It was perhaps the world’s worst-kept secret, but last night, Omega finally dropped their highly anticipated white dial Moonwatch which was spotted last year on the wrist of Daniel Craig!
Omega has finally dropped their new white dial Speedmaster Moonwatch overnight, and whilst most of the watch world was not surprised, given it was spotted on Daniel Craig’s wrist at the Planet OMEGA Exhibition in New York last year, it was eagerly anticipated by many, even sparking rumours of when it will be released, the dial design and even if it would come out any time soon. Thankfully we can all rest easy now with its release. Thank you Omega!
What sets this piece apart is pretty clear – the white dial. This isn’t the first time the Speedmaster has adorned the white, as we’ve had anniversary editions before, like the 45th Anniversary Silver Snoopy and the current Canopus gold versions. But the white dial has eluded the standard Moonwatch now for some time, and with this, I will say, Omega has done a great job and made a very nice-looking piece at that.
Omega has chosen the white dial for several reasons. The primary reason is that they have drawn inspiration from astronaut spacesuits – especially those used during extravehicular activity (EVA), such as spacewalks, which are as you guessed it, in white and black. The other reason is more a technical one that isn’t as obvious. In 1969, OMEGA created the ALASKA I prototype as part of their secret NASA project to design the perfect space watch. After months of experiments, OMEGA chose a white dial because it provides a particularly effective thermal reflection coefficient. You can see below the original ALASKA 1 from 1969 and then the 2008 recreation.
1969 Alaska 1 
2008 Alaska 1 recreation
The red Speedmaster name on the dial also has several historical reference points. The first is a nod to the protective red case that surrounded the original ALASKA I watch, and in addition to this, red lines have also been featured on space suits since 1970 to signify the commander’s rank. Plus, it just looks good and stands out on the white lacquer dial. The other small detail which Omega has changed on the dial are the applied indices. They have been done in a bridge form, extending up and over the central part of the dial, whereas on the black, these are painted strips of SuperLuminova sitting flush with the outer and inner dial. Whilst not a massive innovation, it does give the white dial more depth and adds to the aesthetic of the whole piece.
READ OUR HANDS ON REVIEW OF THE OMEGA SPEEDMASTER MOONWATCH
Omega has also given people a choice when it comes to the bracelet and strap. You now have the choice of the bracelet with the five arched links and including the comfort extension built into the clasp, standard now on the Moonwatch and giving it a vintage styled and dressier look. You also have the option of acquiring this on either a black micro-perforated leather strap with red and white stitching and another on an anti-bacterial rubber strap with a moon surface pattern in positive relief on the underside for increased comfort. Personally, I’d have a hard time choosing between these, but feel all three would at some point end up on this piece for me.
The rest of the Speedmaster is the same as the current sapphire sandwich Moonwatch with the black dial. Cased in a 42mm brushed and polished steel case, the manual winding Calibre 3861 with 50 hours of power reserve is visible through the caseback. The tachymeter scale on the black aluminium anodised bezel has the now famous “dot over 90” and it still exudes that classic Speedy style that so many people around the world love.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that this latest release from Omega is not revolutionary, but it is a welcome addition to the collection in the way it gives people another colour option, making it just that little more versatile. The white lacquered dial looks silky smooth and is one I would be keen to photograph, especially with the applied and raised indices giving the dial more character and depth.
The options of the rubber or leather strap are also welcome, however, Omega does have a wide range of OEM straps available for the Speedmaster already, but this just takes the hassle out of choosing one. Plus I always find when the brands dedicate a strap combination with a piece, it in most cases (not all) seems to suit it better than any other after-market strap. Yes, I’ve been there and looked and bought, but somehow they never seemed to be as good-looking or fitting as the OEM. This aside, the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is a fitting addition, and I dare say it won’t be long until we see these in the wild and all over Instagram!
Reference: 310.30.42.50.04.001 (Steel on Steel)
Specifications
- Case diameter: 42mm
- Case material: Steel case, brushed and polished
- Dial: Lacquered white dial with applied indices
- Bezel: Black, with a tachymeter scale
- Crystal: Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside
- Water resistance: 50 meters/ 5ATM
- Movement: Omega 3861, manual-winding chronograph movement, beating at 3Hz and Master Chronometer certified.
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Bracelet: Steel bracelet with brushed and polished links with a pushbutton folding clasp with comfort extension.
