Letting Go of a Forever Piece: The Omega Speedmaster 3510.52
Every so often, a watch passes through PR Timepieces that feels different. Not just a piece of steel and movement, but something that settles into your story so comfortably that you begin to think—this one’s forever. For me, that watch was the Omega Speedmaster Automatic Ref. 3510.52.
The 3510.52 is one of those quiet legends. A Japan-exclusive limited release, it carried the Speedmaster heritage into a new dimension, pairing its unmistakable Moonwatch DNA with a bold twist on design at 39MM. The black dial framed by vivid racing accents was unlike anything else Omega was making at the time. Collectors have long considered it one of the most charismatic variants of the Reduced line, and for good reason—it’s both rare to source and harder still to find in the kind of honest, well-preserved condition that makes it feel alive on the wrist.
When I first brought this watch into my collection, it carried the weight of permanence. It wasn’t just a timepiece; it was a statement of what drew me to collecting in the first place—history, individuality, and a kind of restrained daring that Omega has always balanced so well. I thought it would stay with me indefinitely, a “forever watch.”
But watches have a way of teaching us things. This one reminded me of something I often tell clients but needed to remember myself: part of collecting isn’t just about acquisition—it’s about knowing when to let go. About understanding that some pieces are meant to pass through our lives, leaving us better collectors, sharper storytellers, and maybe even a bit more thoughtful than before.
When I sold this Speedmaster, I told the buyer something I rarely say outright: if you ever think of parting with this watch down the road, come back to us. We’ll take it back. Because pieces like this don’t just circulate—they find their way back into the hands of those who truly value them.
This Omega reminded me that letting go isn’t about loss. It’s about trust. Trusting that what we’ve cared for will continue to be cherished, and trusting that there will always be another story, another dial, another discovery waiting to surprise us.
At PR Timepieces, we’re in the business of watches, yes—but more importantly, we’re in the business of time. And sometimes, the most meaningful part of time is knowing when to move forward.
