Following the leak of the next-generation stainless steel Speedmaster in December on Instagram, the new collection was officially announced today.
Introducing the 2021 Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch “Master Chronometer” featuring the familiar 42 mm asymmetrical case based on the 4th generation Moonwatch style (Ref. ST 105.012) with twisted lugs and flat pushers, a stepped dial with a simplified chapter ring, double-beveled caseback, a black anodized aluminum bezel insert with dot over 90 and dot diagonal on the black anodized aluminum bezel ring, a new teardrop-tipped chronograph seconds hand that extends closer to the perimeter of the dial, an applied Omega emblem at 12, and new larger “OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL” font printed on the dial at 12.
Most notably, many of the rumors on the internet suggested that the watch would come with a new black ceramic bezel insert (which was not that far-fetched), but to keep it more true to the original, and presumably to maintain space certification, the aluminum bezel insert has in fact been retained. Omega has significant expertise in using ceramics for cases, dials, bezels, and even clasps, but ultimately, ceramic is a material that although extremely scratch-resistant, can also be broken with sufficient impact force, not to mention anodized aluminum bezels have been tried and tested in space for decades.
As expected the caliber 3861 movement powers all eight new regular production Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional references. The caliber 3861 references supplant caliber 1861 Speedmasters, which are all now discontinued. Omega’s caliber 3861 movement is “Master Chronometer” rated, has a free-sprung balance spring, has been bumped from 48 to 50-hours of power reserve, and also features second hacking. This is not news though, as the movement was first introduced in 2019, and has subsequently appeared in the Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition in gold in 2019, the Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition stainless steel Limited Series in 2019, and the Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary Limited Series in 2020.
Beyond the subtly changed throwback case style with flatter chronograph pushers, the slightly evolved dial, and the enhanced movement — there are a few additional new points to highlight. Two new solid gold Speedmasters, one in 18K white gold and the other in 18K red gold (Sedna), are available and feature gold hands and instead of printed indices, they’re gold hand-applied indices. The Speedmaster is available with a new black nylon coated textile strap, and there are newly redesigned bracelets — that vary depending on the model — and all have more tapering towards the clasp than outgoing bracelets on regular production models. Unfortunately, the sexy retro bracelet — seen on the 2019 stainless steel Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Series, as well as the 2020 Ed White Speedmaster re-issue — is not offered on any of these models at launch.
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Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer Professional Chronograph – Hesalite – 42 mm – Caliber 3861
310.32.42.50.01.001 $5,950 (strap)
310.30.42.50.01.001 $6,300 (bracelet)
Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer Professional Chronograph – Sapphire – 42 mm – Caliber 3861
310.32.42.50.01.002 $6,800 (strap)
310.30.42.50.01.002 $7,150 (bracelet)
Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer Professional Chronograph – SednaTM gold – 42 mm – Caliber 3861
310.63.42.50.01.001 $24,600 (strap)
310.60.42.50.01.001 $34,800 (bracelet)
Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer Professional Chronograph – Canopus goldTM – 42 mm – Caliber 3861
310.63.42.50.02.001 $30,400 (strap)
310.60.42.50.02.001 $45,300 (bracelet)
