

Hi Archer, thank you for your feedback. Servicing options limited because of its complexity?

 

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Archer

·May 27, 2020

Stuboo

Hi Archer, thank you for your feedback. Servicing options limited because of its complexity?

Yes, this is listed as a Bienne only service, with the exception of local service centers that have people specifically trained on these, and have all the required tooling for servicing them.

 

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Stuboo

·May 27, 2020

Sorry to be thick - bienne only means...???

 

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Archer

·May 27, 2020

Stuboo

Sorry to be thick - bienne only means...???

Only serviced in Bienne.

 

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Stuboo

·May 27, 2020

Oh happy days, thank you for pointing that out. I believe I have an Omega authorised repairer in Barnet/Enfield I can use but will double check.