Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite

In the realm of luxury timepieces, Omega stands as a beacon of innovation and heritage, continually pushing the boundaries of watchmaking while honoring its storied past. The latest testament to this ethos is the new Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite watches, a pair of timepieces that not only encapsulates the brand's pioneering spirit but also its deep-seated connection to the cosmos. This collection, consisting of two distinct 43mm stainless steel models, marks a significant milestone in the Speedmaster lineage, a collection forever intertwined with space exploration since its historic journey to the Moon in 1969.



The Speedmaster, in its many iterations, has long been celebrated for its robustness, precision, and association with lunar missions. However, these new Moonphase Meteorite models elevate the collection to celestial heights, literally, through the incorporation of meteorite in both the dial and the moonphase display. This introduction is not just a nod to the Speedmaster's lunar legacy but a bold statement of Omega's mastery over material science and watchmaking artistry. The two watches, differentiated by their dial colors - a black PVD coated meteorite dial and a galvanic grey coated meteorite dial - each offer a unique visual experience, underscored by the distinct, ribbon-like patterns inherent to iron meteorite.



Diving deeper into the visual aesthetics, the black dial variant, reference 304.30.43.52.01.001, presents a dark, enigmatic face set against a black PVD coated base. The use of 18K white gold for the hands and hour markers provides a striking contrast, enhancing legibility while adding a touch of luxury. The black ceramic bezel, adorned with a white enamel tachymeter scale, frames the dial beautifully, creating a cohesive and appealing look. From a collector's perspective, this watch exudes a sense of mystery and depth, reminiscent of the vast, uncharted expanses of space. The subtle gleam of the white gold elements against the dark meteorite dial is visually mesmerizing, akin to stars shining in the night sky.



The grey dial variant, reference 304.30.43.52.06.001, offers a different, yet equally compelling, visual narrative. The galvanic grey coated meteorite dial, set on a blue PVD coated base, is complemented by a blue ceramic bezel with a white enamel tachymeter scale. This model uses 18K white gold for the subdial hands, while the hour markers and hour-minute hands are coated in blue PVD, harmonizing with the overall color scheme. For a watch enthusiast, this piece is a study in contrast and color harmony. The lighter dial provides a clearer view of the meteorite's unique patterns, while the blue accents add a vibrant, dynamic quality to the watch's appearance. The interplay of grey, blue, and white gold is visually striking, offering a more vivid portrayal of the cosmic theme.



The dial is a canvas where Omega's craftsmanship shines. Crafted from iron meteorite, each dial is unique, bearing the natural, ribbon-like patterns characteristic of this ancient space material. This choice not only pays homage to the Speedmaster's lunar connection but also ensures that no two watches are exactly alike. Omega takes this a step further by applying either a black PVD or a galvanic grey coating to the meteorite, creating two distinct visual experiences.



The heart of these timepieces lies in their innovative moonphase display. Positioned at 6 o'clock, this feature showcases two cabochon Moons crafted from genuine pieces of Moon meteorite. This is a first for the Speedmaster collection and a detail that sets these watches apart. The Moons are designed to accurately depict the lunar phases as seen from both the northern and southern hemispheres, a testament to Omega's attention to detail and technical prowess. Adding to the celestial charm, the stars in the background of the moonphase are positioned exactly as they were on the night of the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, as seen from Omega's headquarters in Bienne, Switzerland. This detail connects the watch to a pivotal moment in history and underscores Omega's role in space exploration.



At the 3 o'clock position, a subdial houses a 60-minute and 12-hour recorder, while the 9 o'clock subdial features a small seconds display along with a date indication, highlighted by a red anodized aluminum hand. These complications are not only practical but also enhance the watch's visual complexity and appeal. The layout is balanced and intuitive, ensuring that the wealth of information is presented in a legible and aesthetically pleasing manner. The addition of the red date hand adds a pop of color and draws attention to this useful feature.



The technical specifications of these watches are as impressive as their design. They are powered by the brand-new manual-winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9914, a movement that represents the pinnacle of Omega's watchmaking technology. This movement is visible through the flat sapphire crystal on the caseback, showcasing its special finish and intricate details. It boasts anti-magnetic properties up to 15,000 gauss and is certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), guaranteeing the highest standard of precision and performance. The movement has a 60-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 4 Hz.



The use of a manual-winding movement in a modern luxury watch is a nod to traditional watchmaking, offering a more intimate and engaging experience for the wearer. Winding the watch becomes a daily ritual, a moment to connect with the intricate mechanics that power the timepiece. The Calibre 9914 is not only a marvel of engineering but also a piece of art, with rhodium-plated bridges, red varnished engravings, and Geneva waves in arabesque.



Each watch features a 43mm stainless steel case, a size that strikes a balance between presence and wearability. The case is 13.6mm thick, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 48.6mm and a lug width of 21mm. These dimensions ensure that the watch makes a statement on the wrist without being overly bulky. The case is complemented by a polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet, featuring Omega's patented comfort release adjustment system. This system allows for fine adjustments to the bracelet's length, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum comfort. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, protects the dial and ensures optimal visibility in various lighting conditions. The watch is water-resistant up to 5 bar (50 meters / 165 feet), making it suitable for everyday wear.



The black dial version features a polished black ceramic bezel ring with a white enamel tachymeter scale, adding to its sleek and modern look. The grey dial version, on the other hand, sports a polished blue ceramic bezel ring with a white enamel tachymeter scale, offering a more vibrant and dynamic aesthetic. Both bezels are not only visually appealing but also functional, allowing the wearer to measure speed over a known distance.



The bracelet, crafted from polished and brushed stainless steel, is both robust and comfortable. The patented comfort release adjustment system is a standout feature, allowing for quick and easy adjustments to ensure the perfect fit. This attention to detail is what sets Omega apart, demonstrating the brand's commitment to not only aesthetic excellence but also wearer comfort and practicality.



Omega's dedication to quality and precision is further underscored by the Master Chronometer certification, a rigorous testing process that ensures the watch meets the highest standards of performance, accuracy, and magnetic resistance. This certification, along with the 5-year warranty, provides peace of mind and underscores the brand's confidence in the durability and reliability of its timepieces.



Priced at $17,100, the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite watches are positioned at the upper end of the luxury watch market. This pricing reflects the exceptional materials, innovative features, and meticulous craftsmanship that go into each watch.



Case: Stainless steel, 43 mm diameter, 13.6 mm thick, 48.6 mm lug-to-lug, 21 mm between lugs. Polished and brushed finish, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Water-resistant to 5 bar (50 meters / 165 feet). Polished black or blue ceramic bezel ring with white enamel tachymeter scale.

Movement: Manual-winding Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9914. Column wheel and Co-Axial escapement, certified Master Chronometer by METAS, resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. Silicon balance-spring, 2 barrels mounted in series, 60 hours power reserve. Frequency 4 Hz. Rhodium-plated bridges, red varnished engravings, Geneva waves in arabesque.

Dial: Iron meteorite, black PVD or galvanic grey coating. 18K white gold hands and hour markers (black dial), blue PVD coated 18K white gold hour markers and hour-minute hands, 18K white gold subdial hands (grey dial). Moonphase indication at 6 o’clock with two cabochon Moons made from Moon meteorite. 60-minute and 12-hour recorder at 3 o’clock, small seconds and date display at 9 o’clock with red anodized aluminum hand.

Strap: Polished and brushed stainless steel bracelet. Patented comfort release adjustment system. Foldover clasp with comfort setting.

Price: $17,100

Reference Number: 304.30.43.52.01.001 (Black Dial), 304.30.43.52.06.001 (Grey Dial)

Notes: Features dials made from iron meteorite with unique patterns. Moonphase display includes two Moons crafted from genuine Moon meteorite, showing phases from both hemispheres. Stars in moonphase background positioned as they were during Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, viewed from Bienne, Switzerland.