While we wouldn’t dream of questioning the style choices of anyone who has travelled to the moon (not even Buzz Aldrin), Omega is clearly of the impression that its smallest lunar specialist (the original Moonwatch being 42mm) was in need of dash of feminine glamour and has created both solid yellow and Sedna gold versions of its Moonwatch 38mm.
Omega first introduced the Moonwatch 38mm three years ago as a feminine take of the classic Moonwatch design and, until today, represented 16 distinct references ranging from sporty all the way through to diamond-set elegance, there’s even a model which imitates the iconic black and steel aesthetic of the original chronograph.
Not only does the Speedmaster 38mm use a smaller case size and delicate pastel dial colours to distinguish it from Omega’s ‘Professional’ tool watches, but each circular chronograph register is enclosed in a recessed oval to soften the dial’s look.
While the collection had experimented with gold bezels and pushers to produce bi-metal pieces, it has always been a predominantly steel watch. Perhaps the recent success of the Apollo XI 50th Anniversary watch in a blistering proprietary Moonshine 18ct yellow gold alloy was all the evidence Omega needed to roll more gold out across the Speedmaster collection.
But now four new references add not only the option for either solid 18ct yellow gold or Omega’s red-hued Sedna gold, but also a choice of bezel too. The famous Tachymeter scale is available on a recognisable aluminium bezel or an innovative split bezel which features a thinner tachymeter scale and an outer row of 90 full-cut diamonds as well.
The warmer shade of the Sedna gold models is paired with a creamy cappuccino dial while the yellow gold watches better suit a lighter silvery opaline dial while a round date window is embedded in the 12-hour chronograph register at the six o’clock position. Neither use the contrasting coloured sub dials previously employed for the Moonwatch 38mm. The watches are presented on leather straps in subdued shades of taupe brown and forest green respectively.
While stylish Speedmasters are one thing, the thought of a Moonwatch that didn’t perform is too much to bear. Fortunately, the Moonwatch 38mm’s 3330 automatic chronograph movement is no slouch with column wheel and Co-Axial escapement.
Price & Specs:
Brand: Omega Speedmaster 38mm
Ref: 324.68.38.50.02.003 (Sedna gold with diamonds); 324.63.38.50.02.003 (Sedna gold); 324.68.38.50.02.004 (yellow gold with diamonds); 324.63.38.50.02.004 (yellow gold)
Model: Speedmaster 38 C-Axial Chronograph 38mm
Case/Dial: 38mm, Sedna pink gold or yellow gold
Water Resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Calibre Omega 3330, automatic, chronometer-certified, 27 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 52h
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, 12-hour chronograph with central seconds, date
Strap: Taupe leather (Sedna gold models) and green leather (yellow gold models)
Price: £12,520 (standard bezel) and £15,175 (diamond bezel)
More details at Omega’s website.
