Swiss watchmaker Omega has launched a smaller automatic version of its iconic Speedmaster Moonwatch, introducing a 38-millimetre stainless steel case designed for daily wear.
The new 38-millimetre collection is available immediately in official brand boutiques, offering a compact alternative to the larger manual-wind original worn by NASA astronauts during lunar exploration.
The original Speedmaster Professional gained legendary status after passing severe testing by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the 1960s. It became mandatory equipment for Apollo crew members, renowned for its legible black dial and manual-wind movement. Over the decades, Omega recognised that not all wearers could comfortably handle the bulk of the standard Moonwatch. The manufacturer first addressed size concerns in 1988 with its Reduced line, a design philosophy now revitalised in the updated 38-millimetre series.
Return to classic tool watch styling
The centerpiece of the updated lineup is the Speedmaster 38mm no-date model. Omega has discarded recent decorative design choices, such as the oval sub-dials introduced across the range in 2017, in order to return to utilitarian instrument aesthetics.
To recreate the classic tool watch appearance, the new model replicates the dial layout of the full-sized Professional version. While the broader collection spans seven distinct variants, the flagship black model features a deep matte black surface, painted straight hour indices, and traditional white hands coated in luminescent material.
Vintage design elements include a black aluminium bezel ring displaying a tachymeter scale complete with the collector-favoured dot over ninety detail. The watch comes fitted with an updated five-link stainless steel bracelet that matches the design of the larger Moonwatch, secured by a folding clasp with a 2.3-millimetre quick micro-adjustment system.
Despite its smaller 38-millimetre diameter, the case remains substantial on the wrist. Housing an automatic mechanism increases the total steel case thickness to nearly 15 millimetres, giving the compact watch a solid and heavy physical presence.
Self-winding calibre and collection pricing
The primary functional change is the elimination of daily hand-winding. Inside the no-date variant is the Calibre 3332, a self-winding chronograph movement driven by a column wheel. Built on the established Valjoux 7753 architecture, Omega has updated the movement with its proprietary co-axial escapement, an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, and a power reserve of 52 hours.
The matte black no-date variant serves as the entry-level model for the refreshed Speedmaster line, priced at 6,400 euros in company boutiques. It is aimed at purists who want classic space-era aesthetics combined with self-winding convenience.
Omega is expanding the collection with six additional variants powered by the Calibre 3330 movement, which adds a date display window. These options include a white dial version with a blue ceramic bezel priced at 7,000 euros, as well as luxury two-tone models crafted with proprietary Moonshine gold or Sedna gold that exceed 11,000 euros.
