The Omega Speedmaster Rattrapante ref. 3540.50.00 is a stainless-steel automatic split-seconds chronograph with a black carbon-fiber dial and bracelet. Its defining feature is a second chronograph hand that can stop to record an intermediate time while the main chronograph continues running. Omega caliber 3600 powers it; production history and present-day value are less certain than the model’s identity and core design.
What makes the 3540.50 a rattrapante?
“Rattrapante” is another name for a split-seconds chronograph. Alongside the main chronograph hand, a second hand can be stopped independently to capture an intermediate time, such as a lap or a competitor’s finish, while the main hand keeps timing. The split hand can then catch up with the main hand.
Fratello’s 2016 account describes a dedicated pusher at 10 o’clock, in addition to the pushers used to start, stop and reset the chronograph. That extra control is the practical distinction from a conventional chronograph: it lets the wearer take an intermediate reading without ending the timing run. Fratello’s overview of the 3540.50 discusses the mechanism and its controls.
Design, movement and specifications
Carbon-fiber dial, steel case and bracelet
The 3540.50 is the black-dial bracelet configuration. Fratello describes a 42.25 mm stainless-steel case with a design reminiscent of the Speedmaster X-33 and three rectangular pushers. The angular case and extra pusher give it a noticeably different appearance from the familiar Moonwatch-style Speedmaster.
#1 Best Overall
- Stainless steel case
- Black dial
- Swiss-automatic movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
Automatic caliber 3600
The watch uses Omega caliber 3600. Fratello describes it as based on the ETA/Valjoux 7750 and modified for the split-seconds complication. The movement’s base is useful context, but the rattrapante function is the feature that distinguishes this caliber in this Speedmaster.
Other reported specifications
A 2001 ChronoMaddox page reproduces specifications attributed to Omega for ref. 3540.50.00. It lists a 44-hour power reserve, 25 jewels, sapphire crystal, tachymeter, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers, and 100 m water resistance. This is a historical secondary source, not a currently verified Omega product sheet, so treat those figures as reported specifications rather than a present-day official specification record. ChronoMaddox’s historical specification page.
Rank #2
- Model 324.30.38.50.01.001
How the reference fits the wider Split-Seconds family
Fratello’s 2013 account distinguishes the 3540.50 from related configurations. The reference suffix matters: the models share the Split-Seconds design, but they are not interchangeable names for the same dial and strap version.
| Reference | Dial and configuration described |
|---|---|
| 3540.50 | Black carbon-fiber dial, bracelet |
| 3840.50 | Black carbon-fiber dial, leather strap |
| 3540.30 | Silver dial, bracelet |
| 3840.30 | Silver dial, leather strap |
| 3540.80 and 3840.80 | Italy-market edition; respective bracelet and leather-strap references |
These variant distinctions are reported in Fratello’s 2013 Speedy Tuesday article. When identifying a watch, check the reference and the actual dial and bracelet or strap rather than relying on a broad “Rattrapante” description.
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Rank #3
- Model 310.32.42.50.01.001
Production history and rarity
Fratello dates the model’s introduction to 1999 and says official production ran until 2001 or 2002, describing it as short-lived. That same article notes that some sources have reported a 5,000-piece run for the regular version, but the figure is not established there as an official Omega total.
Antiquorum’s catalog for a watch dated circa 1999–2000 calls the model a “Special Series” while also stating it was not strictly limited. Taken together, these accounts support describing the Rattrapante as a short-lived and uncommon model, but they do not establish a definitive production total or a firm final production year. Antiquorum’s catalog entry.
Rank #4
- Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Automatic Silver Dial Men's Watch 324.30.38.50.02.001
What the available price evidence can—and cannot—tell you
One documented sale is not a universal value for every example. Antiquorum records its Monaco lot 276, dated circa 1999–2000, as sold for EUR 6,500 on 19 July 2022. That is a completed auction result for one particular watch on a particular date, not a current model-wide valuation. The lot record identifies the example and result.
For a present-day comparison, keep three kinds of evidence separate:
- Seller offers: Chrono24’s reference page shows asking prices, which are offers rather than confirmed sale prices. View current Chrono24 offers for ref. 3540.50.00.
- Estimated valuation: WatchCharts provides an estimate, which is not the same as a completed transaction. See WatchCharts’ model overview.
- Completed auction result: Antiquorum’s EUR 6,500 result is a record of one 2022 sale, not a current asking price or guaranteed resale outcome.
Before comparing examples, confirm that each is the same reference and configuration. Condition, service history, bracelet or strap, and the presence of box and papers can differ between specific listings or auction lots; use the details of those individual examples rather than assuming they are equivalent.
Quick Recap
How to identify a 3540.50 when shopping
- Confirm the reference. Look for 3540.50 or the full 3540.50.00 designation in the watch’s documentation or a credible listing. Do not treat the related 3840.50, 3540.30, 3840.30 or Italy-market references as identical configurations.
- Check the visible configuration. The 3540.50 is associated with a black carbon-fiber dial and bracelet. A leather-strap example or silver dial may belong to a related reference instead.
- Inspect the chronograph controls. The split-seconds function requires an additional pusher; Fratello places it at 10 o’clock. Confirm that the seller’s photographs and description show the correct watch and controls.
- Read the listing or lot details closely. Compare the specific watch’s condition, service history, included bracelet or strap, and accessories. Use completed sales, seller offers and valuation estimates as distinct evidence, not as interchangeable prices.
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.
