Omega has unveiled two striking new additions to its esteemed Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional collection for 2026. These latest iterations feature a distinctive black and white "reverse panda" dial configuration, a relatively uncommon design within the Moonwatch lineage. Available in either robust stainless steel or luxurious Moonshine Gold, these timepieces seamlessly blend the Speedmaster's legendary heritage with a fresh, contrasting aesthetic. Enthusiasts can anticipate the refined craftsmanship and advanced horology synonymous with Omega, encapsulated in these visually arresting new models.
The modern Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is widely recognized as a horological icon, famously associated with the Apollo 11 mission. While the classic steel version with a closed back and Hesalite crystal remains a cornerstone, Omega consistently innovates, offering over 20 variations of this celebrated chronograph. The brand's tradition of releasing new Speedmaster models early in the year continues with these 2026 editions. The black and white "reverse panda" dial, characterized by a black main dial with white sub-counters, is a significant highlight. Previous examples of panda dials (white dial, black sub-counters) include the 2004 Apollo XI 35th Anniversary and the 2003 "Mitsukoshi" limited edition. However, reverse panda dials have been rarer, with notable past instances like the 2017 "Speedy Tuesday" edition. The Moonshine Gold version of this new release was subtly previewed at the 2025 Met Gala, worn by actor Colman Domingo, building anticipation for its official launch.
These new Black and White Speedmaster editions maintain the foundational specifications of the "sapphire sandwich" variant, featuring sapphire crystals on both the front and back. The iconic 42mm asymmetrical case, with its signature crown and pusher protection, lyre-shaped lugs, and external tachymeter bezel, remains intact. These models benefit from the comprehensive updates Omega applied to the collection in 2021. Both the stainless steel and 18k Moonshine gold cases measure 13.18mm in thickness and have a lug-to-lug distance of 47.5mm. The screw-in caseback, complete with a sapphire crystal, allows for an unobstructed view of the movement within. The watches offer a water resistance of 50 meters, consistent with the collection's standards. The box-shaped sapphire crystal on top provides protection, though it differs from the Hesalite-like sapphire crystal seen on some other Speedmaster models.
A defining feature of these watches is the external tachymeter scale, which adorns the bezel's frame. In these new models, the bezel ring is crafted from polished black ceramic, a departure from the traditional aluminum inserts found on many classic black or recent white dial Moonwatches. The tachymeter scale itself is rendered in fade-resistant white enamel and retains historical markings such as the "dot over ninety" and "dot diagonal to 70." This ceramic insert is uniformly applied across both the steel and Moonshine Gold variations. Complementing these robust cases is the retro-style "Nixon" bracelet, characterized by its brushed and polished finish. Measuring 20mm at the lugs and tapering to 15mm at the clasp, this flexible and aesthetically pleasing bracelet is secured by a striped folding clasp featuring a polished Omega logo, security pushers, and an integrated comfort extension.
The newly designed black and white dials are the focal point of these releases. Building upon the 2021 Speedmaster Moonwatch updates, these 2026 reverse panda editions feature a classic stepped layout with enhanced refinement. The main dial showcases a polished black surface with a varnished and lacquered finish, creating a distinct glossy effect. The sub-counters mirror this varnished and lacquered treatment but are presented in white, creating the striking contrast. What truly sets these dials apart from standard black dial Moonwatches are the applied hour markers and logo, paired with polished metal hands. On the steel variant, these elements are rhodium-plated and feature white Super-LumiNova for superior legibility. For the Moonshine Gold edition, the hour markers, main hands, and sub-dial hands are crafted from solid gold, while the central seconds hand receives a PVD Moonshine Gold coating. All luminous elements on the gold version also utilize white Super-LumiNova. The minute track is precisely transferred in white on the main dial, with the sub-dials featuring black transferred minute tracks, resulting in a crisp, highly readable, yet elegantly refined aesthetic.
Internally, these new Speedmaster Moonwatch Black and White models are powered by the in-house Calibre 3861, a direct evolution of the time-honored hand-wound calibres 1861 and 861, which have been integral to the Moonwatch's performance for over five decades. This movement maintains a cam-lever chronograph architecture but incorporates contemporary advancements. Key upgrades include Omega's Co-Axial escapement and a silicon hairspring, enabling the movement to achieve Master Chronometer certification. This certification ensures exceptional precision, performance, and resistance to powerful magnetic fields, up to 15,000 gauss. The Calibre 3861 operates at a frequency of 3Hz and offers an approximate power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound, a testament to its reliability and modern engineering.
These impressive new additions to the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional line are slated to become part of the brand's permanent collection, ensuring their continued availability. The stainless steel version is priced at EUR 10,200 (including taxes) or CHF 8,100 (excluding taxes). For those seeking an elevated aesthetic, the Moonshine Gold edition will retail for EUR 48,600 (including taxes) or CHF 38,400 (excluding taxes). These pricing structures reflect the meticulous craftsmanship, advanced technology, and premium materials used in each timepiece, offering options for various preferences within the luxury watch market. These new models are set to be a significant release for Omega, reinforcing the Speedmaster's enduring appeal and innovation.