Omega Speedmaster Professional 3570.31 Mitsukoshi
Released in 1957 and based on their earlier chronographs from the 1920s and '30s, the Omega Speedmaster is one of the most iconic chronographs ever. Named after the purpose of the tachymeter along its bezel, the Speedmaster was designed for race car drivers and pilots to time events and make rapid calculations. While these adrenaline-fueled activities might not be for the faint-hearted, they weren't what made the Speedmaster so iconic - that was its use in space and on the Moon. Following a gruelling series of tests with several competing brands, the Speedmaster debuted in space as a piece of NASA standard-issue equipment during the Gemini program of 1965. Today the Speedmaster has many forms, but the Moonwatch is by far the most iconic, with its design standing as the prototypical look of the Speedmaster. Of course, like many other areas of collecting, there are many idiosyncrasies within watch collecting, namely the desirability of visually similar traits, a perfect example of one being the Speedmaster’s hesalite crystal. More authentic to the original Moonwatches that the Apollo astronauts wore, the hesalite crystal versions of the Speedmaster carry that heritage-rich look and feel. Additionally, these same Speedmasters also boast stainless steel casebacks with commemorative engravings that pay homage to the Speedmaster’s role in the 1969 Apollo missions. Launched in the 1990s, the ref. 3570.50 merges the Moonwatch’s signature hesalite crystal and stainless steel caseback with the Speedmaster’s iconic manual-wind cal. 1861 movement to create a timepiece that offers the Speedmaster’s iconic vintage look and feel but with the craftsmanship that modern Omega can provide. Launched in 2003 as an exclusive to the Mitsukoshi department store in Japan, thee ref. 3570.51 is a white panda-dialled version of the iconic ref. 3570.50, that was limited to just 300 units. A rare and hallowed piece of the Speedmaster’s history, this is as good as it gets for Omega fans.
Brand : Omega
Dimensions : 42mm
Model : Speedmaster Mitsukoshi
Movement : Manual-wind cal. 1861
Reference : 3570.51
Bracelet : Stainless steel bracelet
Year : 2003
Condition : Excellent
Material : Stainless steel
Included : Watch and Extract from the Archives
Dial Color : White
THE DIAL Featuring a unique take on the Speedmaster's display, the Mitsukoshi exclusive features black sunken subdials set within a bright white dial and applied stainless steel indices and hands that combine to form a unique twist on the Speedmaster's iconic display.
THE CONSTRUCTION Boasting its 42mm case, its famed lyre lugs, its charming hesalite crystal, and unique panda dial and black bezel combo, the Mitsukoshi Speedmaster is a watch that every Omega fan ought to be familiar with.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
