As Omega’s most popular model, the Speedmaster is a vital part of the brand’s identity. It’s also been an important part of space exploration history and has been worn by everyone from astronauts to athletes and celebrities.
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase watches have been around since 1985, but they were later on updated in 2016, with a range of eye-catching colors and most notably, Master Chronometer status.
This collection has now grown to include 13 variations. Here’s a closer look at the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Master Chronometer range.
Sizing
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Master Chronometer 304.33.44.52.03.001
The Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Master Chronometer is a 44.25mm case with a thickness of 17mm. It’s a little large to easily tuck under your cuff.
The larger size not only fits the going trends in timepieces, but also allows the movement to accommodate a larger power reserve of up to 60 hours.
This sizing, along with the colorful designs, makes quite the statement.
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Metal and Color Options
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase in Steel and Steel and Sedna Gold
The earliest models of this range came in stainless steel, with the ceramic bezel and Liquidmetal™ tachymeter scales being two of their most pleasing features. With matching dial and bezel colors in blue or black, combined with highly contrasting luminous markers, the stainless steel Speedmaster Moonphase watch is a stunning piece. These models feature a subdued leather strap in black or dark blue, or a stainless steel bracelet.
Over the years, Omega continued to add new materials to the collection, beginning with an all-blue Ceramic material as part of their “Dark Side of the Moon” collection. Dubbed “Blue Side of the Moon”, the entire case, crowns, and pushers are made of blue ceramic, while the choice between 18k white gold and 18k Sedna™ gold indices add a luxurious touch.
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Blue Side of the Moon (photo: Omega)
There are also options in full 18k yellow gold and Sedna™ gold, and two-tone editions combining robust stainless steel with these precious metals.
The red Sedna™ Gold version uses a composite of ceramic and gold to show the scale in Omega’s patented Ceragold™ rose gold alloy. The warm gold finish of the case contrasts nicely with the black dial and tachymetre bezel while rose gold hour and index markers and hands complement the colorway.
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Yellow Gold Watch 304.63.44.52.02.001
The same scheme goes for the 18k yellow gold version, only this time a silvery opaline dial that balances the opulent look of the gold case. For both yellow gold and Sedna gold versions of the timepiece, a hand-engraved moon disc in the same solid gold material appears on the moonphase aperture, filled with enamel and sprinkled with silver powder to channel a starry sky.
On the two-tone steel and Sedna™ Gold version, a brushed brown dial and brown ceramic ring lend warmth to the timepiece; while on the two-tone steel and gold version, a green ceramic bezel ring and gunmetal grey dial provide a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Steel and Gold (photo: Omega)
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Dial and Moonphase Display
Dials
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Black Dial (photo: Omega)
Instead of a date window, the Speedmaster Moonphase has a subdial at the 9 o’clock location. A polished hand with a red crescent moon at the end partially encircles the current date as it follows along the dial. The calendar will have to be manually adjusted 5 times per year, but this can be done quickly using the quick set feature. The second hand on this calendar dial also tracks the running seconds.
Turning the crown in the second position allows you to change the date in one direction and the moon phase when turning it in the other direction.
The subdial located at 3 o’clock tracks the hours and minutes of your chronograph timer, while the large seconds hand tracks the timer’s seconds.
Moonphase
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Blue Dial
This partially hidden dial features an high-definition lunar surface, an incredibly realistic image that follows the phases of the moon. In tribute to the original Speedmaster watches that landed on all six lunar trips, there’s a NASA astronaut’s footprint found on the lunar surface image. Buzz Aldrin’s footprint is located in the image in the exact location where he first landed on the moon. It’s not to scale, obviously, but it’s a nice touch for lunar enthusiasts!
As mentioned, the full gold models feature a hand-engraved gold rendition of the moon on a black field.
The moon phase dial on each model is incredibly detailed and almost lifelike. It’s also highly accurate and will only have to be adjusted once every 10 years.
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Movement
Aside from their striking designs, what’s most noteworthy about the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase is that they became the first Speedmaster models to be certified by METAS as a Master Chronometer — all thanks to the debut of Caliber 9904 inside.
The original Omega Speedmaster Moonphase watch of the 1980s had to be manually wound, but you’ll find that the more modern versions are powered by a powerful self-winding movement that can boast about some impressive additions.
Omega Caliber 9904 (photo: Omega)
The Co-Axial escapement allows for longer periods between servicing because the smaller inner parts don’t require as much lubrication at points of contact. This bumped up Omega’s warranty period to 4 years.
The twin-barrel Omega 9904 automatic caliber has a COSC chronometer designation, as well as, the METAS Master Chronometer certification. The COSC means that a 3rd party facility (Swiss) tests the movement uncased and must be accurate to -4/+6 seconds per day. Once that level of accuracy is tested and achieved, then another 3rd party facility tests for METAS.
The Si14 silicon balance spring is part of the METAS certification and makes the movement impervious to electromagnetic frequencies. METAS facility tests for temperature fluctuations, water immersion, water resistance, and magnetic frequency exposure to 15,000 gauss.
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Omega Speedmaster Moonphase: Final Thoughts
The Omega Speedmaster Moonphase is a great watch for anyone looking for something different. It has the classic look of the Speedmaster with a sophisticated complication – not to mention added flair.
The sporty aesthetic is also great for everyday wear – just try not to get distracted by the incredible beauty and design implemented in the moon phase dial!
If you’d like a statement piece from Omega or the world’s top watch brands, explore more than 2,500 watches in stock and ready to ship at SwissWatchExpo.com.
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