By this point we’ve all seen it. Well, maybe only if you’re a diehard Speedmaster freak. But since Daniel Craig’s appearance at last year’s Planet Omega event in New York, Omega fans have been wondering if the mysterious white-dial Speedmaster he was spotted with would become a production reality. With everyone bracing for this year’s new releases Omega finally just made it official. In the Speedmaster world this can be seen as a huge deal, since some of the more limited and desirable models (like old Snoopy versions and the Alaska Project Speedmaster) can only be found with a white dial. But now, we have a white lacquer dial Omega Speedmaster Professional as a permanent, non-limited fixture in the collection.
While James Bond IRL might’ve seemed like an odd choice, I think Omega’s subtle tease with Daniel Craig was well calculated. At first glance, the piece looks stunning—even if it may just look like a simple dial color change to most. The red accents call back to the rare Alaska Project Speedmaster and this pairs wonderfully with the new black PVD-coated hour markers. Legibility has always been a hallmark of the Speedmaster Professional and it looks like that step was taken to maintain this with the new dial change. Also, from the looks of it this watch can only be ordered in the “sapphire sandwich” configuration without the beloved hesalite crystal.
Aside from these visual changes—again, big in the Speedmaster world—this looks like the updated caliber 3861 Speedmaster we all know. It’s 42mm in diameter, 13.2mm thick, and 47.5mm lug-to-lug. Also, like the black dial sapphire sandwich version, the comfortable tapering bracelet features subtle polished center links throughout the full length of the bracelet. This combination probably screams with the glossy white dial in person and I’m looking forward to seeing it in person. The manually winding caliber 3861 movement inside is Master Chronometer-certified.
Omega Speedmaster Professional White Lacquer Dial Specifications
| Case Size | 42mm (Diameter), 13.2mm (Thickness), 47.5mm (Lug-to-Lug) |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Movement | Calibre 3861 Master Chronometer certified |
| Power Reserve | 50 Hours |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Domed Sapphire (Front & Back) |
| Bracelet | Stainless Steel (20mm – 15mm Taper) |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Price | $7,800 – $8,100 |
As the owner of a newer black dial 3861 sapphire sandwich Speedmaster, this looks like a cool release. I don’t think I’d ever jump at the chance to own one of these. But the Omega Speedmaster Professional White Lacquer Dial serves as a great option if you’re into the look and shopping in the high-end chronograph space. I mean, just look at the competing ceramic white dial Rolex Daytona. If Omega manages to keep up with demand, they’d be offering a serious, highly-competitive alternative. To learn more about this new Speedmaster, visit Omega’s official site.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.