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Speedmaster Reduced vs. triple date vs MK40?

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8.4K views 25 replies 15 participants last post by  KogKiller  
#1 ·
I'm in the market for smaller preowned Omega Speedmaster. Budget up to 3000$ max.

If i did my homework right that puts me in the range of Reduced, Triple date or MK40 versions. Did i miss anything?

All those versions look like they have the same 39mm case and 45mm lug to lug. Reduced is slimmer by around 2mm. I also notice many Reduced models have yellowish patina on markers which i actually like a lot. Is this patina or is this something else?

Is there anything i should know about the movements, service costs, parts,...? A preferred/better model maybe or are there other models to consider?

Thank you!
 
#2 ·
The Reduced uses a modular movement (ETA 2890 + DD2020 on top I think) for the chronograph, which alters the positioning of the pushers and crown so that they are at different 'levels' to each other. The Triple date is an Omega-modified Valjoux 775x movement. Both can be serviced, but there are always rumblings online about the Reduced being a 'pain to service' (the rumor is that a competent watchmaker would rather replace the chronograph module entirely rather than service it). The Triple date is a standard movement familiar to nearly everyone.

There were (as far as I can remember) 2 versions of the Reduced before Omega re-introduced the lineup a few years ago, and there were many different versions of the Triple Date, so there is tonnes of variety to choose from. Regarding patina on the hour plots; this may occur with watches made before the abolition of Tritium by Omega around 1996 or so. It's literally damage caused by moisture, but if you find it beautiful, then there's nothing wrong with that. The watches after that use Superluminova will never have this in our lifetime, so if you find a clean dial, don't be distressed. Both models I believe were made pre/post Superluminova.

I own a Triple Date, but only because I love the aesthetic. Your eyes will tell you what you like; mine prefer the triple date for the complications as well as the dial layout. Triple Date has subregisters at 6-9-12, whereas the Reduced is 3-6-9. The running seconds on the Reduced are on the opposite side (3 o-clock) to most other mechanicals in this range. I personally don't like the Reduced layout because the space between the registers seems too large proportionally, making the dial always look 'surprised'.

I'm pretty sure the movements of both are comparable in terms of performance. Both run at 8-beats per second, and neither are COSC certified. The Reduced has an advantage though; it's a vertical clutch chronograph vs. the Triple date's lateral clutch.

Which one do you like more? At the end of the day, you're the one who has to look at it.

Finally, whatever you do, don't get either watch if it's a only place-holder for the more expensive Speedmaster Pro. You won't be happy, and you'll eventually buy the Speedy Pro anyway down the road. If you're like me, then you love both, so it doesn't matter. Good luck.

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#10 ·
The Reduced uses a modular movement (ETA 2890 + DD2020 on top I think) for the chronograph, which alters the positioning of the pushers and crown so that they are at different 'levels' to each other. The Triple date is an Omega-modified Valjoux 775x movement. ...

. .. The Reduced has an advantage though; it's a vertical clutch chronograph vs. the Triple date's lateral clutch.
Are you sure?


Typos courtesy of Samsung Auto-Incorrect[emoji769]
 
#6 ·
I believe there is also the model called Speedmaster Date (same specs as Reduced but + date window), Used to own one, great watches...

View attachment 16756670
This is not the same as the "Reduced", which was a specific, now discontinued model. Slightly larger case with completely different architecture, different movement, dial layout and materials.

Omega has re-used the word "Reduced" to describe the most recent ladies' models but in this context, worth noting that the "Date" version is quite a different watch!
 
#5 ·
I have both the Reduced and Pro. My reduced functions as a dressier, sleeker version of an anesthetic I love. It has polished center links and works nicely when I need to look a little nicer and don't want to wear gold. It isn't a substitute for the Pro, as is mentioned above. It is, to my eyes, a fundamentally different animal.

Not much of a fan of the date complications on any Speedy. To my eye they make a busy dial virtually unreadable at a glance.
 
#14 ·
That's interesting! Admittedly, I have no idea if there are reasons why or why not. All you would need for the vertical clutch to work is space above the running seconds (fourth wheel?) for the chronograph seconds wheel to drop onto it, or you'd need an auxiliary train wheel with the drop. For the Speedmaster though, I think you'd need an auxiliary train wheel somewhere because the running seconds is at 3, so you can't just stack everything in the center; something has to drive the running seconds, and something has to run at the same rotation and 'couple' with the vertical clutch. Then you'd need a tensioner or something to reduce the backlash in the gears if there's extra wheels. If the modules are stacked, with the ETA providing the timekeeping and power on the bottom, then all you need is empty space above the running seconds or auxiliary wheels for the vertical clutch mechanism to be mounted on directly.

Granted, I'm not a watchmaker; these are best guesses. I have a feeling Al can chime in here and give us the answer (as well as be kind enough to directly tell me that I'm completely wrong in every element of my description). I'm ready for it, because I know it's coming, but I always appreciate it anyway...it helps me learn.
 
#18 ·
I don't own any modular chronos, but reviews of them on YouTube tend to repeat the same info with the same 'demonstrations' of no jumping of the chrono when it starts. That being said, if I had it in hand, I would be able to see the difference if it were there; the Lemania 5100 is a vertical, and if you start/stop a few times, you'll never get a bump, whereas with any of my other ones (Valjoux 775x, 321, 1861), they'll all exhibit some kind of jump at a random start of the chronograph due to the chance of the tooth spacing combination.

Archer would know for sure though regarding the vertical clutch possibility for the Speedmaster Reduced. Is the signal ready?

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#19 ·
Hello all, new here. I just received a day date/triple date/MK40 I purchased on Chronos24. This is my first "luxury" watch. The seller was a dealer in Japan. I was a little reluctant to pull the trigger on it, but after reading the great reviews about the dealer, I decided to go for it. The watch showed up yesterday in pristine condition. Box and papers intact and in new condition in every way. The warranty date was 2016, so it appears to be one of the newer variants of this model. (3220.50) I looked at many of the racing versions as well as the moonwatches. Was offered a great discount on the professional MW at an AD but the allure of the triple date was too much. Loved the 40mm size, the complications and the just the look of the dial.

From research the newer variant has the 3606 calibre, a screw on back and an upgraded (or different) bracelet which I liked better. The one negative is that the dial can be hard to see with my older eyes. But what isn't!

Really loving this piece!
 
#22 · (Edited)
I have a triple date if you lean that way that could have a new home. Actually, I always referred to it as the “triple date mk. 40”, but I could be mistaken. It’s ref: 3520.50.00.

I wore it as my only watch from 2014-2019 and its served me well and runs really accurately (+1 spd).

Regarding service, omega’s standard service for chronographs start around 700-750.

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#23 ·
Is there a definitive list of the “triple-date” models? I’m leaning toward the 3520.50.00, but curious to see what else is out there.

Additionally, for the 3520.50.00, what is the lug width? For some reason, that’s not listed on the Omega site.

 
#24 ·
I'm no expert, but I have the 3220.50. The lug with is 19mm. Not sure of the 3520.50. Case size of the 3220 is 40mm. The 3520 is 39mm. Not sure if that would affect the lug width. There seem to be many variants of the Omega triple date. The movement was also used by other manufacturers as well.

btw, you linked to the 3220.50.
 
#25 ·
I wanted a smaller Speedie and went for a used reduced. When it came in complete with problems I took it to my watch repair guy who's an authorized Omega repairman. He in no uncertain terms told me to stay clear of them in the future. The watch was supposedly serviced; he said it looked like someone had added a couple of drops of lubricant and called it serviced. I trust him and I'll heed his warning.
 
#26 · (Edited)
I had both. I preferred the triple date for the better bracelet that didn’t pull hairs and sapphire crystal, as well as 7751 based movement.
However the reduced is smaller, and the hesalite and dial design is more true to the original speedmaster.

If you service with Omega, the reduced, triple date, and professional will all cost the same to service by Omega.