Introducing: The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Black & White, With Lacquered Dials And Ceramic Bezels (Live Pics)
Two new Moonwatch variations bring a shiny, modern twist to a classic design.
What We Know
Today, Omega introduces two new additions to the Speedmaster Moonwatch lineup, featuring the beloved reverse panda dials. These watches are available in either stainless steel or Omega's 18K Moonshine Gold, maintaining the familiar design while incorporating some innovative changes. The dial is constructed from two lacquered plates, with the top layer being an ultra-glossy polished black surface and the bottom layer in a contrasting white finish. Each layer features printed markers and numerals in inverted colors, with the main minute track and text in white and the registers in black.
The handset and applied markers match the main case metal, and the Omega logo hints at the sapphire-sandwich configuration, with sapphire crystals on the front and back. This design choice makes sense, as it represents Omega's slight modernization of the Moonwatch, upgrading the bezel insert from black aluminum to black ceramic with a white enamel tachymeter. This detail is a notable departure from many current catalog Moonwatch variants, adding a modern touch to Omega's classic chronograph.
Inside the watch lies the reliable Calibre 3861 chronograph movement, manually wound and cam-operated with a 50-hour power reserve. This METAS-certified caliber features Omega's free sprung balance and co-axial escapement.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Black & White is now available in the standard catalog, priced at $10,400 for the steel model and $49,300 for the Moonshine Gold model.
What We Think
This is a refreshing start to the year, offering a subtle evolution rather than a radical redesign. It caters to those who found last year's Planet Ocean redesign too extreme. These watches are not replacements for the classic Moonwatches but a welcome addition to the regular catalog with the reverse panda dial. Omega's decision to use steel with a ceramic bezel insert is intriguing, possibly driven by aesthetics, as the glossy dial mirrors the entire design.
While the Moonwatch is celebrated for its faithful reproduction of the original lunar missions, these new versions align with Omega's modern design language, slightly shinier and more commercially appealing. The watch draws comparisons to other chronographs in the market, particularly the ceramic-bezeled Rolex Daytona, as Omega continues to pursue its modern, glossy, and upmarket ambitions.
I had the opportunity to see these watches in person and noticed they felt chunkier than the classic models. This thickness increase, from 13.18mm to 13.54mm, is attributed to the dial construction, which is thicker than the classic single-layered dial. My colleague Mark will provide a more detailed review in the coming days.
The Basics
Brand: Omega
Model: Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Black & White
Reference Numbers: 310.30.42.50.01.004 (Steel), 310.60.42.50.01.002 (Gold)
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 13.54mm
Case Material: Stainless steel; 18K Moonshine Gold
Dial Color: Double plate "step" dial, polished black varnished and lacquered with rhodium-plated subdial frames and polished white varnished and lacquered subdials
Indexes: Rhodium-plated or diamond-polished hour-markers
Lume: White Super-Luminova (green emission) on hands and markers
Water Resistance: 50m
Strap/Bracelet: Case-matching bracelet with polished sides and Omega's patented comfort release adjustment system (2 positions, 2.30mm), fitting 20mm between lugs, 15mm on the clasp
The Movement
Caliber: OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861
Functions: Hours, minutes, small-seconds at 9 o'clock, chronograph, 30-minute recorder at 3 o'clock, 12-hour recorder at 6 o'clock
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Winding: Manual
Frequency: 21,600 A/h (3 Hz)
Jewels: 26
Chronometer Certified: METAS certified
Additional Details: OMEGA free sprung-balance, Co-Axial Escapement, NIVACHOC
Pricing & Availability
Price: $10,400 (Steel), $49,300 (Gold)
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
For more information, visit: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watches/speedmaster
