I believe it’s secure to say we don’t count on any extra Omega Speedmaster fashions this yr. Simply final week, Omega launched the Speedmaster Pilot Flight Certified after teasing us with an analogous mannequin for US navy pilots solely. However this yr’s releases had already began coming in January when Omega launched the newly up to date Speedmaster Darkish Facet of the Moon Apollo 8 that includes the much-discussed rocket hand.
On this article, I’ll present a quick overview of all Omega Speedmaster fashions launched in 2024.
January: Speedmaster Darkish Facet of the Moon Apollo 8
On Tuesday, January sixteenth, Omega held a Speedmaster occasion for our readers in Biel, Switzerland. Throughout this occasion, the model additionally launched the Speedmaster Darkish Facet of the Moon Apollo 8. This watch is certainly not totally new as a result of the DSotM Apollo 8 already debuted in 2018 for the fiftieth anniversary of the mission by which NASA astronauts noticed the opposite facet of the Moon for the primary time. This yr, Omega launched an upgraded model of that watch. Nothing a lot has modified from afar, however as at all times with Omega, the satan is within the particulars.
Caliber 3869 with Moon craters
For starters, Omega up to date the caliber 1869 (a specifically embellished model of the 1861) with caliber 3869. This motion relies on the fashionable Grasp Chronometer-certified caliber 3861, however it now has extra particulars because of newer laser ablation strategies. There’s extra distinction on the dial now because the laser ablation takes place earlier than the varnishing course of. However probably the most talked-about distinction on the dial is the small Saturn V rocket that serves because the hand for the working seconds. It even exhibits “USA” on the rocket as a result of a lot element was potential on this 1:19,000-scale mannequin.
Your first Darkish Facet of the Moon
It’s maybe not price upgrading your present 44.25mm Speedmaster Darkish Facet of the Moon Apollo 8, however when you’re considering getting your first Darkish Facet of the Moon, this new Apollo 8 has every little thing you need! The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 reference 310.92.44.50.01.001 is a part of the common assortment and has a retail value of CHF 13,500 / €15,800 / US$14,300. You possibly can examine this watch here.
March: Speedmaster Skilled Moonwatch with a white dial
On Tuesday, March fifth, Omega lastly launched the watch seen on the wrist of former James Bond actor Daniel Craig just a few months earlier than at a red-carpet occasion. At first, I wasn’t utterly certain if I’d need this Moonwatch variant as I have already got the white-dial Snoopy model from 2015. However when making an attempt it out for our hands-on article, I shortly realized that it appears to be like and feels totally 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 hyperlinks. It appears to be like very recent, and it’s one of many watches that obtained me so many feedback from individuals who observed it on my wrist. All specs are just like the 42mm Moonwatch “Sapphire Sandwich” with a black dial, however this model has a white lacquered dial with utilized indexes. There’s a small distinction in value between this watch and the sapphire Moonwatch with black dial, which, in keeping with Omega, is because of the lacquering course of.
Area fits and protecting instances
The “Speedmaster” wording on the dial is crimson so as to add a little bit of a spark, and black PVD-treated diamond-polished fingers match the indexes and prime all of it off. Omega says the white dial is a nod to Apollo astronauts’ area fits, and the protecting case from the Alaska Undertaking watch impressed the crimson printing. Regardless of the clarification, it simply appears to be like cool, and it’s simply considered one of my favourite watches of 2024.
Bracelet first, strap later
The Speedmaster Skilled Moonwatch with a white dial is out there in three configurations. You may get it on a leather-based strap, a rubber strap, or a chrome steel bracelet with an easy-adjustment system within the clasp. I recommend you at all times go for the model on the bracelet (reference 310.30.42.50.04.001) and order a further strap of alternative in a while. The value of the all-steel model is €9,000 / CHF 7,700 / US$8,100. You possibly can learn all the main points on the white-dial Moonwatch in my hands-on article here.
April: Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024
On Tuesday, April sixteenth, Omega launched two commemorative Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 watches for the Olympic Video games. The big (43mm) however stylish Chronoscope Paris 2024 is available in chrome steel or 18K Moonshine Gold. Each can be found with steel bracelets or on a strap.
Reside in Paris
We didn’t get these watches in for a hands-on overview, however I noticed them “dwell” throughout the Olympics in Paris earlier this yr. The Chronoscope isn’t for me, however these fashions are cool choices for somebody who doesn’t need the utilitarian look of a daily Speedmaster. The Arabic numerals on the silvery dial (or white opaline dial for the gold mannequin) give it a classy look, and the telemeter and pulsation scales within the middle of the dial ought to remind you of Omega’s Thirties and Nineteen Forties chronographs. Think about this dial in a spherical case with elegant skinny lugs and a leather-based strap!
Hidden motion
Inside is Omega’s caliber 9908 (and 9909 for the gold mannequin), the hand-wound model of the corporate’s caliber 9900. The motion is superbly embellished with the Arabesque Geneva waves, however it’s hidden beneath the particular Paris 2024 case again. You’ll need to take our phrase for it.
Gold and metal
The retail costs for the Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 are as follows:
- CHF 9,300 / €10,900 / US$9,800 for reference 522.30.43.51.02.001 (chrome steel on a bracelet)
- CHF 9,000 / €10,500 / US$9,500 for reference 522.32.43.51.02.001 (chrome steel on a strap)
- CHF 48,800 / €57,000 / US$51,400 for reference 522.60.43.51.02.001 (Moonshine Gold on a bracelet)
- CHF 31,000 / €36,300 / US$32,700 for reference 522.62.43.51.02.001 (Moonshine Gold on a strap)
You could find our introductory article on the Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 here.
April: Speedmaster 38 (with diamonds)
On Tuesday, April twenty third, Omega held an occasion in Milan, Italy, to introduce the brand new assortment of 38mm Speedmaster fashions. Formally, this can be a unisex assortment, however girls appear to favor it greater than gents do. Omega launched eight new references of the Speedmaster 38 in metal, Moonshine Gold, and Sedna Gold. It’s not a lot the scale or the usage of diamonds that makes it female, however I believe the oval-shaped sub-dials make it much less enticing for me as a person to put on.
Polished middle hyperlinks
That stated, once I was in Milan on the occasion and tried on the Speedmaster 38 (in gold), it blew me away. The dimensions appears to be like good on my 18.5cm wrist, and the polished middle hyperlinks on the gold bracelet remind me of the President bracelet, which I like. Finally, it might be a watch my spouse would take pleasure in sporting. She has an older model of the Speedmaster 38 and tried the gold model on a strap as soon as and liked it.
Caliber 3330
The brand new Speedmaster 38 references have been merely new variations of an present watch as Omega didn’t exchange caliber 3330 with a Grasp Chronometer-certified motion. That is in all probability one of many final mannequin traces that solely has the usual chronometer certification. This chronograph motion incorporates a column-wheel mechanism and a Co-Axial escapement, so there’s nothing to fret about. Omega tell us again in April that an upgraded model with the Grasp Chronometer certification is probably going coming sooner or later.
Solely luxurious additions
These new references ought to be thought-about luxurious variations of the present Speedmaster 38. They’re obtainable in metal with diamonds or full gold with diamonds. Costs for the brand new Speedmaster 38 begin at CHF 16,500 / €19,300 / US$17,400. A extra detailed article on these new Speedmaster 38 references is out there here.
June: Speedmaster Skilled in bicolor
On Tuesday, June 4th, Omega stunned us with the 42mm Speedmaster Skilled in metal and gold. Two fashions made their approach to the Fratello workplace — one in chrome steel and 18K yellow (Moonshine) gold and one in chrome steel and 18K rose (Sedna) gold. It has been some time since Omega made a two-tone Speedmaster Skilled! Apart from an Apollo 15 mannequin and a Tokyo 2020 restricted version lately, of which solely the instances have been metal and gold, within the Nineteen Eighties, Omega produced a bicolor Speedmaster Skilled (reference DD145.022) which additionally had a metal and gold bracelet.
Altering from rose to yellow
I had a tough time selecting a favourite right here. At first, I used to be utterly in favor of the metal and Sedna Gold mannequin, primarily because of its dial configuration. Nonetheless, just a few days later, I discovered myself sporting the metal and Moonshine Gold model, and it instantly struck me that this was the one I preferred extra!
Additionally obtainable on a leather-based strap
If I didn’t have already got the Speedmaster Skilled Apollo 11 fiftieth Anniversary in full Moonshine Gold, I believe I may need settled for this bicolor mannequin with Moonshine Gold. It appears to be like wonderful on the wrist, and the additional weight could be very noticeable. A number of months later, Omega additionally launched this duo on a leather-based strap, making the value tag a bit friendlier. Nonetheless, I desire the brand new Speedmaster Skilled Moonwatch in bicolor on the bracelet.
The Nineteen Eighties in 2024
These are cool watches with some Nineteen Eighties vibes however trendy specs (and high quality). The Omega Speedmaster Skilled ref. 310.20.42.50.02.001 (metal and Moonshine) and ref. 310.20.42.50.99.001 (metal and Sedna Gold) have the identical retail value of CHF 17,200 / €20,100 / US$18,100. You could find a hands-on overview (with video) of those bicolor Speedmaster Skilled watches here.
October: Speedmaster First Omega in Area in gray-blue
On Thursday (wait, what?), October third, Omega launched the brand new Speedmaster First Omega in Area watch. This historic date refers back to the first time an Omega watch was worn in area (in 1962), on the wrist of NASA astronaut Wally Schirra. Again in 2012, Omega additionally paid tribute to this occasion with the inaugural Speedmaster First Omega in Area mannequin based mostly on the Speedmaster CK2998 used throughout Schirra’s Sigma 7 mission.
A flat-link bracelet and caliber 3861
This straight-lug Speedmaster FOiS appears to be like similar to the Speedmaster Calibre 321 mannequin apart from the dial and (Alpha) fingers. The case of the 2012 Speedmaster FOiS was barely totally different and fewer true to the unique CK2998 than this new model. One other distinction is that as an alternative of a leather-based strap, this Speedmaster FOiS comes normal on a bracelet with an analogous flat-link design because the classic unique. After all, this Grasp Chronometer-certified Speedmaster homes Omega’s caliber 3861.
Together with a brand new domed crystal
The grey-blue dial isn’t some fantasy colour. Reasonably, it refers back to the unique dials from the Sixties. Omega used CVD (chemical vapor deposition) coating strategies to attain this particular hue for the Speedmaster FOiS’s step dial. Nonetheless, one of many coolest options is the brand new sapphire crystal that has the identical domed form because the Hesalite (acrylic) crystals.
Shortly obtainable in 2024
Omega was in a position to have these watches broadly in inventory on the day of launch, so once I joined this Speedmaster GTG just lately, I noticed that a number of of them had already discovered their manner into the collections of Speedmaster lovers.
Crew Bracelet
This watch is out there in three configurations — with a metal bracelet, a black leather-based strap, or a brown leather-based strap. The reference numbers for this new Speedmaster FOiS are 310.30.40.50.06.001 (metal bracelet), 310.32.40.50.06.001 (black leather-based), and 310.32.40.50.06.002 (brown leather-based). The retail costs are CHF 6,900 / €8,700 / US$7,900 for the bracelet model and CHF 6,600 / €8,300 / US$7,500 for the variations on straps. As you already know, I’m a member of Crew Bracelet all the best way, however the straps look good too. You possibly can learn our hands-on article on the Speedmaster FOiS here.
December: Speedmaster Pilot Flight Certified
On Tuesday, December tenth, Omega launched the “civilian” model of the Speedmaster Pilot Flight Certified. Loosely based mostly on the dial of the 1969 Flightmaster mannequin, the Speedmaster Pilot is a colourful variation of the Speedmaster ’57. It has a straight-lug Speedmaster case measuring 40.85mm in diameter and homes the self-winding caliber 9900.
A welcome exception
When the unique model for US navy pilots was leaked just a few months in the past, the responses have been extremely constructive. I’ve to say that I’ve been sporting the Speedmaster Pilot on and off since we’ve had it right here at Fratello, and together with the white-dial Moonwatch, it’s considered one of my favorites of 2024. Often, for my assortment of Speedmasters, I persist with the Moonwatch variations. Nonetheless, that is an exception I’m very happy to make. It appears to be like barely totally different from the Moonwatch or straight-lug variations, and it wears a bit otherwise as effectively. The case and bracelet are totally brushed, giving it a utilitarian look, and the colourful dial and fingers make it pop.
Colours
This isn’t your typical Speedmaster, a minimum of not one we’re used to seeing previously years. Nonetheless, Omega has used comparable colour schemes in varied Speedmaster variations. These embody the Speedmaster H10, the Speedmaster Mk40, and, in fact, the classic Flightmaster fashions.
Give it a strive
Though this Speedmaster Pilot is smaller in diameter than a Moonwatch, it’s barely thicker and longer. Be sure that to strive it before you purchase it (a clever factor to do in any case; specs on paper may be deceiving.)
The retail value for the Speedmaster Pilot ref. 332.10.41.51.01.002 is CHF 8,300 / €10,500 / US$9,500. You could find my hands-on overview here.
2024 was an excellent Speedmaster yr
Omega gave us many alternative choices to select from. Some folks like to stay to the normal Moonwatch and ignore anything. Others like (or dare) to be barely totally different. There’s no proper or incorrect. Go for the one which sings to you. If all of them sing to you, you could be in hassle. Not the entire above releases are for me, however some critical contenders for my Speedmaster assortment are amongst them. The Pilot and the Moonwatch with a white dial are on my checklist. Though I believe the Speedmaster FOiS is fairly cool, it’s too near my Speedmaster Calibre 321. However when you don’t have a 2012 FOiS or Calibre 321 in your assortment, the Speedmaster FOiS is price contemplating!
And for 2025…
I’m trying ahead to seeing what Omega will provide you with in 2025! I believe slimming down the Speedmaster household is a clever factor to do. Some fashions (e.g., Darkish Facet of the Moon) have been there for a few years and will use a refreshing replace. I additionally hope that one thing may be completed in regards to the pricing technique, though this isn’t restricted to Omega. For instance, the costs in euros are steep in comparison with the RRP in Swiss francs. The distinction is important once I add Swiss VAT and convert it to euros. I do know it doesn’t work like that, however I’d recognize it if costs have been (extra) equal globally. Wouldn’t it lead to extra gross sales in EU nations?
On a constructive notice, Omega had quite a bit in retailer for Speedmaster lovers in 2024. Aside from the white-dial Moonwatch, most of those fashions have been additionally obtainable quickly after launch. Once I visited the Speedmaster GTG 2024 just a few weeks in the past, the Speedmaster spark was nonetheless alive amongst collectors! There’s nonetheless the “want for velocity,” even in occasions not fueled by hype.
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