This pre-owned Omega Speedmaster Date 3513.52 represents a fascinating chapter in Speedmaster history. Produced exclusively for the Japanese market in the late 1990s, it offered the Speedmaster Reduced's compact 39mm proportions, unique dial details, and regional exclusivity, appealing to collectors seeking something beyond standard production pieces.

Unlike the standard 42mm Speedmaster Professional with its manual-winding Calibre 1861, this Japan-limited edition features convenient automatic winding movement via the reliable Calibre 1152—Omega's thoughtful refinement of the legendary ETA/Valjoux 7750. The black dial, accented by Arabic numerals and a date window at 3 o'clock, presents an eye-catching look that sets it apart from typical Speedmaster models. It still retains the collection's beloved tachymeter bezel and chronograph layout, making it a delightful addition to any collection.

Service Intervals & Costs

Complete service recommended every 5-7 years with normal use, potentially extending to 8-10 years if accuracy remains good and the chronograph operates smoothly. Service involves complete movement disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, and chronograph timing verification.

Service cost breakdown:

• Authorised Omega service centres: £400-500
• Independent watchmakers (7750-familiar): £250-350
• Crystal replacement (if needed): +£150-250
• Bracelet refurbishment (if desired): +£100-150

Both authorised and independent services use fundamentally identical procedures. The price difference reflects brand authorisation costs rather than work quality. Choose based on budget, warranty preferences, and the importance of service history documentation for resale.

Water Resistance

The 50m/5 bar rating suits everyday wear, including handwashing and exposure to rain. Avoid swimming, showering, or any submersion in water.

If the watch gets wet by accident, dry it thoroughly—especially around the pushers and crown. Consider professional pressure testing if the watch is regularly exposed to water. Gaskets degrade over time; assume water resistance decreases with age, even if the watch appears pristine.

Sapphire Crystal Care

Unlike hesalite crystals on older Speedmasters, sapphire is highly scratch-resistant (second only to diamond on the hardness scale). Normal wear creates minimal crystal damage—no polishing required unlike hesalite.

However, sapphire shatters rather than scratches under extreme impact. Avoid dropping the watch or striking the crystal against hard surfaces. Crystal replacement costs £150-250 if damage occurs.

The anti-reflective coating on many sapphire crystals can wear or scratch. This appears as clouding or fine scratches that don't match sapphire's scratch resistance. AR coating replacement costs £80-120 during service.

Storage Between Wears

Store in the original box or watch case to prevent dust accumulation and accidental impacts. Avoid magnetic fields (speakers, laptop edges, phone chargers)—magnetisation can affect accuracy and require professional demagnetisation (£50-80).

Watch winders: Not necessary, but convenient if storing multiple automatic watches. Settings: 650-700 TPD (turns per day), bidirectional rotation. Winders maintain power and accuracy during storage, but won't prevent service need—lubricants still degrade with time regardless of running status.

The 39mm diameter and 44mm lug-to-lug length comfortably accommodate wrist circumferences from 15.5cm to 19cm (6.1 to 7.5 inches). This represents the Speedmaster Reduced's core advantage: genuine Speedmaster character in proportions suited to smaller wrists.

Small wrists (15.5-17cm): Perfect sizing. The shorter 44mm lug-to-lug prevents case overhang even on 15.5cm wrists, while 39mm diameter maintains visual presence without overwhelming. Many collectors with small wrists specifically seek Reduced models because 42mm Professional variants feel too large.

Medium wrists (17-18.5cm): Ideal proportions. The watch achieves a comfortable balance—substantial enough to command attention, modest enough to avoid dominating your wrist. Slides easily under dress shirt cuffs while maintaining sporty character.

Larger wrists (18.5cm+): Still comfortable, though some may find 39mm slightly modest compared to modern 42-44mm chronographs. However, the compact sizing reads as "sophisticated restraint" rather than inadequacy. Many collectors with large wrists deliberately choose Reduced models precisely because they're NOT statement pieces.

Bracelet Comfort & Adjustment

The period-correct Omega stainless steel bracelet features brushed centres with polished edges—creating visual continuity with the case finishing. The folding clasp provides secure closure without requiring manual manipulation of spring-loaded bars.

Bracelet sizing requires adding or removing links. Original Omega links from this era can be difficult to source if the bracelet requires significant lengthening. Confirm current bracelet fit before purchase—sellers should specify bracelet length or the maximum wrist size it accommodates.

Alternative strap options: The 18mm lug width accepts any standard aftermarket strap. Popular alternatives include:

• Black leather racing straps (enhances sporty character)
• Brown leather (creates a dressier appearance)
• Nylon straps (casual, comfortable, inexpensive to experiment)
• Rubber straps (modern sporty aesthetic)

Many collectors keep the original bracelet for preservation of its resale value while wearing it daily on alternative straps. This avoids bracelet stretch and scratches while maintaining completeness.

This is a pre-owned watch in excellent condition. All pre-owned watches show signs of previous ownership, including light surface marks, microscratches, or patina consistent with age and use. We accurately photograph and describe the condition; contact our team for additional detailed images or specific condition questions before purchase.
 

Authenticity Guarantee:  Every watch sold by WatchObsession undergoes rigorous authentication by our in-house specialists. This Omega Speedmaster Date 3513.52 is 100% authentic and comes with full documentation to verify its provenance.

Japan-Exclusive Limited Numbers: The 3513.52 was produced in limited quantities for the Japanese market during the late 1990s. While not numbered like some limited editions, its restricted market distribution creates genuine scarcity. Parts availability remains excellent due to shared components with standard Speedmaster Reduced models, though some Japan-specific details may require specialist sourcing if repairs are needed.

Service History: If service history is known for this specific watch, we include it with the sale. If history is unknown (common with pre-owned pieces), factor in potential near-term service costs if the last service date is uncertain. The Calibre 1152's robustness means watches can operate reliably for years beyond recommended service intervals, though accuracy may drift.

Market Value Disclaimer: While Japan-exclusive Speedmaster variants have shown modest appreciation as the Speedmaster Reduced gains recognition, past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Buy because you want to wear it—any appreciation is a bonus, not an expectation. All luxury watches remain subject to market fluctuations and changing collector preferences.