The new Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Master Chronometer: From 1861 to 3861

By Montredo in News
January 5, 2021
The new Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Master Chronometer: From 1861 to 3861

The rumors had been growing lately, but now it’s finally official: Omega just introduced its new Moonwatch. Find out what makes the watch so special, what distinguishes it from its predecessor, and much more here.

Kicking off 2021 with flying colours

The new year has barely really started yet and Omega already drops such a bomb. The Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is of course not just any watch: On July 21, 1969, two astronauts wrote world history when they walked on the surface of the moon for the first time, both with an Omega Speedmaster on their wrists. This of course gave the watch an immediate icon status.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Master Chronometer
The new Speedy Moonwatch.

What’s new?

To the untrained eye, the new Speedmaster may look suspiciously similar to its predecessor at first glance, but a closer look (and a direct comparison) reveals some differences – albeit marginal.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Master Chronometer
Old vs. New

Generally speaking, the design language is the same, i.e. a 42mm case with turned-in, so-called lyre lugs. Upon closer inspection, however, you will see more pronounced vintage elements that Omega has cleverly translated into 2021. In addition to a slightly different minute ring and the visually more recessed totalizers of the step dial, the dial prints are also a bit more distinguished. All in all, the new Speedmaster Moonwatch thereby comes across as a bit more refined. This impression is further reinforced by the more delicately manufactured bracelet.

Like the previous models, the new Moonwatch models are again available with either sapphire crystal or hesalite glass. The former are equipped with a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet with polished and brushed links. The hesalite models, on the other hand, either come with a nylon fabric strap or with a completely brushed stainless steel bracelet.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Master Chronometer
The new, revised bracelet tapers from 20 to 15mm.

Calibre 3861 instead of 1861

Of course, Omega has also made changes to the inner workings and henceforth relies on the caliber 3861, which replaces Omega’s caliber 1861. Although the 1861 is not a bad caliber per se, it has already been in use for more than half a century and is therefore no longer completely in tune with the times.

With the new 3861, however, the Biel-based brand once again underscores its pioneering position in the watch industry when it comes to modern calibers. First officially unveiled by Omega in the spring of 2019, the hand-wound caliber 3861 now boasts a Master Chronometer certification, attesting highest levels of accuracy and resistance to magnetic fields. In collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Metrology, or METAS, each movement undergoes a rigorous 10-day series of 8 different tests.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Master Chronometer
Calibre 3861 up close.

The movement with Omega’s Co-Axial escapement thus achieves a power reserve of 50 hours.

Prices & Availability

The watches are available as of now. Prices for the Hesalite Speedies with strap (ref. 310.32.42.50.01.001) start at €5,900, while the stainless steel bracelet (ref. 310.30.42.50.01.001) asks for an additional €300 surcharge. The sapphire crystal models, on the other hand, will set you back €6,700 (ref. 310.32.42.50.01.002) and €7,000 (ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002) for the model with stainless steel bracelet.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Master Chronometer
The popular Dot over 90 on the bezel also made a comeback.

In addition to the stainless steel classics, Omega has also introduced two gold versions, available in either Sedna or Canopus gold and only available in Omega boutiques.

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Previous comments (2)

  1. Long overdue, a great watch in all regards! Also kudos to Omega for listening to their fan communitiy, something a lot of watch brands certainly wouldn’t do.

    January 7, 2021
  2. Let the waiting list games begin…

    January 21, 2021

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