Omega launches a set of dazzling 38mm Speedmasters, with some collection-firsts (live pics and video)
Borna Bošnjak- Omega expands the Speedmaster 38mm collection with a multitude of new models, choice of three materials, and two dial colours.
- There’s a choice of steel or Omega’s proprietary Sedna and Moonshine Gold alloys, and either brown or green sunburst dials, with the solid gold bracelets being a first for the collection.
- The pieces are powered by the column-wheel chronograph Calibre 3330, based on an ETA A08, though with a Co-Axial escapement.
After heavily focusing on the Moonwatch earlier in the year and the Chronoscope very recently, Omega has finally allowed the smaller Speedy to shine. And it quite literally does, with bezels and sub-dial surrounds decked out in diamonds. The swathe of new models is available in three material options – steel, Sedna gold, and Moonshine gold – with a choice of either chocolatey brown or emerald green for the dials. As was often the case with non-Professional Speedmaster models (especially smaller ones), the new Speedmaster 38 models continue the trend of their counterparts launched in 2017 by using an automatic movement. In this case, it’s the Calibre 3330, based on an ETA calibre that’s a development of the Valjoux 7750, but upgraded with a column wheel, Co-Axial escapement, and silicon balance spring.
Taking a closer look at the dials, they’ll certainly be the most intriguing aspect of the new releases, as they tie in the diamond-clad bezels. The horizontally orientated, oval sub-dials now feature elegant diamond surrounds, following the shape of the ellipse. The brown sunburst on with the full Sedna gold treatment is certainly my pick of the bunch, but that’s not to say that the green option isn’t a valid one. Two final, small touches you may not notice at first are the vertical oval (or egg-shaped, if you ask me), surround of the date window at 6 o’clock, and the two tiny diamonds replacing the usual dots of the iconic Speedmaster 12 o’clock index.
I’ve mentioned it a few times, but the new Speedmasters are available in either steel or two of Omega’s proprietary gold alloys – Sedna and Moonshine. The full case dimensions are 38mm in diameter, 44.9mm lug-to-lug, and 14.7mm in height. The compact dimensions are unchanged from the 2017 models, though their cuff-sliding friendliness may be marred somewhat by the thickness. Nevertheless, these are still part of Omega’s sporty Speedmaster line, meaning you’ll get 100 metres of water resistance, and a double-side-AR-coated sapphire crystal. What is a tad less sporty is the gem-setting, using much larger diamonds on the bezels, as well as a diamond embedded into the crown – the latter being a first for a standard-production Omega. Another first is the addition of a solid gold bracelet to the Speedmaster 38 collection, finished off in a matching deployant clasp. If all that is a bit too decadent, do not fret, as you’ll be able to pick up any of the new models on an alligator leather strap without skimping on the deployant as well.
What you won’t get is a view of the Calibre 3330 thanks to a hippocampus-emblazoned solid caseback. It’s a classic Speedmaster look, with some specs running around the caseback letting you know about the water resistance, silicon balance spring, and column wheel operation of the movement. Beneath the caseback, you’ll find a full winding rotor with côtes de Genève (rather than Omega’s signature arabesque decoration), topping up the aforementioned ETA A08-base calibre. The most interesting part here is that ETA has clearly upgraded this movement for Omega’s use, equipping it with the brand’s Co-Axial escapement, rather than the more common lever escapement used in its Longines-branded variant. The other specs include a 4Hz frequency, and a 52-hour power reserve.
Omega Speedmaster 38 2024 collection pricing and availability
The Omega Speedmaster 38mm 2024 collection released today, with availability details being revealed shortly. Price: A$28,950 (steel, leather), A$29,525 (steel, bracelet), A$56,400 (Moonshine or Sedna gold, leather), A$77,025 (Moonshine or Sedna gold, bracelet).
| Brand | Omega |
| Model | Speedmaster 38mm |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 14.7mm (T) x 45mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel 18k Moonshine Gold 18k Sedna Gold |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Sunburst green or brown, gem-set sub-dials |
| Bracelet | Multi-link case-matching bracelet, folding clasp Leather strap, case-matching folding clasp |
| Movement | Calibre 3330, ETA A08.L01 base, automatic, Co-Axial escapement |
| Power Reserve | 52 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$28,950 (steel, leather) A$29,525 (steel, bracelet) A$56,400 (Moonshine or Sedna gold, leather) A$77,025 (Moonshine or Sedna gold, bracelet) |