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Speedmaster 3510.50.00

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Hi, I found a piece that I'd like to buy.
I would like to verify the s/n that is on the card with actual s/n on the watch.
The s/n is not engraved on the back. Should I open it?
I don't have the watch in my hands at the moment, however I've attached a pic that I got from the seller.
It's a full set, but still I'd like to do my own due diligence, so I'll be happy to make a call whether it's a yes or no.
I'll appreciate your advice.
 
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janice&fred
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Looks exactly like the genuine one we have. On ours the serial # is on the case back 馃憤
 
lucian23
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The are two possible reason.. The case back was over polish and the serial number is no longer visible or on some similar "Speedmaster reduced" models the serial number it's printed inside the case back not engraved. Do not worry the watch is authentic.
 
Evitzee
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The watch in the pic doesn't raise any red flags. Is the seller willing to open it up to verify the SN? If the seller is legit and it's a full set, and the card is included, do you really need to open it? Buy the seller.
 
MRC
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The serial number on mine is on the case-back just below the hippocampus. I'd concerned at the hour totaliser not returning to zero, could be the hand just needs re-seating or something more serious.
 
padders
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From around 1988-1993 or so the serial on the Reduced is printed (not engraved) in black dots onto the inner caseback only. It was not to be found on either the movement or back or lug. That may not be the case here though as that rather looks like Superluminova on the dial and hands and by that time (1997 on) I would expect to see the serial on the back. It may have been removed if it were a grey market sale originally. What is the date on the cards? Does the back have just the word Omega or a hippocampus and world logo?

I would not go near a Reduced with an obvious movement issue like this unless you are prepared to immediately spend the $650+ Omega will charge to service it. There are some cheaper aftermarket options for servicing but not many, and even fewer do a good job. If you want to know why search on here for Speedmaster Reduced and read up. Some think of these as a cheap alternative to a Moonwatch, buy the wrong one and they really are not.
 
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Evitzee Evitzee
The watch in the pic doesn't raise any red flags. Is the seller willing to open it up to verify the SN? If the seller is legit and it's a full set, and the card is included, do you really need to open it? Buy the seller.

That's very interesting take on this matter. In fact, that's what I was doing to date i.e. when I felt that there's something not right with the seller - I walked away. Happened a handful of times in different occasions. Thanks.
The seller doesn't want to open it himself, I'm also hesitant simply it's to risky for me as an amateur.
 
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padders padders
Superluminova on the dial and hands and by that time (1997 on) I would expect to see the serial on the back. It may have been removed if it were a grey market sale originally. Does the back have just the word Omega or a hippocampus and world logo?

Indeed it's hippocampus on the back.

padders padders
I would not go near a Reduced with an obvious movement issue like this unless you are prepared to immediately spend the $650+ Omega will charge to service it.

Last service was done 3 years ago. No service needed since. Should that be a red flag?
 
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padders
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I think I can see the faint outline of the serial on the caseback where it usually is on late Reduced models, have you had the watch in hand? It may actually be present.

Who did the last service, have you seen proof? Regardless of when it was serviced, as noted by MRC above, unless he stopped it at exactly 30m 0.0s, which is very unlikely indeed, it clearly has chrono creep so needs remedial work. Note the chrono hour hand is 30m ahead of zero yet the chrono minutes and seconds are not, they are perfectly aligned. This is not good and wont be as easy to fix as with a fully intergrated chrono like the 861 or 7750. As I noted already, movement work on these isn't trivial and many repairers just won't go there since any chrono issue involves working on the DD chrono module. If you think the asking price is fair after adding in a chunk for a fix or maybe service then it may still be a good buy, but I suspect it is not. Once you see a problem like that you wont unsee it, every time you notice the hour being off it will annoy. It is also suggests the possibility of other issues if that is awry.
Edited:
 
Poppyboy
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My 3513.53 Mark 40 is similarly only a snap on back. I won鈥檛 tempt fate by opening it since it runs very well. I suggest the same for you.
 
E
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padders padders
I think I can see the faint outline of the serial on the caseback where it usually is on late Reduced models, have you had the watch in hand? It may actually be present.

You are absolutely correct. Just got a better picture where s/n is visible.
The problem is, I don't have the watch in hand as at the moment it's impossible to meet with the seller in person as we live quite a long distance from each other, however I'm planning a trip with one stop to inspect the watch.
Just got confirmation that the s/n that is on the back is also the same in corresponding documentation.
I'm unable to verify what service was done a few years ago.
I'm also unable to say why the chrono hand is not aligned correctly to 12 o'clock position.
I assume (possibly wrongly), that it's only the case of proper alignment of the hand, not that there's a significant problem with the chrono movement itself.

padders padders
Who did the last service, have you seen proof?
Proof in a form of a receipt with s/n and short remark - full service done on particular date.

padders padders
If you think the asking price is fair after adding in a chunk for a fix or maybe service then it may still be a good buy, but I suspect it is not.

It's not easy call to make. The price is fair though, I can't afford full size speedmaster, hence reduced one seem to me like a good alternative. Although I still have to inspect it. According to s/n decoder website, it says that the speedmaster was made in 1999. Forgive me for my lack of knowledge on this matter, but could you or someone else correct me if I'm wrong thinking that the movement was firstly released in 1999?

Also, I spotted on ebay similar issue with the chrono hand on auction id 165934252876. It seems that it's not isolated problem, isn't it?
 
janice&fred
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There is two components when someone comes to the forum with opinions on a potential purchase. One is condition and the other is price. Give all the information and then you will get solid advice. If that watch has misalignment or creep of the chrono counter hand yet is $1500 then judging by condition in the photos it's probably a good buy. If it's $2500 then it's iffy at best. With patience you could find a similar watch for sale on this forum with no mechanical issues.
 
janice&fred
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Yea for that money I suggest you be patient and find something in top notch mechanical condition with recent service. Full kit boxes and papers are just fluff trinkets so don't get too excited.
 
Evitzee
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If a main reason for considering this watch is price (you can't afford a full size 1861 model) I would wait; save more money and get the real deal. Patience and delayed gratification is the better course here.
 
JwRosenthal
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2.5k USD
At $2.5k you are getting close to Speedy Pro territory- add another $1k and you鈥檙e there. If you are buying this because you don鈥檛 think you can afford a Pro, pause and take a look around, it鈥檚 worth stretching the extra coin. If you love this because of the smaller size and automatic movement (for which these are cool- they don鈥檛 wear like a dinner plate), then hold out as suggested above for a better one- these were made in abundance.

These reduced models have gotten silly priced in the last several years (they were $1.2-1.5k all day every day for years in outstanding condition), but Covid broke everyone鈥檚 brains.
 
Manny1979
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My second time owning the 3510.50-1993 model with Cal.1140. First time owning, I went for the 3572.50.00 and sold my reduced a few years back. After selling the Pro a year ago I started to miss the Speedy. I really enjoyed the smaller ratio and wearability. The reduced or Automatic gives me joy just like the Pro did but in a more better packaging. I don't really listen to the hype anymore especially on service costs. We love our timepieces so a service is worth it when needed. It goes with any hobby.
 
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