The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Just Got a Major Upgrade: Prepare for Black & White Brilliance!
Is the classic Moonwatch getting a makeover that will either thrill you or make you clutch your pearls? Omega has just dropped two new Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch models in a striking black and white "reverse panda" dial configuration. But it's not just the color scheme that's turning heads; these watches boast a level of shine and modern refinement we haven't seen on a standard steel Moonwatch before.
Let's dive into what makes these new additions so noteworthy.
What's New: A Modern Twist on a Timeless Icon
Omega is expanding the Speedmaster Moonwatch family with these two exciting variations. You'll find them in either classic stainless steel or luxurious 18K Moonshine Gold. The overall design remains instantly recognizable as a Moonwatch, but the devil is in the details.
The most significant change? The dial is now constructed from two distinct plates, each sporting a high-gloss, lacquered finish. The top layer, the main dial, features a deep, polished black surface with a varnished and lacquered coating. Now, here's where it gets interesting: cutouts for the three subdials reveal a contrasting layer underneath, finished in a brilliantly glossy white lacquer. This creates that coveted "reverse panda" look.
Each dial layer features printed markers and numerals in contrasting colors. The main minute track and text are printed in white against the black dial, while the subdials showcase black numerals and indices against the white background. The handset and applied hour markers match the case material (steel or Moonshine Gold), and the applied Omega logo hints at the sapphire crystal construction – both on the front and back of the watch. This sapphire "sandwich" replaces the traditional hesalite crystal often found on the classic Moonwatch.
And this is the part most people miss: the bezel insert has been upgraded from the standard black aluminum to a more scratch-resistant and luxurious black ceramic. This ceramic bezel also features a crisp white enamel tachymeter scale. While ceramic bezels aren't new to the Moonwatch line, they've typically been reserved for precious metal or two-tone models. Offering a black ceramic bezel on a stainless steel Moonwatch is a direct response to collectors seeking a contemporary take on this legendary chronograph.
The Engine Room: Calibre 3861
Under the hood, you'll find the reliable Calibre 3861 chronograph movement. This manually-wound, cam-operated movement provides a 50-hour power reserve and is METAS-certified, ensuring exceptional accuracy and performance. It also features Omega's free-sprung balance and co-axial escapement, further enhancing its precision and longevity.
Pricing and Availability
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Black & White is available now as part of Omega's standard collection. The stainless steel model is priced at $10,400, while the 18K Moonshine Gold version commands a price of $49,300.
What We Think: A Glossy Step into the Future?
These new Moonwatch variants are a welcome addition to the lineup. While they don't represent a radical departure from the classic design (like some of Omega's more adventurous redesigns), they offer a fresh and modern aesthetic that many collectors will appreciate. The reverse panda dial on a steel Moonwatch has been a long time coming, and the addition of the ceramic bezel is a particularly nice touch. The dial's incredible glossiness is definitely a factor, mirroring the shine of the bezel itself.
While purists may prefer the traditional Moonwatch with its hesalite crystal and aluminum bezel, these new versions align with Omega's modern design language – a bit shinier, a bit more commercially appealing. But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that these models are edging closer to the territory of other luxury chronographs, like the Rolex Daytona with its ceramic bezel. With the steel Moonwatch now crossing the $10,000 price point, Omega is clearly aiming for a more upmarket positioning. Is that a good thing?
Having seen these watches in person, I can tell you they feel a touch chunkier than the classic models. While I initially thought it was an illusion, it turns out they are slightly thicker – 13.54mm compared to the standard 13.18mm. This is likely due to the two-layer dial construction, which creates a more pronounced depth to the subdials.
Quick Specs:
- Brand: Omega
- Model: Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Black and White
- Reference Number: 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 with polished white varnished and lacquered subdials
- Indexes: Rhodium-plated or diamond-polished hour-markers
- Lume: Hands markers filled with white Super-Luminova (green emission); lume plots on the edge of the markers.
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Strap/Bracelet: Case-matching bracelet with polished sides and with OMEGA's patented comfort release adjustment system (2 positions, 2.30mm), fitting 20 mm between lugs, 15 mm on clasp
- Movement: 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
- Price: $10,400 (Steel), $49,300 (Gold)
- Availability: Now
- Limited Edition: No
What do you think of these new Moonwatch variations? Are they a welcome evolution of a classic, or a step too far? Do you prefer the traditional hesalite crystal and aluminum bezel, or the modern sapphire and ceramic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
