Introducing: New Omega Speedmaster 38 Models In Full Gold And Steel
On this (Speedy) Tuesday, Omega is introducing a sparkling new bunch of Speedmaster 38 models. Two are in Sedna Gold, two are in Moonshine Gold, and four variations are in stainless steel. If any of you are looking for a sport-chic, diamond-set watch with firm roots in chronograph and space history, your time might be now.
The new Speedmaster 38 in Sedna Gold with a brown dial
Speedmaster 38
Back in 2017, Omega introduced the Speedmaster 38 model. The most popular model was, without a doubt, the Speedmaster with a cream dial and brown oval sub-dials, also known as the “Cappuccino.” This model, with and without a diamond-set bezel, was made of stainless steel and 18K Sedna (rose) Gold.
Speedmaster 38 “Cappuccino,” the most popular of the bunch
In fact, in 2018, my mother treated herself to the Speedmaster 38 in stainless steel and Sedna Gold with the cappuccino dial. She wears the heck out of that watch (before that, she wore mainly a Datejust 116200 and a Constellation ’95), and it has held up very nicely.
My wife’s Speedmaster, my Moonshine Apollo 11, and my mother’s “Cappuccino”
I think she’s on her second alligator strap by now, and the watch has seen some abuse on the golf course and during gardening (she never takes it off her wrist), but this adds a bit of character to it, I’d say. Recently, I put it on our timegrapher, and it still performs well within chronometer specifications (as far as I can see).
The new Speedmaster 38 additions
Now, seven years later, it’s time to update the collection with new models in variations configurations, including using precious metals and diamonds. All have a diamond-set bezel (paved with 52 diamonds totaling 1.5 carats), diamond-ringed sub-dials, and a diamond-set crown.
A diamond placed in the winding crown of the new Speedmaster 38
According to Omega CEO and President Raynald Aeschlimann, the demand for more diamonds on the Speedmaster 38 came from the market. The diamonds in the new Speedmaster 38 tripled in size compared to the previous diamond bezel models. The new Speedmaster 38 collection must be seen as an extension of the collection, not as a replacement.
Sedna Gold
Two models will be available in Sedna Gold, Omega’s 18K rose gold alloy. The brown PVD dial has oval sub-dials with a silvery coating applied. Its hour and minute hands are in diamond-polished Sedna Gold and filled with Super-LumiNova.
One model comes on a beautiful brown leather strap with a Sedna Gold folding clasp, and the other comes with a Sedna Gold bracelet. This bracelet has both brushed and polished surfaces and Omega’s “comfort release” system inside the clasp.
Moonshine Gold
The two other precious-metal Speedmaster 38 models are in Omega’s Moonshine Gold. This 18K gold alloy uses silver and palladium instead of a more significant portion of copper to create this paler yellow tone. The Moonshine Gold models have the same green PVD dial that we know from their bigger 42mm Speedmaster Professional brother. However, the oval sub-dials have received a silvery coating. The hour and minute hands are made of Moonshine Gold and have a diamond-polished finish.
Also, you will find the watch on a full-gold bracelet with polished and brushed surfaces or a green leather strap with a Moonshine Gold folding clasp.
Stainless steel
Luckily, though, the Speedmaster 38 is not only for those fortunate enough to afford gold Speedies! Omega is also introducing four new references in stainless steel.
You can choose from two PVD 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 4Hz automatic chronograph movement offers a 52-hour power reserve, a column wheel, a Co-Axial escapement, and a silicon balance spring. Omega’s caliber 3330 is also certified by COSC as a chronometer.
When I asked Mr. Aeschlimann how this fits the Omega strategy (Master Chronometer certification), he said that these new Speedmaster 38 variations are an extension of the current collection. An upgrade to Master Chronometer certification will follow, as they did with the De Ville collection not too long ago.
The Speedmaster 38 with round sub-dials will remain in the collection
Additions, not replacements
For those who still prefer one of the previously introduced, perhaps less blingy models, never fear! Omega still has the Speedmaster 38 “Cappuccino” versions and the black-dial steel model in the catalog, among others. The black-dial model has some Speedmaster “Reduced” looks but with more modern watchmaking tech. Measuring 38mm wide, 44.9mm long, and 14.7mm thick, the watch is often seen as a smaller alternative to the 42mm Speedmaster Professional.
Price and availability
The Omega Speedmaster 38 additions will be available on April 24th, 2024. As you know, the models will likely appear first at Omega boutiques before hitting the authorized dealers. In the countries where Omega offers online purchasing, you can also buy them directly.
Kaia Gerber is one of Omega’s ambassadors for the new Speedmaster 38
Prices start at €19,300 / US$17,400 for the stainless steel Speedmaster 38 models on a strap and €19,700 / US$17,800 on a bracelet. The gold versions are priced at €37,700 / US$34,000 on a leather strap and €51,500 / US$46,400 on a full-gold bracelet. For those curious, the weight of the full-gold versions (on the bracelet) is 211 grams for Sedna and 214 grams for Moonshine Gold. On a leather strap, the Sedna Gold model weighs 127 grams, and the Moonshine Gold watch weighs 129 grams.
One last note (or disclaimer) on these Speedmaster 38 models is that the dial colors were challenging to capture in the room. Some of the images shot near the window give a better indication of the real dial color.
You can find more information on the official Omega website.
