In some exciting news for Speedmaster fans and space aficionados alike, Omega has recently launched the latest iteration of its iconic chronograph, the Omega Speedmaster. This new edition boasts a striking lacquered white dial, drawing inspiration from both space exploration aesthetics and the illustrious heritage of the Speedmaster collection. Not only will we cover all the details of this new white Speedmaster but we’ll outline some more affordable alternatives in case you’re not ready to splurge on this spendy luxury chronograph.
The New Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in White
Rumors of the new Speedmaster began back in November 2023 when it was spotted on the wrist of Omega brand ambassador Daniel Craig at the Planet Omega Exhibition in New York. Now, after much anticipation, the design has been officially unveiled and is set to hit the market for public sale.
Image: Daniel Craig wearing white dial Speedmaster prototype, 2023
Of course, the watch’s most distinctive feature is its rare white dial. When the original Speedmaster was first created in 1957, one of the main goals of the designers was to produce an easy-to-read display with superb legibility. Hence, the white hands and indexes on a black dial. On this new version, the opposite colorway has the same result. Not only has Omega produced this new dial in white with black detailing and new applied indexes, but the Speedmaster name is rendered in red, allowing it to really pop against the crisp white background. This is the first time Omega has used a glossy lacquered finish on a Moonwatch step dial.
Omega opted for a white, black, and red dial for the new Speedmaster for several reasons. First, it was inspired by the white and black colorway of astronaut spacesuits – a nod to Omega’s history of making NASA-approved watches to take on space missions. The dash of red on the dial also draws inspiration from the red lines featured on NASA astronaut suits since 1970. Furthermore, in 1969, the brand developed the ALASKA I prototype as part of a covert NASA project aimed at crafting the ideal space watch. The choice of a white dial was not just aesthetic; it offered superior thermal reflection, a crucial factor in the harsh conditions of space. The red Speedmaster name on the new model pays homage to the protective red case of the original ALASKA I watch.
Image: Omega “Alaska I” Prototype, 1969
The rest of the watch retains the signature Moonwatch chronograph design blueprint, which is to say a 42mm stainless steel case, a black bezel with a tachymeter scale, a trio of subdials, and a manual-winding movement. Omega offers the new white Speedmaster with several band options including a full stainless steel bracelet, a black micro-perforated leather strap featuring red and white stitching, or a black rubber strap with a moon surface pattern on the underside.
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Price
Retail prices for the new Omega Speedmaster in white range from $7,800 for the versions with straps and $8,100 when paired with the matching steel link bracelet. For most of us, that’s a hefty sum of money for a watch – even for one of the world’s most famous chronographs. If you’re not ready to make that kind of investment yet, fear not, we’ve found some budget-friendly alternatives to the Speedmaster with a white dial.
Five Affordable Alternatives to the White Speedmaster
Here are a handful of cheaper alternatives to the white Omega Speedmaster, ranging from $90 to just over $3,000.
Pagani Design PD-1701
Price: $89.99
If you don’t mind homage watches, then Pangani Design makes the PD-1701 quartz model, which is essentially a Speedmaster lookalike. The company offers several versions of the model including a variant that looks remarkably like the brand new white Speedmaster – complete with a bracelet. For less than $90, this is likely the most affordable alternative to the white Speedmaster available on the market right now.
Q Timex 3-Time Zone Chronograph 40mm
Price: $153.99
Timex, the company known for making cheap and cheerful watches, is also home to a budget-friendly alternative to the white Speedy. As its name suggests, the Q Timex 3-Time Zone Chronograph pairs the chronograph function with a GMT, all powered by a quartz movement. The 40mm steel case is topped with a black 24-hour bezel and its white dial includes a red 24-hour hand and a date window. Like the Speedmaster, the Q Timex 3-Time Zone Chronograph is available with a rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet.
Swatch MoonSwatch Snoopy Mission to the MoonPhase
Price: $310
In what will likely be one of the biggest releases of 2024, Swatch has just announced a brand new MoonSwatch model, which is not only the first with a moonphase indicator but also features Snoopy. Of course, Omega has its own versions of the Speedmaster Snoopy, but the MoonSwatch Snoopy costs a fraction of the price – if you can get your hands on it. The all-white variant is the closest lookswise to the new white Speedmaster watch; plus, if you switch the white Velcro strap that comes with it with a black rubber or leather strap, it’ll look even more like Omega’s version.
Depancel Allure Chronograph Manual 39mm
Price: $650
Depancel, an independent French watch brand, has the Allure Chronograph Manual 39mm in its catalog, which is a funkier alternative to the white Speedmaster at a more accessible price point. It’s smaller than the Moonwatch with its 39mm steel case and it leans heavily into the racing chronograph aesthetic. However, with its lighter silver dial, black internal bezel, perforated racing strap, and hand-wound chronograph movement, it does share some similarities with the white Speedmaster.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Limited Edition Mechanical Chronograph SRQ035
Price: $3,200
Limited to 1,000 examples and priced at over $3,000, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SRQ035 is the most expensive alternative to the white Speedmaster on our list, yet it’s still less than half the price. The watch features a 42.5mm steel case paired with a matching steel bracelet. The white dial includes two counters, a date window, and a black tachymeter scale. The automatic movement is visible via the display caseback and the dial is shielded by a dual-curved sapphire crystal.
There you have it; our rundown of the latest white Speedmaster Moonwatch by Omega and some inexpensive alternatives. Do you like the new white Speedy? Would you consider adding it to your collection? Leave us your comment below.