Omega, the Swiss watchmaker known for its iconic Speedmaster model, has unveiled a new version of the timepiece with a lacquered white dial that pays tribute to its history in space exploration. The new white dial Speedmaster is the first of its kind in steel and features a black, white, and red color scheme that is both elegant and sporty.
The Inspiration Behind the White Dial Speedmaster
The white dial Speedmaster is not a completely new creation, but rather a revival of a rare and sought-after prototype that Omega made in 1969 for NASA. The prototype, known as the Alaska I, was part of a secret project to design the perfect watch for space missions. Omega chose a white dial for the Alaska I because it provided a high thermal reflection coefficient, meaning it could withstand extreme temperatures in space. The Alaska I also had a protective red case that could be attached over the watch to shield it from sunlight.
The new white dial Speedmaster draws inspiration from the Alaska I, but also adds some modern touches. The white dial is made of glossy lacquer, a technique that has never been used on the Speedmaster’s step dial before. The dial also features black hands and markers, a blackened logo, and a red Speedmaster name and chronograph hand. The black, white, and red color scheme is a nod to the spacesuits worn by astronauts, as well as the commander’s rank.
The Technical Details of the White Dial Speedmaster
The new white dial Speedmaster is part of the Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional collection, which means it shares the same classic asymmetrical case that is 42 mm wide, 13.2 mm thick, and 47.5 mm lug-to-lug. The watch is a “sapphire sandwich” with sapphire crystals front and back, and has a “Dot Over 90” black aluminum bezel. Inside the watch is Omega’s Master Chronometer-certified caliber 3861 chronograph movement, the most up-to-date version of the caliber 321 that powered the first watch to be worn on the moon.
The new white dial Speedmaster comes with three different strap options: a vintage-inspired stainless steel bracelet, a black micro-perforated leather strap with red and white stitching, or an anti-bacterial rubber strap with a moon surface pattern on the underside. The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters and has a power reserve of 50 hours.
The Availability and Price of the White Dial Speedmaster
The new white dial Speedmaster is a permanent addition to the Omega collection, which means it is not a limited edition and will be available for the foreseeable future. However, given the popularity and rarity of the white dial Speedmaster, the demand is expected to be high. The watch will be available soon at Omega boutiques and retailers, at a price of $8,100 on the steel bracelet and $7,600 on the strap options.
