Omega Speedmaster Professional "Hesalite Sandwich"

Our love of the old and aged is pretty well apparent, evinced by the vintage watches that grace our inventory. But we'll also plead the case for modern iterations of classic watches, especially if they uphold the standards of the old. There's no better example of this than the Omega Speedmaster. Whether vintage or new, a Speedmaster looks and feels like a Speedmaster. And the fact that astronauts still use Speedmasters in space says something about the endurance of the model.

The Speedmaster was introduced in 1957 as Omega's answer to the sporting chronographs produced by Heuer and Breitling. Omega, as official timekeeper to the Olympic Games, intended the Speedmaster for use as a sports and racing chronograph. But history--and NASA--thought otherwise. The Speedmaster entered horological history as the first watch to be flight-qualified by NASA for manned space missions, the first watch worn in a spacewalk by an American astronaut, and the first watch worn on the moon. It's this latter fact that's most associated with the Speedmaster, leading post-1969 references to be dubbed the "Moonwatch." 

Many rare and limited editions of the Moonwatch followed. The one that we have here, the ref. 3572.50, is a special version of the standard Speedmaster Professional featuring a transparent case back highlighting the inner workings of the Calibre 1863 movement. Unlike the later and perhaps better known "Sapphire sandwich" (Reference 3573.50), this one features a sapphire exhibition back but a more traditional Hesalite crystal on the front side, rather than a sapphire crystal. The "Hesalite sandwich," as it's come to be known, was discontinued in favor of the "sapphire sandwich," making it an interesting and unique variation of the Moonwatch that we've come to know and love. It's an enduring testament to this watch's position in the pantheon of horological greats. 

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.