The highly anticipated white dial Omega Moonwatch has finally arrived
The best kept secret from Omega over the last couple months is that they were going to release a white dial Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, reference 310.30.42.50.04.001. It was none other than Mr. James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, who was photographed with this new watch on his wrist. This image was the source of all the rumors. I, along with other Omega collectors, am really excited about this watch and I think it signifies positive signals from the brand. For years, maybe decades, collectors have been longing for this watch and it is refreshing to see Omega finally brings it to market. It makes me wonder what else Omega has up their sleeve this year, like finally updating the bracelet on the Omega Seamaster 300m.
There is no doubt that the release of a stainless steel white dial Speedmaster will draw comparisons to the stainless steel white dial Daytona. This move signifies another attempt by Omega to gain ground against their largest competitor and will most likely be rewarded with a watch that commands a waitlist. With a retail price tag of $8,100 USD, Omega offers considerable value compared to the Daytona. At this point it is too early to tell what the premium for this watch will be on the pre-owned market but it is likely to be high.
First impression
There have been rumors of the release for the white dial Speedmaster for some time now so my first impression wasn’t as much of a shock but more of a relief. It is inviting to see Omega release a watch that many have been requesting for years. This is especially true considering that over the last year Omega had been extremely conservative with launching new watches, mainly only introducing the 75th anniversary Seamasters in 2023.
For the record, I do not own a Moonwatch but have always had the desire get one. Each time I hold it in my hand I’m always left wanting more. I know this sounds crazy because the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is revered by many, including me. To me, what the original lacks is detail on the dial. I have always wanted raised indices and something a bit more than just a monochrome dial. With the new Moonwatch with the lacquered white dial, we got exactly that. The hands and indices are black, providing great contrast for the watch. On top of that we now have red accents utilized in both the text on the dial and on the second hand. Combining all these design elements with the glossy lacquered white dial makes this new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch as legible as, if not more so than, the original.
To summarize my first impression of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch with the white dial, this watch was executed to perfection and in my opinion will be one of top watches released in 2024.
Specs
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case diameter: 42mm
- Thickness: 13.2mm
- Weight: 140g
- Lug-to-lug: 47.5mm
- Between lugs: 20mm
- Water resistance: 50m
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Manual Winding
- Calibre: Omega 3861
- Power reserve: 50 hours
Features
Lacquered dial
For the first time ever, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch has a glossy lacquered dial. It provides a subtle yet noticeable shine to the dial that contrasts the hands and indices, providing a very legible time telling experience.
Contrasting black hands & raised indices
The raised indices on the white dial Speedmaster are what excite me most about this watch. It gives the otherwise plain dial some character and depth. Pairing the lacquered white dial with black indices and hands was also intelligent because they both compliment each other so well. By examining the dial, for as much show as the lacquered dial provides, it’s the black hands and indices that really pull the eyes back to the functional aspect of the watch.
Red “Speedmaster” text
It is little design elements like adding color to the text and second hand that can make all the difference with collectors. The introduction of red adds to the identity of the white dial Speedmaster and plays well to the brand. Red is to Omega like green is to Rolex. It is important for Omega to lean in on their red and find more ways to use it.
Stepped sub dials
Providing depth to the dial is the stepped sub dials at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock position. This design element is also on the original Speedmaster but is heightened on the white dial Speedmaster because of the glossy finish of the dial and raised indices. Designing a chronograph watch with stepped sub dials provides the dedicated real-estate to the watches main complication, therefore highlighting it’s importance.
Summary
We are very excited about the new chronograph from Omega, the white dial Moonwatch. It ticks all the boxes of what collectors and fans would expect and might have stolen all the thunder from Watches and Wonders 2024 by being released early. I do have concerns about this watch and it has nothing to do with the actual product itself. In 2022 and 2023 many people, including myself, believed that Omega attempted to create artificial demand for their watches by purposely creating scarcity. The Green Omega Seamaster 300m is a great example of that. The only difference between that reference and what was already in production was a green bezel, yet they were impossible to find. There is no doubt that the new white lacquered dial Moonwatch will be compared to the Rolex Daytona. I really hope Omega doesn’t see this as an opportunity to create more artificial scarcity. What I would rather see is Omega producing these watches in abundance and let the marketplace decide the organic level of demand. My prediction is that if Omega manufactures these in available quantities, the demand for this watch will still exceed supply and there will be a waitlist for at least a couple years.
