Omega Speedmaster Rare Gilt 863 Movement - Card and Tag (Ref. 3572.50), 1996

Dealer description — Huntington Company

History and Significance The Speedmaster Professional is one of the few watches where the story is as important as the watch itself. Introduced in 1957 as a racing chronograph, it became permanently tied to space exploration after being qualified by NASA in the 1960s and worn during the Apollo missions. The design has remained largely unchanged since then, which is part of why the Speedmaster feels so consistent across decades. The reference 3572.50 sits in an interesting transitional period within the Speedmaster lineage. It combines the traditional Hesalite front crystal with a sapphire display caseback, offering the classic look on the wrist with the added ability to see the movement. Early examples like this one are particularly interesting due to the use of the caliber 863 with its warmer, yellow gilt-toned finish. Many later 3572.50s transitioned to the caliber 1863, which carries a more modern rhodium appearance, making these earlier executions a bit more distinctive once you know what to look for. It’s a small nuance, but within Speedmaster collecting, those subtle differences tend to matter more over time. Transitional configurations like this often sit quietly for years before people start to recognize how specific they actually are. Writer’s Thoughts The open caseback and early 863 caliber is really the hook here. You turn it over, and it doesn’t look like most modern Speedmasters. The gilt tone gives it a softer feel, almost like it belongs to an earlier era than it actually does. It’s a small thing, but it changes the whole experience of the watch. Our Promise Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity. Specifications Brand: Omega Model: Speedmaster Professional (Ref. 3572.50) Year: 1996 Case Material: Stainless steel Case Size: 42mm Dial: Black dial Movement: Manual wind Omega caliber 863 Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet Buckle/Clasp: Omega folding clasp Contents: Card and hang tag Condition Case: Case shows light signs of wear with honest surface marks and a strong overall profile. Dial: Clean with no visible imperfections. Hands: Clean, with normal aging. Crystal: Hesalite crystal shows light signs of age-related wear. Strap/Bracelet: Bracelet shows moderate wear with surface marks throughout but remains tight.