This (speedy) Tuesday, Omega introduces the new Speedmaster 38 series.
Two models are crafted in Sedna Gold, two in Moonshine Gold, and four variants in stainless steel. If you're looking for luxurious sports-style watches with diamond embellishments rooted in chronograph and space history, your time may have come.
Speedmaster 38
Back in 2017, Omega introduced the Speedmaster 38 model. The most popular model was undoubtedly the Speedmaster with a cream dial and brown oval subdials, also known as the “Cappuccino.” This model, available with or without a diamond-set bezel, was made of stainless steel and 18-carat Sedna (rose) gold.
In 2018, my mother bought herself a Speedmaster 38 in stainless steel and Sedna Gold with a cappuccino-colored dial. She has worn this watch extensively (previously wearing mainly the Datejust 116200 and Constellation ’95), and they have performed excellently.
I think this is already the second alligator leather strap; the watch has been subjected to abuse on the golf course and during gardening (she never takes it off her wrist), but I would say this adds a bit of character. I recently put it on our chronometer, and it still runs within chronometer specifications (as far as I can tell).
New Additions to Speedmaster 38
Now, seven years later, it is time to refresh the collection with new models in various configurations, including the use of precious metals and diamonds. All feature a diamond-set bezel (adorned with 52 diamonds totaling 1.5 carats), subdials with diamond rings, and a diamond-set crown.
According to Omega CEO and President Raynald Aeschlimann, the need to increase the number of diamonds on the Speedmaster 38 arose from the market. The size of the diamonds on the new Speedmaster 38 has tripled compared to previous models with a diamond bezel. The new Speedmaster 38 collection should be seen as a continuation of the collection, not a replacement.
Sedna Gold
Two models will be available in Sedna Gold, Omega's 18-carat rose gold alloy. The brown PVD-coated dial features oval subdials with a silvery finish. The hour and minute hands are crafted from Sedna Gold with diamond polishing and are coated with Super-LumiNova.
One model comes on a beautiful brown leather strap with a Sedna Gold folding clasp, while the other comes with a Sedna Gold bracelet. The bracelet features matte and polished surfaces, and the clasp uses Omega's “comfort release” system.
Moonshine Gold
The other two Speedmaster 38 models made of precious metals are crafted in Omega's Moonshine Gold alloy. This 18-carat gold alloy uses silver and palladium instead of a more significant amount of copper to create a paler yellow hue.
Moonshine Gold models feature the same green PVD-coated dial that we know from their larger 42 mm Speedmaster Professional sibling. However, the oval subdials have a silvery finish. The hour and minute hands are made from Moonshine Gold and have diamond polishing.
Additionally, you will find the watches on a full gold bracelet with polished and matte surfaces or on a green leather strap with a Moonshine Gold folding clasp.
Stainless Steel
Fortunately, the Speedmaster 38 model is not only for those who can afford gold watches! Omega also introduces four new models in stainless steel.
You can choose from two PVD-coated dial colors (brown and green) and either a stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap with a folding clasp.
Caliber 3330
Inside the Speedmaster 38 is Omega's caliber 3330. This automatic chronograph with a frequency of 4 Hz features a 52-hour power reserve, column wheel, co-axial escapement, and silicon balance spring. Omega's caliber 3330 is also COSC certified as a chronometer.
When I asked Mr. Aeschlimann how this aligns with Omega's strategy (Master Chronometer certification), he replied that these new Speedmaster 38 variations are a continuation of the current collection. An upgrade to Master Chronometer certification will follow, as was recently done with the De Ville collection.
Additions, Not Replacements
For those who still prefer one of the previously introduced, perhaps less flashy models, fear not! Omega's catalog still includes the Speedmaster 38 “Cappuccino” and the steel model with a black dial, among other models.
The model with a black dial resembles the Speedmaster “Reduced,” but with more modern watch technologies. The watch measures 38 mm in width, 44.9 mm in length, and 14.7 mm in thickness and is often considered a more compact alternative to the 42 mm Speedmaster Professional model.
Price and Availability
The Omega Speedmaster 38 additions will be available for purchase on April 24, 2024. As you know, the models will likely first appear in Omega boutiques and then become available to authorized dealers. In countries where Omega offers online shopping, you will also be able to purchase them directly.
Prices start from €19,300 / US$17,400 for the Speedmaster 38 models in stainless steel on a strap and €19,700 / US$17,800 on a bracelet. Gold versions cost €37,700 / US$34,000 on a leather strap and €51,500 / US$46,400 on a full gold bracelet. For those interested, the weight of the full gold version (on bracelet) is 211 grams for Sedna and 214 grams for the Moonshine gold version. On a leather strap, the Sedna gold model weighs 127 grams, and the Moonshine gold watch - 129 grams.
And a final note (or disclaimer) about these Speedmaster 38 models: the dial colors were challenging to capture indoors. Some of the shots taken by the window better convey the true dial color.
For more detailed information, visit Omega's official website.