With a storied historical past involving an area company, house expeditions, moon landings, a beloved comedian beagle and a collaborative spinoff, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is a timepiece that doesn’t want additional introduction. Throughout the wealthy annals of Omega’s archives, the long-lasting Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch has seen quite a few variations and iterations launched over the many years, some extra fascinating and wanted than others. With 2026 barely two weeks outdated, Omega has unveiled two new additions which are particular fan favourites.
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatches in query are rendered within the much-loved black dial with white chronograph subdials configuration, colloquially often known as the reverse panda in casual watchmaking jargon. And sure, a panda dial is the inverse color format. Why is that this important for an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, then? This duo, in chrome steel and Omega’s proprietary 18K Moonshine™ Gold (yellow gold alloy), marks the primary normal launch with this dial configuration. The final reverse panda configuration launched was the 2017 Fratello Speedy Tuesday version. There are not any different data since then, though there have been for different Speedmasters.
Whereas that’s the large information filtering out from Biel/Bienne, Omega seized the chance to introduce a delicate switch-up for this pair of Speedmasters. Firstly, the dials are actually lacquered. The step dial is assembled with a double plate; the primary higher plate is polished earlier than receiving a varnish and lacquer end to realize a shiny sheen. Its subdial frames are rhodium-plated for visible distinction. An identical course of is then utilized to the bottom layer; the primary distinction being its color. To be able to improve the watch’s legibility, all different transferred components, such because the minute monitor and chronograph numerals and tracks, are rendered in an inverted colourway. The opposite notable change is the fabric of the exterior tachymeter scale. As an alternative of the same old aluminium insert, these editions now characteristic a fade-resistant black ceramic insert with white enamel tachymeter components. Whereas some would possibly gloss over this minute element, Omega has included the lore-worthy “Dot over 90” and “Dot diagonal to 70” on the ceramic bezel.
Aside from these, a lot of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch blueprint stays untouched. The 2 new children on the block characteristic the sapphire-sandwich (back and front) development in a 42mm case with a polished-brushed bracelet. Omega’s handbook winding Co-Axial Grasp Chronometer Calibre 3861, primarily based on the famed calibres 1861 and 861, is Grasp Chronometer licensed and is magnetic resistant as much as 15,000 gauss.
In what’s already packaged as an all-conquering, modern-day Speedmaster Moonwatch, Omega’s delicate modifications modernise and inadvertently refine the long-lasting watch additional. In doing so, Omega has resisted the temptation to overcorrect. As an alternative of rewriting the Speedmaster Moonwatch’s story, this pair merely balances heritage cues with discreet materials and ending upgrades. For long-time fans, it’s a acquainted icon seen by way of a cleaner, extra modern lens. For newer collectors, it’s an unusually thought-about entry level into certainly one of watchmaking’s most storied lineages.
This text was first seen on Males’s Folio SG
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