I think it’s safe to say we don’t expect any more Omega Speedmaster models this year. Just last week, Omega introduced the Speedmaster Pilot Flight Qualified after teasing us with a similar model for US military pilots only. But this year’s releases had already started coming in January when Omega introduced the newly updated Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 featuring the much-discussed rocket hand.
In this article, I will provide a brief overview of all Omega Speedmaster models introduced.
Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8
On Tuesday, January 16th, Omega held a Speedmaster event for our readers in Biel, Switzerland. During this event, the brand also introduced the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. This watch is indeed not entirely new because the DSotM Apollo 8 already debuted in 2018 for the 50th anniversary of the mission in which NASA astronauts saw the other side of the Moon for the first time. This year, Omega introduced an upgraded version of that replica watches UK. Nothing much has changed from afar, but as always with Omega, the devil is in the details.
Caliber 3869 with Moon craters
For starters, Omega updated the caliber 1869 (a specially decorated version of the 1861) with caliber 3869. This movement is based on the modern Master Chronometer-certified caliber 3861, but it now has more details due to newer laser ablation techniques. There is more contrast on the dial now as the laser ablation takes place before the varnishing process. But the most talked-about difference on the dial is the small Saturn V rocket that serves as the hand for the running seconds. It even shows “USA” on the rocket because so much detail was possible on this 1:19,000-scale model.
Your first Dark Side of the Moon
It’s perhaps not worth upgrading your current 44.25mm Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, but if you’re contemplating getting your first Dark Side of the Moon, this new Apollo 8 has everything you want! The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 reference 310.92.44.50.01.001 is part of the regular collection and has a retail price of CHF 13,500 / €15,800 / US$14,300.
Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with a white dial
On Tuesday, March 5th, Omega finally introduced the watch seen on the wrist of former James Bond actor Daniel Craig a few months before at a red-carpet event. At first, I wasn’t completely sure if I’d want this Moonwatch variant as I already have the white-dial Snoopy version from 2015. But when trying it out for our hands-on article, I quickly realized that it looks and feels different on the wrist than its beagle-bearing predecessor.
A white lacquered dial
This new white-dial Moonwatch has two sapphire crystals and a bracelet with polished intermediate links. It looks very fresh, and it’s one of the perfect fake Omega watches that got me so many comments from people who noticed it on my wrist. All specifications are like the 42mm Moonwatch “Sapphire Sandwich” with a black dial, but this version has a white lacquered dial with applied indexes. There’s a small difference in price between this watch and the sapphire Moonwatch with black dial, which, according to Omega, is due to the lacquering process.
Space suits and protective cases
The “Speedmaster” wording on the dial is red to add a bit of a spark, and black PVD-treated diamond-polished hands match the indexes and top it all off. Omega says the white dial is a nod to Apollo astronauts’ space suits, and the protective case from the Alaska Project watch inspired the red printing. Whatever the explanation, it just looks cool, and it’s easily one of my favorite watches.
Bracelet first, strap later
The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with a white dial is available in three configurations. You can get it on a leather strap, a rubber strap, or a stainless steel bracelet with an easy-adjustment system in the clasp. I suggest you always go for the version on the bracelet (reference 310.30.42.50.04.001) and order an additional strap of choice later on. The price of the all-steel version is €9,000 / CHF 7,700 / US$8,100.
Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024
On Tuesday, April 16th, Omega introduced two commemorative Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 watches for the Olympic Games. The large (43mm) but chic Chronoscope Paris 2024 comes in stainless steel or 18K Moonshine Gold. Both are available with metal bracelets or on a strap.
Live in Paris
We didn’t get these cheap Omega copy watches in for a hands-on review, but I saw them “live” during the Olympics in Paris earlier this year. The Chronoscope is not for me, but these models are cool options for someone who doesn’t want the utilitarian look of a regular Speedmaster. The Arabic numerals on the silvery dial (or white opaline dial for the gold model) give it a chic look, and the telemeter and pulsation scales in the center of the dial should remind you of Omega’s 1930s and 1940s chronographs. Imagine this dial in a round case with elegant thin lugs and a leather strap!
Hidden movement
Inside is Omega’s caliber 9908 (and 9909 for the gold model), the hand-wound version of the company’s caliber 9900. The movement is beautifully decorated with the Arabesque Geneva waves, but it’s hidden under the special Paris 2024 case back. You’ll have to take our word for it.
Speedmaster 38 (with diamonds)
On Tuesday, April 23rd, Omega held an event in Milan, Italy, to introduce the new collection of 38mm Speedmaster models. Officially, this is a unisex collection, but ladies seem to favor it more than gents do. Omega introduced eight new references of the Speedmaster 38 in steel, Moonshine Gold, and Sedna Gold. It’s not so much the size or the use of diamonds that makes it feminine, but I suspect the oval-shaped sub-dials make it less attractive for me as a man to wear.
Polished center links
That said, when I was in Milan at the event and tried on the Speedmaster 38 (in gold), it blew me away. The size looks good on my 18.5cm wrist, and the polished center links on the gold bracelet remind me of the President bracelet, which I like. Ultimately, it would be a watch my wife would enjoy wearing. She has an older version of the Speedmaster 38 and tried the gold version on a strap once and loved it.
Caliber 3330
The new Speedmaster 38 references were simply new variations of an existing watch as Omega didn’t replace caliber 3330 with a Master Chronometer-certified movement. This is probably one of the last model lines that only has the standard chronometer certification. This chronograph movement contains a column-wheel mechanism and a Co-Axial escapement, so there’s nothing to worry about. Omega let us know back in April that an upgraded version with the Master Chronometer certification is likely coming in the future.
Speedmaster First Omega in Space in gray-blue
On Thursday (wait, what?), October 3rd, Omega introduced the new Speedmaster First Omega in Space watch. This historical date refers to the first time an Omega watch was worn in space (in 1962), on the wrist of NASA astronaut Wally Schirra. Back in 2012, Omega also paid tribute to this event with the inaugural Speedmaster First Omega in Space model based on the Speedmaster CK2998 used during Schirra’s Sigma 7 mission.
Speedmaster Pilot Flight Qualified
On Tuesday, December 10th, Omega introduced the “civilian” version of the Speedmaster Pilot Flight Qualified. Loosely based on the dial of the 1969 Flightmaster model, the Speedmaster Pilot is a colorful variation of the Speedmaster ’57. It has a straight-lug Speedmaster case measuring 40.85mm in diameter and houses the self-winding caliber 9900.
A welcome exception
When the original version for US military pilots was leaked a few months ago, the responses were incredibly positive. I have to say that I have been wearing the Speedmaster Pilot on and off since we’ve had it here at Fratello, and along with the white-dial Moonwatch, it’s one of my favorites of 2024. Usually, for my collection of Speedmasters, I stick to the Moonwatch variations. However, this is an exception I am more than happy to make. It looks slightly different from the Moonwatch or straight-lug variations, and it wears a bit differently as well. The case and bracelet are fully brushed, giving it a utilitarian look, and the colorful dial and hands make it pop.
Colors
This is not your typical Speedmaster, at least not one we’re used to seeing in the past years. However, Omega has used similar color schemes in various Speedmaster versions. These include the Speedmaster H10, the Speedmaster Mk40, and, of course, the vintage Flightmaster top replica Omega watches.
Good Speedmaster year
Omega gave us many different options to choose from. Some people like to stick to the traditional Moonwatch and ignore anything else. Others like (or dare) to be slightly different. There’s no right or wrong. Go for the one that sings to you. If they all sing to you, you might be in trouble. Not all of the above releases are for me, but some serious contenders for my Speedmaster collection are among them. The Pilot and the Moonwatch with a white dial are on my list. Although I think the Speedmaster FOiS is pretty cool, it’s too close to my Speedmaster Calibre 321. But if you don’t have a 2012 FOiS or Calibre 321 in your collection, the Speedmaster FOiS is worth considering!
And for 2026…
I’m looking forward to seeing what Omega will come up with in 2026! I think slimming down the Speedmaster family is a wise thing to do. Some models (e.g., Dark Side of the Moon) have been there for many years and could use a refreshing update. I also hope that something can be done about the pricing strategy, although this is not limited to 1:1 Omega fake watches. For example, the prices in euros are steep compared to the RRP in Swiss francs. The difference is significant when I add Swiss VAT and convert it to euros. I know it doesn’t work like that, but I would appreciate it if prices were (more) equal globally. Wouldn’t it result in more sales in EU countries?
