1996 Omega Speedmaster Ref. 3590.50.00 Full Set

As you probably already know, the Omega Speedmaster Professional gained worldwide recognition when it became the first chronograph to reach the Moon in 1969 with the astronauts of Apollo 11. After that, it forever became known as the Moonwatch. Throughout Omega’s space-faring chronograph’s history, we’ve seen several significant Moonwatch references, including the ref. 145.022, which never made it to the Moon but was the Speedmaster Professional that officially took on the Moonwatch title.

 

The first was the “transitional” pre-moon Speedmaster Professional ref. 145.022-68, which carried over many of the design details of the preceding ref. 145.012.

 

However, this was the very first Speedmaster to incorporate the Caliber 861 movement (replacing the Caliber 321), which the current-production Speedy Pro calibers are still based upon today.

 

The Omega Speedmaster ref. 145.022 watch received many small changes throughout its production history. In 1981, Omega began using the 145.0022reference number but, confusingly enough, retained 145.022 as the case reference number.

 

In the early 1980s, Omega began changing how it assigned reference numbers, and the Speedmaster 145.022 became the ST 145.0022. However, to make matters even more confusing for future collectors, the inside of the case backs were still stamped 145.022.

 

The Omega Speedmaster ST 145.0022 was in production from 1981 to 1988, retaining the signature 42mm steel case with twisted lyre lugs, black tachymeter bezel, black dial punctuated with the trio of subsidiary dials, and the Caliber 861 movement of its six-digit predecessor.

 

In 1988, Omega revamped its reference number system yet again and under this then-new PIC coding system, the ST 145.0022 became the Speedmaster Professional 3590.50.

 

The Omega Speedmaster Ref. 3590.50.00 like the one offered here today was in production from 1988 until 1996, and it is known as the “last tritium series” hence since this Omega changed the tritium hour markers for luminova, as well as the cal. 861 to the cal. 1861.

Offered for sale is one from the very last batch of last tritium series Ref. 3590.50.00 from 1996.

 

The dial is flawless, without stains, marks, dents, or chips (anything you might see is on the acrylic crystal), showing a very nice vivid patina hue. The original, untouched tritium hands are matching.

 

The original and period correct bezel, introduced in the mid-1990s, with accent over the È and dot below 70), remains in sharp condition too.

 

The case is thick and sharp, remaining unpolished. The case back remains in the same crisp condition, letting perfectly visible, and without any paint loss, all printings as well as the Seahorse (Hippocampus).

 

The original acrylic crystal has some minor scratches that could be easily buffed away, as well as a minor crack at 7 that is not annoying when looking at the watch as it’s located on the edge. However, a NOS replacement crystal will be included in the sale.

 

It comes suited on the original and correct Omega 1479 stainless steel bracelet with 812 end links that remains untouched too, showing very little stretch.

 

It is presented as complete set which includes outer box, inner box, wallet, manuals, hang tag, eBay guarantee of authenticity and Japanese blank warranty.

 

This is indeed a great opportunity to own ‘the last Moonwatch’ in all original condition.

 

Movement and case back pictures, as well as case and dial macros are available under request.