With two executions in black and white, alongside a new reverse panda dial configuration, it’s time to look at the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in stainless steel and 18k Moonshine gold

Summary

• Featuring rhodium plated frames on the subdials, 42mm case size and manual wind calibre 3861, the iconic timepiece, launched in 1957 keeps evolving into 2026.
• One of the most iconic watches reaches greater heights, with white enamel tachymetre scales, reverse panda layout, Côtes de Genève, and heritage nods like the “dot over 90”, positioned on the bezel.
• With the recessed dial a cue from the OG Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, refinement has been added thanks to the glossy black lacquer dials but retains the workhorse Calibre 3861, found on this model for half a century. 
• The new stepped dial with white subdials sitting below the black layout levels up this legendary novelty. There’s a black polished ceramic insert, lacquered finishing, polished metal hands, alongside hour markers and brand logo that have both been applied. 

Time for a joke. What’s black and white and red all over? No, not a sunburnt penguin. 

Speedy Tuesday (with a reverse panda twist)

This popular online watch community and phenomenon centered around the Omega Speedmaster is the stuff of legends. You might say, almost as much as the Rolex Daytona, launched in 1963. 

The inaugural piece with classic panda dial i.e. white face, black subdials was reference 6239 offering high legibility for racing. Paul Newman’s one sold in October 2017 for a cool $17.8 million. 

Reference 310.60.42.50.01.002, 18k Moonshine Gold edition

Although not as costly, 2026 has started with real high energy, thanks to the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional.

Available in stainless steel and 18k Moonshine gold, it’s the reverse panda dials that have horological tongues wagging. 

PEOPLE ALSO READ: Chrono Hunter's Must-Have Panda Dial Chronographs

The hour is upon us, as we cover the ins and outs of both new models…

Personality Of The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Black and White 

Gone is not only the hesalite sapphire crystal but the traditional chronograph white dial and black subcounters layout.

In favour, is what the brand has unveiled in the first few weeks of 2026, after the Christmas comedown. 

A refined and contemporary reverse panda dial look (black dial, white subdials) is this year’s weapon of choice.

This has been launched on a timepiece that has taken another giant leap, since being flexed on the wrist of astronaut Buzz Aldrin in 1969.

Renowned as the first watch to be worn on the moon’s surface, the Omega Speedmaster has more history than the 20-plus references contained in this specific series. 

Like the moon, what hasn’t changed on the surface is its classic appearance and sexy specs that makes this already one of the best Omega watches to buy this year. 

READ MORE: Top Omega Watches To Buy And Invest

Unlike Donald Trump’s obsession with acquiring Greenland, this is not a vanity project. In this case, it's about making Omega great again!

Firstly, this comes by the sapphire sandwich construction offering first protection via sapphire crystal. 

At 42mm x 13.18mm thick, everything is as it is from the previous revamp from 2021. However, brought up to modern standards are the ceramic bezels and of course those black lacquered dials. 

And these are the stars of the show. 

Intense and sleeker than a Stella McCartney ensemble at London Fashion Week, while it’s not a statement piece such as a Patek Philippe ref. 5980 or ref. 5990, there’s no denying the polished black base and white subdials create an impact. 

There’s a genuine crispness to the visuals together with the combination of varnishing and lacquering that sets this piece apart. Aside from polished metal hands, the dot over 90 remains with more vintage elements than a Commodore 64.

PEOPLE ALSO READ: 21 Best Vintage Watches To Buy Right Now - IWC Portugieser, Tudor Submariner

There are applied hour markers that translate over to the logo while there are subtle differences in terms of which variation. 

The stainless steel model displays this as rhodium-plated, whereas the 18k Moonshine gold number has the solid gold elements incorporated across the hands, sub-dial hands as well as hour markers. PVD Moonshine Gold can be found on the central seconds hand.

Mind you with prices for this iteration toppling the £40,000 mark, you’re best off with the stainless steel version which is around 75% less. 

And the reason for this? 

Well it’s largely due to gold prices which struck a new record high on Monday the 19th of January 2026 at $4,689.39 (£3,499) an ounce.

Calibre 3861 Reimagined

Inside you will find the upgraded Calibre 3861. 

Based on the previous 1861 and 861 movement, it is home to a number of factors including;

• Co-Axial escapement
• Silicon hairspring
• Master Chronometer certification
• Anti-magnetic and temperature fluctuation differences.
• Cam-lever chronograph architecture/
• Resistant to magnetic fields (up to 15,000 gauss).
• 3Hz frequency
• 50 hour power reserve

Other details on the open caseback feature engraved text, harking back to its lunar legacy from “Worn On The Moon” To “First Watch”.

Where Can You Buy An Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional “Reverse Panda?”

Presented on a vintage inspired Nixon style bracelet, you can buy an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional for the following prices;

• Reference 310.30.42.50.01.004 (Stainless steel) £8,700 / $10,400 (CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK AT TIME OF WRITING)
• Reference 310.60.42.50.01.002 (18k Moonshine Gold) £41,300 / $49,300

Key Highlights - Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Reverse Panda

Conclusion

With more than 115 configurations of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional, what sets these black and white watches apart? The answer?

Reverse panda dials.

Off the back of the hype surrounding the white lacquered dial that was teased by Daniel Craig in November 2023, causing more of a stir than Beast Games Seasons 2, a Speedmaster in stainless steel for many is a horological dream come true. 

Ok, there may be many reverse panda layouts knocking about, such as the legendary Zenith Chronomaster Original (03.3200.3600/21.M3200) with a nod to the A386 proportions. 

Nonetheless, like the Apollo 11 Mission, this is a significant breakthrough for the collection and not to be sniffed at lightly. No doubt, Speedy fans will crave this variant while others getting into the hobby could find this great timing to pull the trigger on a purchase. 

Personally, the price of the gold declination is a little perplexing, given you can buy at least four Rolex Datejust reference 126334 watches for nearly the same price.

Plus, given gold and silver are at record highs in line with new Trump tariffs threats, things are not looking good for his so-called “Golden Age”.

However, as Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise, said to Goose in the 1986 film Top Gun, there will be many that “will feel the need for speed.”

Images (Unless otherwise specified)
Omega

Further Reading

Omega Debuts Latest Dark Side Of The Moon Lineup With New Designs, Colourways And Cases

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