As I glanced at my wrist, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch gleamed in the sunlight. Its gold accents caught the light, reminding me of the lunar surface it was designed to explore. This watch isn’t just a timepiece; it’s a piece of space history on my wrist. The Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch stands as a testament to Omega’s legacy in space exploration. It’s a chronograph watch, purpose-built for precision timing in the most extreme conditions. Yet, it’s not just functional – it’s a style statement too. The blend of stainless steel and gold creates a look that’s both rugged and luxurious. As I admire its design, I can’t help but wonder: how does this two-tone version stack up against its legendary predecessor? Let’s dive in and find out.
Features & Design
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch is a masterful blend of form and function. At its heart beats the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, a movement that’s not just accurate, but also highly resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. This level of precision is crucial for a watch with such a storied history in space exploration. The chronograph function, a hallmark of the Speedmaster line, allows for precise timing of events up to 12 hours. This feature isn’t just for show – it’s a practical tool that has proven its worth in space missions.
The two-tone design of this Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is a new addition for 2024, answering the calls of many collectors. The combination of stainless steel and moonshine yellow and rose gold creates a striking visual contrast. The gold elements aren’t just for show – they add a touch of luxury to the watch’s robust design.
The case, measuring 42mm in diameter, strikes a balance between presence on the wrist and wearability. It’s made from a combination of stainless steel and 18K gold, with the latter used for the bezel and pushers. This gives the watch a substantial feel while maintaining the classic Speedmaster silhouette.
The dial of the Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch is a study in legibility and style. The silver or rose tone dial provides a perfect backdrop for the gold hour markers and hands, ensuring easy readability in various lighting conditions. The sub-dials at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock offer chronograph minutes, chronograph hours, and running seconds respectively. These sub-dials are slightly recessed, adding depth to the dial and improving legibility.
The tachymeter scale on the bezel is a classic Speedmaster feature, allowing for calculations of speed based on time and distance. In this two-tone version, the tachymeter scale is filled with black, creating a pleasing contrast with the gold bezel. If measuring speed and distance is important to you, the tachymeter will be your trusty companion.
The sapphire crystal protecting the dial is domed, a nod to the original hesalite crystals used on the Moonwatch. However, this modern sapphire is far more scratch-resistant, ensuring the watch can withstand daily wear. None of the new two tone Speedmaster Professionals have a hesalite option.
The bracelet of the Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch deserves special mention, with links made from both stainless steel and gold. The integration of the bracelet with the case is seamless, creating a cohesive look. The signed blade clasp Speedmaster is not just secure, but also adds a touch of refinement to the overall design.
One of the most impressive aspects of this watch is how Omega has managed to add luxury elements without compromising the Speedmaster’s tool watch heritage. The two-tone design elevates the watch’s aesthetic, but the core functionality that made the Speedmaster famous remains intact. This balance between luxury and utility is what sets the Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch apart in the crowded field of luxury chronographs.
Specs
Here are the key specifications of the Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch:
- Case Diameter: 42mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel and moonshine gold
- Movement: OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 bar)
- Crystal: Domed sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
- Chronograph Accuracy: 1/5th of a second
- Magnetic Resistance: 15,000 gauss
Pro’s & Cons
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch offers a unique blend of heritage and luxury. Its two-tone design adds a new dimension to the classic Moonwatch, appealing to those who want a bit more flash without losing the essence of the original. The use of modern materials and movements ensures it’s not just a pretty face, but a reliable tool as well.
Pro’s
- Unique two-tone design adds luxury to the classic Moonwatch
- High-performance OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861
- Excellent magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss
- Maintains the classic Speedmaster design and functionality
- High-quality materials
Despite its many strengths, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch isn’t without its drawbacks. The most significant issue is its pricing, which may be a sticking point for many potential buyers. Additionally, the two-tone design, while appealing to many, might not suit those who prefer a more understated look.
Con’s
- Significantly higher price compared to the stainless steel version
- Two-tone design may not appeal to purists or those preferring subtler watches
- 50m water resistance may be limiting for some users
- Large 42mm case size might not suit all wrist sizes
- Gold components may be more prone to scratches than stainless steel
Comparable alternatives to the Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch
When considering alternatives to the Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch, two notable competitors come to mind: the Rolex Daytona Two Tone and the Breitling Navitimer Two Tone. The Rolex Daytona Two Tone, like the Speedmaster, combines stainless steel and gold for a luxurious look. It features Rolex’s in-house caliber 4130, which offers similar accuracy and reliability to Omega’s Calibre 3861. However, the Daytona’s design is more modern and its water resistance is higher at 100 meters. It’s also generally more expensive and harder to obtain. The Breitling Navitimer Two Tone offers a different aesthetic with its busy dial and slide rule bezel. It’s powered by Breitling’s B01 movement, which is also a high-performance chronograph caliber. The Navitimer tends to be slightly larger at 43mm or 46mm, which might appeal to those who find the Speedmaster too small. Price-wise, it falls between the Speedmaster and the Daytona. Both alternatives offer excellent quality and heritage, but neither can match the Speedmaster’s unique connection to space exploration.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch Value & Availability
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Two Tone Moonwatch, while a stunning piece, comes with a hefty price tag. At $10,000 USD more than the stainless steel version, it’s a significant investment. This pricing seems steep compared to other two-tone models in Omega’s lineup and those from other brands. However, the watch’s unique blend of Moonwatch heritage and luxurious two-tone design could justify the price for some collectors. As for availability, this new model can be found at Omega boutiques and authorized dealers. It’s not a limited edition, so availability should be good, though initial demand might cause some wait times. While I can’t offer investment advice, it’s worth noting that Speedmaster models often hold their value well due to their iconic status. The two-tone version, being a new addition to the line, could potentially become sought after by collectors in the future.
