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The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, a legend in its own right, has just revealed the latest phase of its lunar journey. A giant leap for watchkind, if you will. In a striking departure from its traditional design, the new 2024 Moonwatch model introduces a lacquered white dial, drawing inspiration from the vast expanse of space and the rich legacy of the timepiece’s line.
The buzz surrounding this new model began when former Bond star and Omega ambassador Daniel Craig was spotted sporting one on his wrist at the Planet Omega Exhibition in New York back in November 2023. The standout details of the timepiece, with the help of Craig’s own charismatic presence no doubt, instantly caught the attention of watch enthusiasts worldwide. Now, after much anticipation, this innovative design is unveiled and poised for public acquisition.
Standing out in this model is the uncommon white dial, a significant shift from the original Speedmaster’s black backdrop, launched in 1957. That initial design focused on clarity and readability, achieved through white hands and indexes against a dark background. This latest model flips the script, offering equal legibility with a reverse color scheme, black details, and new applied indexes. The designers at OMEGA didn’t stop there; they injected a bold red for the Speedmaster name and finished the dial with a glossy lacquer, a first for the Moonwatch’s step dial.
The choice of white channels the hues of astronaut spacesuits, particularly those used during spacewalks or EVA (Extravehicular Activity). This homage is fitting given the Speedmaster Moonwatch’s history as the first watch worn on the moon, a title it claimed in 1965 as the choice timepiece for NASA astronauts. Red detailing, introduced in astronaut suits since the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, finds its place on the watch as well, symbolizing a commander’s rank.
A deeper historical nod is found in the watch’s color palette, harking back to the ALASKA I prototype created by Omega in 1969. Part of a secret NASA project, the prototype featured a white dial, selected for its superior thermal reflection properties. The red Speedmaster inscription is a subtle tribute to the red protective case that encased the original ALASKA I.
Moving beyond the dial, the 42 mm stainless steel watch showcases meticulous craftsmanship. It is offered with a stainless steel bracelet, reminiscent of vintage designs and detailed with five arched links per row, polished and brushed for a sophisticated finish. For those seeking alternatives, OMEGA provides options including a black micro-perforated leather strap with contrasting red and white stitching, and another variant features an anti-bacterial rubber strap. This strap boasts a unique moon surface texture on its underside, marrying comfort with an aesthetic appeal.
For avid collectors and Moonwatch aficionados, the black anodised aluminium bezel on each model includes the well-known “Dot over Ninety” detail on the tachymeter scale. Inside the timepiece, the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 powers the watch. This advanced movement is an evolution of the legendary Calibre 321, which has its roots in lunar exploration, solidifying the Moonwatch’s enduring connection to space history.
The 2024 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch marries historical homage with modern innovation, offering a piece that is as much a tribute to its rich heritage as it is a step into the future of watchmaking. For enthusiasts and casual admirers alike, this timepiece stands as a testament to OMEGA’s relentless pursuit of horological excellence.
