TheOmega Speedmaster Moonwatch returns in a new version with a white lacquered dial, inspired by space exploration and the collection's distinctive heritage.
Fans of this extraordinary model have been waiting for the new version since November 2023, the month it was spotted on the wrist of ambassador Daniel Craig during the Planet Omega exhibition.
In today's wristwatch landscape, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch has distinguished itself as an emblem of precision and connection to space missions. The recent addition to the Speedmaster family captures the essence of cosmic adventures through the aesthetic renewal of a model equipped with a white lacquered dial, a first for the collection. This launch follows the preview presentation of the model on the wrist of actor Daniel Craig, the famous face associated with the brand, during the Planet OMEGA exhibition held in New York in November 2023.
The choice of a white dial is not random but follows a specific logic, interweaving history and functionality. In 1957, the year the Speedmaster debuted, the design aimed for high readability through the use of contrasts, a characteristic that is also reflected in this latest version. The new aesthetic reverses the Speedmaster's traditional color palette, presenting a white dial on which black hour markers and the Speedmaster lettering in red stand out, all enclosed in a lacquered case that adds a touch of brilliance to the whole.
The connection to the space theme is reinforced by inspiration from the colors of astronaut suits, particularly those intended for spacewalks. The Speedmaster, which has been adopted by NASA as the official astronaut chronograph since 1965 and became the first watch worn on the moon, celebrates its historical legacy with this new version.
In addition, the choice of white harks back to the "Alaska I" project, a secret NASA initiative that led to the creation of a prototype with a white dial, selected for its thermal properties.
No less important is the attention to construction details and accessories that accompany the new model. The case, made of sturdy stainless steel and 42 mm in diameter, is paired with a bracelet also made of stainless steel, with a vintage design and a five-link per row construction.
Rounding out the offerings are strap alternatives in black leather with perforated details and rubber, the latter with an interior design evoking the roughness of the lunar surface, for added comfort and a nod to the space theme.
The distinctive detail of the black anodized aluminum bezel, with the "Dot over 90" symbol, and the watch's engine, Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber 3861, represent the pinnacle of watchmaking technology, paying homage to the caliber 321 that accompanied astronauts on their lunar missions.
In conclusion, this new chapter in the Speedmaster Moonwatch saga not only strengthens the link between Omega and space exploration but also offers fans a unique piece that blends tradition and innovation together.
Let's close with a funny anecdote: during the historic Apollo 11 mission, there was a moment of levity that is rarely remembered. After the first step on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, filled with excitement, tried to capture with his camera an image of Buzz Aldrin doing "bunny hops" on the lunar surface, hopping around to test the reduced gravity. This scene, although it was an important scientific test, was more reminiscent of a lighthearted dance in such a solemn and historic context, proving that even in the most serious circumstances, there is always room for a bit of merriment.
