SpeedyTuesday: Hands-On With The Omega Speedmaster Sedna Gold

I have a weak spot for gold Speedmaster watches. According to some, a Speedmaster doesn’t belong in gold, it’s a tool watch after all. However, I find precious metal a great way to celebrate one of the most iconic chronographs in the world.

My first encounter with a gold Speedmaster was in 1999 or so, as my watchmaker had one of the original BA145.022-69 watches. The gold Speedmaster from 1969 was presented to the Apollo astronauts and officials of the White House. We all know the story (if not, click here). Omega made 1,014 of them in total. In 2019, for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo XI mission, Omega introduced 1,014 pieces of the Speedmaster Professional in Moonshine gold.

The gold non-limited edition Omega Speedmaster Professional was discontinued in 2014. That is a watch that you don’t come across often. At the time, there was little-to-no interest in gold Speedmaster Professional watches. Only in recent years, the Speedmaster has become more popular than ever. It was about time for a Speedmaster Sedna and Canopus (white) gold watch, to appear in the catalog.

The Omega Speedmaster Sedna Gold

After Speedmaster reference 3195.50.00 was phased out in 2014, Omega only had gold Moonwatch limited edition models. The demand for them clearly showed that there was interest (again) in gold versions of the iconic Moonwatch. The last white gold version dated back to 1994, released to mark the 25th anniversary of the Apollo XI mission. We covered the Canopus white gold version in this article. In essence, the Speedmaster Sedna 310.60.42.50.01.001 is very similar to the Canopus version when it comes to specifications. Due to the use of Sedna gold, however, it looks totally different.

Sedna Gold

Sedna is a composition of 75% yellow gold, copper, and palladium. The use of palladium will ensure the ever-lasting hue of rose gold. With normal 18-karat rose gold, you will notice it turning slightly yellowish over time. The same is true of the Canopus edition, which also will remain white forever. Omega’s exact composition of its alloys remains a secret, of course, but if you happen to be an amateur/professional mettalurgist, feel free to put forward your educated guesses in the comments section below.

I am often asked whether Sedna is heavier than yellow gold, and while the differences are slight, they do exist. The Speedmaster Sedna gold weighs 219 grams with a full-length bracelet. Interestingly, the Speedmaster Moonshine with a bracelet at full length weighs 222 grams. Heavier still is the Canopus gold. It weighs in at a significantly heavier 235 grams. The use of a gold dial, ceramic bezel, and a slightly different composition might be the reason for this small difference in weight. In the picture above, you will see the 18-karat yellow gold Moonwatch from 1980, the Speedmaster Sedna gold in the center, and the Speedmaster Moonshine on the right.

Caliber 3861 Master Chronometer

Just like all new Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer models introduced in January, the Sedna gold also features the caliber 3861 movement. A Master Chronometer certified (by METAS) movement that provides 50 hours of power reserve, has an accuracy of +5/0 seconds per day on average (also with the power reserve at 30%), and is anti-magnetic to at least 15,000 gauss. It is also similar to the caliber 3861 in the Moonshine, but with the rhodium finish instead. In all honesty, I expected a Sedna plated finishing on the 3861 in the Speedmaster Sedna gold. Mainly because the Speedmaster Moonshine has a yellow gold plated caliber 3861 movement, but perhaps the contrast works better this way.

Speedmaster Sedna on the wrist

The first thing to notice is that the Sedna gold is such a different color from the Moonshine or yellow gold. I have a Sedna gold Omega Globemaster, but it seems that when everything is in Sedna (including the bracelet), it is very present on the wrist. While my colleague Karina basically fell in love with the red tone of gold, I found it a bit too much sometimes. Especially in low light conditions, the Sedna gold is really red. We also hold it next to the Daytona Everose 116505 (you will soon see it on video on Fratello) and there’s a clear difference between Sedna and Everose.

It is interesting to note is that every time you glance at the Speedmaster Sedna gold, you’re being made aware of the fact you’re wearing something special. The weight and the Sedna gold color make it a very special version of the Moonwatch Master Chronometer. On the dial, you’ll find the black gold index markers as well as all the printing in gold. Everything matches the Sedna gold tone of the case and bracelet. The step dial, applied Omega logo, Dot-Over-Ninety on the bezel: Omega took care of all the details that matter.

Compared to the Canopus and Moonshine versions, this Speedmaster Sedna gold is the toughest one to read from certain angles. There’s not always enough contrast to do a quick read of the time. This is easily solved by rotating your wrist a bit, of course. But still, I’ve noticed it a few times, especially when wearing the watch outside.

Bracelet

One of the main attractions of the new Speedmaster Moonwatch Master Chronometer watches remains the bracelet. This Speedmaster Sedna gold is also available on a leather strap with a folding buckle, but I can’t imagine why you would want to wear it that way. While I appreciate beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this bracelet is really part of the magic of this watch. It is certainly worth getting it. It adds so much to the whole experience.

Compared to the Moonshine model, the bracelet on the Speedmaster Sedna gold is slightly different. The clasp is 1mm wider than on the Moonshine. When wearing them, I don’t feel or see much of a difference. Both work for me. The 14mm wide clasp of the Moonshine is true to the original BA145.022-69. The 15mm wide Sedna gold clasp doesn’t appear to be substantially bigger. But, my assumption is that most people prefer the 15mm over 14mm.

Price and Availability

The new Speedmaster Sedna gold is an amazing watch. I really enjoyed wearing it for the last two weeks and we will publish a video on it next week. Between the Speedmaster Sedna gold and the Speedmaster Canopus gold, I would still pick the white gold version. Despite the huge difference in price. However, of all three Speedmaster Master Chronometer models in gold, I would still pick the Moonshine edition. The pale yellow gold suits me best, and I love all the details Omega put in there as a reminder of the first gold Speedmaster from 1969.

The Omega Speedmaster Sedna gold 310.60.42.50.01.001 retails for €34,600 (including sales tax) here in The Netherlands. Small differences in VAT might result in a different price in other EU countries. This Speedmaster in Sedna gold is available for a few weeks now, but exclusively for boutiques. In countries where there’s no Omega boutique, it will also become available at selected retailers. All specifications of this Speedmaster 310.60.42.50.01.001 can be found in the overview below. More information available via Omega online.