Omega Speedmaster Date Owner Review : Versatile, iconic and timeless

I recently acquired this 1999 Speedmaster at an auction in Japan. While the "Moonwatch" shines with its minimalist design, the reference 3520.50.00 (often called MK40 or Day-Date) impresses with its wealth of information. It's a watch that feels "alive" and offers an ultra-comprehensive time display. The heart of this watch is its complete calendar (Triple Date). It features: The calendar: The day and month are displayed in two apertures at 12 o'clock, while the date is indicated by a central "Pointer Date" hand ending in a crescent. The chronograph: True to the Speedmaster DNA, it allows for precise time measurement, complemented by the black tachymeter bezel for speed calculations. The 24-hour indicator: Located at 9 o'clock, it's essential for distinguishing day from night when setting the calendar and provides visual balance to the dial. The original bracelet: exemplary comfort My watch comes with its original steel bracelet, and it's a delightful surprise. Unlike the bulkier bracelets of current models, this one is made of fairly thin links that perfectly conform to the shape of the wrist. It's both supple and robust. This "multi-link" style, typical of the late 90s, lends a neo-vintage elegance that allows for easy transitions from casual to dressier attire. Ergonomics and movement With its 39mm case, it offers absolute comfort, especially for those who find the "Professional" version too large. Inside, you'll find the Omega caliber 1151 (based on the robust Valjoux 7751). It's a reliable and precise "tractor" movement, whose oscillating weight you can sometimes feel rotating, giving it a truly mechanical character. In short, this Speedmaster 3520.50.00 is much more than just an alternative to the Moonwatch. It's a timepiece with its own distinct personality, offering a rare level of mechanical complexity for this price range. The fact that I found it in Japan adds an extra layer of character to this 1999 example, which has aged remarkably well. For any enthusiast of technical chronographs looking for a versatile, historically significant, and comfortable watch, this is a choice I wholeheartedly recommend.