Omega introduced the Speedmaster Reduced Ref. 3510.80.00 in the late 1990s as part of its commercial alignment with racing driver Michael Schumacher. This specific iteration commemorates the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) series, displaying the organization's checkered flag logo inside the 12-hour chronograph register at six o'clock. The dial utilizes a matte blue surface that contrasts directly with the painted white minute track and the red-painted chronograph hands.
Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, the company that would become Omega established its identity with the 1894 introduction of the 19-ligne 'Omega' calibre. This movement was a landmark in industrial watchmaking, utilizing interchangeable components to streamline production and repair—a philosophy of accessible precision that continues to define the brand.
Omega cemented its reputation for robust accuracy through its role as the Official Timekeeper for the Olympic Games since 1932 and, most famously, through the Speedmaster Professional's flight qualification by NASA, which culminated in its journey to the Moon.
In the modern era, the brand's most significant contribution has been the industrialization of the co-axial escapement, an invention by Dr. George Daniels that fundamentally reduces friction within the calibre for superior long-term chronometric stability. Typified by purpose-driven design, Omega's collections—from the abyssal-depth Seamaster to the iconic Speedmaster—are archetypes of the professional tool watch, balancing legible aesthetics with advanced material science and anti-magnetic properties through its Master Chronometer certification.
Overall Grade: 8 / 10 | Great Condition, Visible Wear Production: est. 1997 Contents: Watch Only Genre: Sports Chronograph
Size: 39mm Thickness: approx. 12mm Lug Width: approx. 18mm
Case: Stainless steel, brushed sides, mirrored facets, visible wear Bezel: Stainless steel, black tachymeter aluminum insert, visible wear Dial: Blue striped racing dial, printed markers, sunken sub-dials Hands: Blue-white baton hands, lumed
Crown: Stainless steel push/pull crown and pushers, visible wear Crystal: Domed hesalite crystal, visible wear Bracelet: Blue leather strap, visible wear Caseback: Solid stainless steel snap-on caseback, visible wear Movement: Automatic Chronograph Caliber: 1141