Spotlight On The Omega Speedmaster Moonphase

In Omega lexicon, the “Moonwatch” is not a timepiece that indicates the phases of the moon but it is instead the nickname that was given to the Speedmaster Professional Omega after it became the first and only watch ever worn on the moon. However, with this particular model, Omega takes the lunar inspiration a step further by indeed furnishing the dial with a beautiful moonphase display. Join us as we gaze upon the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 3876.50.31.

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase

Introduced in 2003, the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 3876.50.31 retains the fundamental design details of the classic Speedmaster Professional models. Which is to say, the chronograph watch features a 42mm stainless steel case with faceted lugs, a black bezel insert with a tachymeter scale, a black dial with a trio of subsidiary dials, and a hand-wound movement.

However, what differentiates this model from standard Speedy Pros is the addition of the moon phase display at 12 o’clock. A silver moon and silver stars sit in striking contrast to the blue background. What’s more, there’s an additional hand which points to the date around the periphery of the moon phase subdial. Protecting the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

In watch-speak, a “complication” is any function that goes beyond telling the time. One of the most poetic watch complications to grace watch dials is the moon phase display. We may take for granted what the moon looks in the night sky but many top-tier watchmakers make it their mission to paint a precise picture of it on a watch dial. And including the moon phase on a Speedmaster is particularly fitting given the watch’s history with the lunar landing and space exploration in general.

Omega Caliber 1866

At the heart of the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 3876.50.31 is the manual-winding Caliber 1866 movement, which is visible through the sapphire caseback. The movement combines a chronograph function (to records elapsed times with an accuracy of 1/5th of a second) along with the moonphase indicator displaying the 28-day lunar cycle and a date display. Caliber 1866 has a 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.

Encircling the sapphire caseback window is the inscription “THE FIRST AND ONLY WATCH WORN ON THE MOON.” However, the set of the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 3876.50.31 also comes with an additional solid steel caseback (furnished with the Omega Hippocampus logo) should you wish to swap out the sapphire caseback.

Furthermore, although this Omega Speedmaster Moonphase 3876.50.31 comes fitted with a classic black alligator with stainless steel foldover clasp, you can also switch that out with the accompanying NATO-style fabric strap for a more casual vibe.

A more complicated and poetic take on the otherwise utilitarian styled Speedy chrono, the Speedmaster Moonphase takes Omega’s fascination with the moon to another level.