New Release: Omega Moonwatch Professional Finally Gets Master Chronometer Status

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The 2021 edition of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional introduces some exciting features. The most prominent one is obviously the inclusion of the Calibre 3861. The new movement was released back in 2019 in the Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Edition and then again in the 2020-release Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Awards Edition. However, this is the first time that the regular production Moonwatch has been given the Calibre 3861.

The New and Upgraded Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer

Getting Into The Details

The watch has a lot of modern tweaks that make it slightly different from the rest of the Moonwatch iterations. There is no doubt that the brand has included a lot of vintage design elements ion order to keep the watch rooted to its origins but it also cannot be denied that Omega wanted this watch to be different.

Until recently there were four references in the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch family. They were as follows:

• Steel-on-steel – Hesalite crystal and steel caseback – 311.30.42.30.01.005
• Steel-on-leather – Hesalite crystal and steel caseback – 311.33.42.30.01.001
• Steel-on-steel – sapphire crystal front and caseback – 311.30.42.30.01.006
• Steel-on-leather – sapphire crystal front and caseback – 311.33.42.30.01.002

The Case

Hesalite Crystal Reference

Sapphire Crystal Reference

The new Moonwatch manages to retain the lyre-styled lugs, the combination of brushed and polished surfaces, and of course, the 42 mm wide case size. The stainless steel models are available in two variations. The first one comes with the iconic Hesalite crystal along with a solid case back. The new iteration, however, has a double stepped case back, something that was not there in the previous reference. The second variation comes with a sapphire crystal on the front as well as at the back (see-through case back).

The Dial

The dial too has been updated in the latest Moonwatch iteration. The reference ST 105.012 serves as an inspiration here with its matte black grained and step profile dial. The hands get a covered with cream coloured Super-LumiNova. The Omega logo print is different as well. The Hesalite crystal model comes with a printed Omega logo while the sapphire crystal model comes with an applied Omega logo.

The new movement runs at a frequency of 3 Hertz. To match this frequency, the seconds track in the new watch is split into three divisions in contrary to 5 divisions in the previous watch.

The Bracelet

The 2021 Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional retains the stainless steel bracelet with the same style seen in previous models. The watch, however, gets a new clasp featuring a striped design pattern, a polished Omega logo, and a cover with satin finish. The Hesalite crystal model offers something different here as it comes with a fully brushed bracelet. The sapphire crystal model, on the other hand, features polished middle links.

There is a non-metallic option for buyers as well. Hesalite crystal models can be opted with a black fabric strap. On the other hand, the sapphire crustal sandwich models can be opted with a smooth calfskin strap.

The Movement

We finally come to the show stopper, the thing that has got watch enthusiasts all hyped up. Omega introduced the Calibre 3861 back in 2019. Although not billed for regular production, the movement made quiet an impression when it was presented with the golden Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary edition. The movement can also be spotted in the latest Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary.

The movement was considered a huge development on the 1861 model. It fostered all the major developments from the past 10 years in the most articulate way.

What is exactly different about the new movement?

Well, for starters, the Calibre 3861 includes the Omega crown jewel, co-axial escapement. This is the first time the manual winding core of the Speedmaster has this feature. The second feature that makes this innovation unique is that the Calibre 3861 is tested and certified by METAS. The movement is accurate up to +0/+5 seconds a day and is resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gausses. The mechanism now has 26 jewels instead of the earlier 18 jewels.

Oh, and do not forget the upgraded 50-hour power reserve. Let’s be honest here. All that technological jargon and what really makes you happy is that improved power reserve. I understand.

Precious Metal References

There are more than just stainless steel references that have been released by Omega this year. The Moonwatch series has also welcomed four precious metal Moonwatch variants that are nothing but absolutely brilliant.

There are two 18-carat Sedna gold references and two 18-carat Canopus gold references.

We shall begin with the 18-carat Sedna gold references. The watch has a sumptuous looking gold and black aesthetic. All the elements on the dial either printed or made out of gold. The watch can be availed with a Sedna gold bracelet or a brown leather strap. The 18-carat Sedna gold dial comes in a classy sapphire crystal sandwich construction.

We now come to the 18-carat Canopus references. For those who have no idea what Canopus gold is, we have got you. This Omega proprietary material is essentially an alloy made of white gold and platinum. The watch comes with a silver sunray brushed dial and has a sapphire crystal sandwich structure.

Although all the references are released as regular production models, the Sedna gold and Canopus gold models are boutique exclusives only. All the references also receive a 5-year warranty.