When the Master Chronometer Speedmaster collection first debuted in 2021, a discreet precious-metal model arrived alongside the other fourth-generation Moonwatches.
Visually similar to the stainless steel Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional “Daniel Craig” (2024-Present), the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Canopus Gold (2021-Present) is crafted from 18K white gold (that resembles steel), with a white dial and a black bezel that requires a careful look to distinguish it from the non-precious metal Daniel Craig model.
Canopus Gold
Omega has been making a proprietary 18K white gold alloy, called Canopus Gold, since 2015. It’s touted for having a high brilliance, whiteness, and longevity compared to typical 18K white gold alloys. For a watch model so closely associated with outer space, fittingly, the alloy is named after the bright star Canopus, which is 71 times bigger and 10,000 times brighter than our sun. It’s made by alloying pure yellow gold with platinum, rhodium, and palladium to achieve optimum color and stability.
Five Ways to Differentiate White Dial Speedmasters
First, the simplest way to tell if the white dial Speedmaster is a so-called Daniel Craig in stainless steel ($9,100) or a Canopus Gold ($62,500) model is by looking at the pad-printed “Speedmaster” text on the dial at 12 o’clock. If “Speedmaster” is in red, it’s the stainless steel version, and if it’s black, it’s the precious metal model.
Second, the indices and hands on the precious metal model are made from 18K white gold and finished with a Canopus Gold PVD coating. On the stainless steel Daniel Craig Speedmaster, the hands and indices have a matte black treatment, making this a sure sign you’re not looking at the precious metal version.
Third, is by looking closely at the dial texture. The Daniel Craig dial is painted with a smooth, bright white lacquer finish, and the Canopus Gold has a silver white metallic sunburst dial.
Fourth, is by flipping it over, and it says “Au750” on the left lower lug; it’s Canopus Gold, and if it reads “Stainless Steel,” it’s the Daniel Craig.
Finally, by simply holding it. The bracelet-equipped Canopus Gold Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional weighs 236 grams, whereas the Daniel Craig stainless steel version weighs just 140 grams. There’s a nearly 100-gram difference.
Other than these details, the Canopus Gold and Daniel Craig have the same Master Chronometer caliber 3861 movement with 50-hour power reserve, the same 42 mm x 13.18 mm case diameter, 47.5 mm lug-to-lug, 20 mm lug width, the same black anodized aluminum bezel insert, the same 5-link bracelet style (the center links are brushed, whereas they’re polished on the steel model), and sapphire crystals front and back.
Final Thoughts
The Canopus Gold Speedmaster is a real stunner and represents a subtle way to wear gold. At $62,500, the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Canopus Gold (Ref. 310.60.42.50.02.001) is not for everyone. Alternatively, another option is the stainless steel Daniel Craig model (Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001) for $9,100, which has a close resemblance and is considerably lighter on both your wrist and your pocket.
Learn more at The 1916 Company.
