Assessment: The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch White Lacquer Could Be an Ideal Speedy, as Perceived by This Reviewer
Omega Introduces a New Variation of the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
Omega has unveiled a modern take on its iconic Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, inspired by the white spacesuits worn by NASA astronauts during the Apollo missions. This latest model, featuring a striking white lacquered dial, evokes the bright, white spacesuits designed for visibility and protection in space.
A Tribute to NASA's White Spacesuits
The inspiration for the white dial comes directly from NASA’s white spacesuits, which are highly recognizable symbols of space exploration and lunar landings. The white dial tone pays homage to the iconic suits that astronauts wore on the Moon, linking the watch visually and thematically to this heritage. Omega’s Speedmaster has been historically known as the "Moonwatch" because it was worn by astronauts on the Apollo missions, and this white dial edition visually references those early space suits while preserving its technical and stylistic DNA.
A Significant Departure for the Standard Production Speedmaster
This white dial edition is a first for regular steel Moonwatch production, making it significant in Speedmaster’s evolution. It balances the traditional elements (manual winding, asymmetrical case shape, tachymeter bezel) with a fresh, elegant white dial that alludes to the Moon missions’ aesthetics.
Key Features of the White Dial Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional
- Water resistance: 50 meters, suitable for daily wear but not for serious underwater activities.
- Caliber: METAS-certified as a Master Chronometer, ensuring accuracy under various conditions.
- Movement: Manual-wind chronograph movement, METAS-Certified Caliber 3861, with a power reserve of 50 hours.
- Subdials: Three subdials on the white dial feature concentric circular graining (azurage) for improved legibility and visual interest.
- Dial: The glossy white lacquered dial contrasts with black PVD-coated hands and markers, enhancing legibility and adding a level of sophistication.
- Chronograph seconds hand: The chronograph seconds hand features a distinctive red tip.
- Case: 42mm in size, with a lug to lug of 47.5mm and a case thickness of 13.2mm, made of stainless steel.
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal, box-shaped and slightly proud of the aluminum bezel, adds a vintage touch.
- Bracelet: The Speedmaster Professional received a significantly improved bracelet with the 2021 redesign, featuring a five-link design that tapers elegantly.
- Handset: The handset maintains the classic Speedmaster design and receives the same black PVD treatment as the hour markers.
- Applied hour markers: Diamond-polished, treated with black PVD coating, and filled with Super-LumiNova.
- Stepped construction: The stepped construction of the white dial adds dimension with a natural shadow line.
Pricing and Availability
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional with a white lacquered dial is available now and retails for $8,100, a $100 premium over its black-dial sapphire sandwich counterpart.
This white dial draws inspiration from the white spacesuits worn by NASA astronauts and the iconic Alaska Project prototype. The watch maintains the iconic asymmetrical design that's been a hallmark of the Moonwatch since the late 1960s, making it a significant visual departure for the standard production Speedmaster. The caliber 3861 incorporates Omega's Co-Axial escapement, operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, and features a free-sprung silicon balance spring. With its striking visual presence, the white lacquered dial Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional pays tribute to the legacy of human space exploration while offering a fresh, modern twist on a classic design.
- The white dial of the new Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, inspired by the white spacesuits worn by NASA astronauts, visually references the early space suits while preserving its traditional style and technical DNA.
- This white dial edition of the Speedmaster, a significant departure for the standard production Moonwatch, balances the traditional elements with a modern, stylish atmosphere that resonates with the aesthetics of the Moon missions.
