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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe Omega Speedmaster Galaxy Express 999 is a circa-1999, Japan-market limited edition, reference 3571.50 or 3571.50.00. Its familiar black-dial Speedmaster look gives way to the manga tribute on the caseback: catalogs describe Lady Maetel, a “999” marking and creator Leiji Matsumoto’s signature. It is not one of the later Speedy Tuesday editions.
What is the Speedmaster Galaxy Express 999?
It is a limited-edition Omega Speedmaster associated with the Japanese manga Galaxy Express 999. Christie’s and Sotheby’s describe examples as made for the Japanese market around 1999, with edition numbers out of 1,999. The catalogs identify the watch as reference 3571.50 or 3571.50.00. Christie’s catalog entry and Sotheby’s catalog entry document separate examples.
The name can be confusing: “Speedy Tuesday” is also associated with later Speedmaster releases. Fratello’s history identifies a 2017 Speedy Tuesday limited edition and a separate 2018 “Ultraman” edition, each limited to 2,012 pieces. Those are distinct from the Galaxy Express 999 watch. Fratello’s Speedy Tuesday history
Specifications and design
The auction catalogs describe the familiar Speedmaster presentation at the front and the commemorative details on the back.
#1 Best Overall
- Model 310.30.42.50.01.002
| Feature | Cataloged description |
|---|---|
| Reference | 3571.50 or 3571.50.00 |
| Era and market | Circa 1999; described as Japan-market-only |
| Case | 42 mm stainless steel |
| Dial | Black |
| Movement | Manual-winding Omega caliber 1861 chronograph |
| Bracelet | Stainless-steel Omega bracelet; fit differs by example |
| Edition marking | Numbered out of 1,999; cataloged examples include 898/1999 and 1364/1999 |
These specifications are drawn from the two auction records, not a claim that every surviving example has identical condition or accessories.
The caseback is the defining detail
Both catalogs describe a Lady Maetel portrait, a “999” marking and Leiji Matsumoto’s signature on the caseback. By contrast, Sotheby’s describes the front as a black-dial Speedmaster. When checking a watch, inspect the caseback details and compare the reference and edition number with the seller’s documentation; photographs and catalog descriptions alone do not establish originality.
Rank #2
- Stainless steel case
- Black dial
- Swiss-automatic movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
What to check before buying a surviving example
There is no verified current inventory or live listing established here, so the reference is best used as a search term rather than an indication that a watch is available. Listings may use either 3571.50 or 3571.50.00.
- Identity and edition number: Confirm the reference and inspect the numbered caseback. The cataloged examples are 898/1999 and 1364/1999.
- Condition and originality: Request clear photographs and seller documentation for the dial, hands, case, movement and commemorative caseback. Establish whether components or finishes have been replaced or altered.
- Chronograph and service: Ask for service records and the results of a recent inspection. Christie’s reported that its particular cataloged movement was working when cataloged, but it had not been tested for accuracy and a service was recommended given the watch’s age. That observation applies only to that auction lot.
- Bracelet fit and completeness: Check the actual bracelet length and whether the box, papers and other materials are included. The two auction lots differed: Sotheby’s described an approximate 195 mm bracelet circumference, while Christie’s described 190 mm. Their included materials also differed, so neither set should be assumed to come with every example.
- Full acquisition cost: Account for the seller’s charges, buyer’s premium if applicable, taxes, shipping and any service needed. Compare like-for-like examples rather than treating an asking price as a verified market value.
What do the historical auction records tell you about price?
They provide dated context, not a current valuation. Christie’s search record reports a realized price of USD 5,250 on December 10, 2019. Sotheby’s estimated CHF 3,000–5,000 for a different lot in a March 2020 sale. The records concern different watches and dates; condition, included materials and buyer costs can differ. They do not establish what a comparable watch should cost today.
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Best Value
- Rubber
- Rotating bezel, gmt
- Automatic-self-wind movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
Rank #4
- OMEGA Speedmaster Racing Chronograph 326.30.40.50.01.001
Rank #3
- Model 310.32.42.50.01.001
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
