Omega debuted a new Reverse Panda Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional today.

Starting out the year strong, Omega debuted a pair of Speedmasters with Reverse Panda dials (which Omega refers to as an “inverted dial”). The Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional “Reverse Panda” is an iterative model, with a new bezel insert, a new dial, and the same case, bracelet, and movement.

Available in stainless steel for $10,400 (Ref. 310.30.42.50.01.004) and in 18K Moonshine gold (Ref. 310.60.42.50.01.002) for an eye-watering $49,300. The brand once considered an excellent value in Swiss watches, moves further upscale.

You be the judge if it’s worth the huge premium over the standard Hesalite Moonwatch ($7,800), the Sapphire Sandwich ($9,000), or even the white dial Speedmaster “Daniel Craig” ($9,100).

According to Omega, “The new models are crafted with the Moonwatch’s essential step dial, which is put together with a double plate. The top plate is polished black, with a varnished and lacquered finish for superior sheen, and includes rhodium-plated subdial frames. Meanwhile, the base layer for the subdials is produced in white, also with a varnished and lacquered finish. The minute track is transferred in white on the main dial, while the subdials feature minute tracks transferred in black. A detail consistent across both versions that enhances the reversed aesthetic and legibility.”

For the new glossy black and white lacquer dial with rhodium-plated subdial trim, applied indices, rhodium-plated hands,  and a ceramic bezel insert, “Reverse Panda” Moonwatch Professional in stainless steel, it costs $1,400 more than the standard stainless steel sapphire sandwich Moonwatch Professional, and $2,600 more than the Hesalite Moonwatch Professional.

The Moonwatch keeps its broadly appealing 42 mm diameter and 47.5 mm lug-to-lug dimensions, and weighs 142 grams. Omega’s excellent 3Hz manually wound Master Chronometer caliber 3861 is under the dial, which is protected by a domed sapphire crystal on the front, and visible through a flat sapphire crystal caseback on the rear. Most notably, the thickness increases from 13.18 mm to 13.54 mm in thickness, due to the two-part dial. Not even a half a millimeter has been added, so it remains to be seen if it will be noticeable in real world use.

Final Thoughts

Omega dropped two new “Reverse Panda” Speedmasters today. One in steel, which many consumers asked for, and another in gold, which presumably few people asked for. While the gold model’s price doesn’t matter much, because an infinitesimal amount of people will buy those, the price of the steel Moonwatch, might make you wonder if the Swatch Group’s leading watch brand, could have done more. Perhaps Omega could have given the watch a sportier bracelet, with quick change spring bars, or additional premium details, to make it seem more exclusive, to justify the massive price premium.

 

Photos by Omega.