The classic Omega Speedmaster tachymeter scale bezel is back, of course, and done in Liquidmetal. This means that the blue (in this case) bezel is ceramic, with text and markers which are actually filled in with metal (in other words, they will not scratch off). Omega really wanted to show off its range of Liquidmetal ceramic colors, and among various models of the Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer Moonphase you can find the ceramic bezel material in colors such as black, blue, red, green, and brown.
This leads me to the other major reason someone might be interested in the Moonphase version of this Co-Axial Master Chronometer Omega Speedmaster: colors. The cool if not quirky color combinations go beyond this crowd-pleasing blue to interesting models such as two-tone steel with 18k yellow gold and green, as well as platinum with red ceramic accents. You just can’t get these more interesting color combinations (at this time) on other Speedmaster watches.
Speaking of blue, this is probably the finest blue color I’ve seen on a 9000 series movement Omega Speedmaster. In 2013, Omega came out with a blue dial Speedmaster version in a titanium case, but this particular Omega Speedmaster Moonphase model beats it in terms of sheer beauty. Omega clearly knows this and has based most of its marketing material on this particular model when promoting this new collection.
In addition to comfort and visual attractiveness, the Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer Moonphase is also very legible. The applied hour markers and properly sized hands remind you what a durable design the Omega Speedmaster (in its many forms) is, and further invites your close attention. Check out the moon phase discs themselves and notice the footprint graphic (what some people believed to be a smudge) meant to honor the iconic moon footprint (clearly not to scale) left by Buzz Aldrin with his spacesuit.
Those who prefer a slightly more dressy Omega Speedmaster experience (or who really like to be reminded of the moon, or who actually need to view its phases) will prefer this Moonphase version of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. The movement, again, is the calibre 9904, which is produced by Omega and contains almost 400 parts. The automatic movement operates at 4Hz (28,800bph) with a silicon balance spring for its high level of magnetic resistance, as well as other non-magnetic parts. Between two mainspring barrels, you get 60 hours of power reserve.
While machine-decorated, the movement decoration is always very nice and continues to be on these modern-era Omega movements. I want to say that when it comes from an operation standpoint, Omega uses the center position of the pulled-out crown to adjust the moonphase in one direction and the date in the other direction. In models of the 9000 series movement that do not have the moonphase indicator, this central position for the crown can adjust the hour hand in one-hour increments, which is useful, but it is also how you adjust the date – which is a bit slower to do.
The dynamism of the Omega Speedmaster circa 2017 is that the basic manually wound Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch is an excellent “starter” luxury sports watch while the same product family has models like this Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Master Chronometer Moonphase Chronograph that will appeal to more seasoned, advanced watch lovers. I don’t think this watch qualifies as a starter high-end watch in most regards, though Omega does offer a nice new flavor to those people who have been enjoying the Omega Speedmaster for years and hunger for novelty on a regular basis. It also isn’t cheap, and those who recall spending about $2,000 on a Speedmaster some years ago might do a double-take at the over-$10,000 starting price of this Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer Moonphase Chronograph.
With that said, construction is solid, materials are top-notch, and the movement is a feat of modern horological engineering. Price for the reference 304.33.44.52.03.001 Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Moonphase Chronograph 44.25mm watch is $10,600 USD. omegawatches.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Omega
>Model: Speedmaster Moonwatch Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Moonphase Chronograph 44.25mm
>Price: $10,600 USD
>Size: 44.25mm wide
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Existing Omega Speedmaster owner wanting to get something fancier and aesthetically unique to add to their overall collection.
>Best characteristic of watch: Addition of moonphase complication to Calibre 9900 movement family is a subtle but welcome touch as the Omega Speedmaster aims for various niche appeal audiences. Beautiful blue colors in a timeless, classic sports watch design that nevertheless attracts attention.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Relatively large watch that might be too big for some wrists. Strap might be nicer if it were actual alligator, even though it is of a high quality. Very good watch but on the more expensive side, especially as understanding the broader spectrum of its cultural and technical appeal requires a lot of education.
