Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Black & White : The Reverse Panda Collectors Have Been Waiting For

The Iconic Omega Speed Master Moonwatch Professional just got an amazing update in 2026 with two new reverse panda dial variants. The first model comes in 18k Moonshine Gold, and the second one is available in stainless steel 316L. Until this moment, Omega Speedmaster always came in a matte, utilitarian aesthetic, created for space. 

Now, Omega embraces a more glossy approach for their Speedmaster line. 

My guess is that the most popular will be the stainless steel version. I knew the release will come and I had high expectations for this model.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch professional Stand Out Feature?

Well, it is the reverse panda design! Of course, it’s not the first Speedmaster to have a reverse panda dial, there have been some models before, like the limited edition SpeedyTuesday. A model that I did not like. 

Basically, all the watches from Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch collection are the same but with different dials. It’s easy to get lost in their collection. Just in the Speedmaster line we have: Moonwatch Professional, Two Counters, Heritage Models or SpeedMaster 38. All comes with sub models on each line. Hard to keep track, honestly.

It’s easy to get lost, but the true Omega Speedmaster for me is the Professional model. Not the one with Hesalite, I don’t like it, even though it is the original one. 

So, what is new with Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional? Like I said it already, is the dial design, more exactly the reverse panda, which has a two-plate dial design, meaning the upper plate features a deep, glossy black lacquer varnish that creates an almost mirror-like finish, while the lower plate showcases a white lacquer for the three chronograph counters. 

Because it was made like this, it creates a pronounced depth, which can look really beautiful in reality. I admit, I only saw the watch in pictures. 

To achieve a “liquid” look, Omega applied more than 20 layers of black lacquer on the dial, then polished until they obtained a mirror finish.  The white-sub-dials have black printed scales for legibility, while the black dial of course has white and gray markers for the Steel model, and white-gold for the Moonshine Gold variant. 

Material Shifts: Ceramic and Sapphire are a welcomed addition to Omega Speedmaster Reverse Panda

OK, I know, a purist Omega Speedmaster fan will always prefer the Hesalite version, but I’m not one of those. I like the fact that sapphire is really strong and durable, and I prefer all my watches to come with this. But that is just me. 

For some people, this new releases might feel as a departure from tradition, but just like Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean models launched at the end of 2025, all watches must evolve somehow, even though we have seen Sapphire glass  before on Speedmaster models. 

Omega positioned the Reverse Panda Speedmaster as a premium watch, a modern alternative for the fans, and this means that they are exclusively made in the “Sapphire Sandwich” configuration. Unlike the normal model which comes with Hessalite or Sapphire. 

Ceramic “DON” Bezel 

It’s a move to increase the watch longevity, and made for the desk people, that hit their watches all the time. And I embrace it! Omega replaced the traditional aluminum bezel insert with black ceramic (ZrO2). The tachymeter is not printed, but executed in permanent white enamel. A big plus in my books. 

The “Dot Over Ninety” (DON) detail is still present, a detail preserved and a nod to the pre-1970 Speedmasters that are loved by many in the vintage community.

Case Proportions

Good news and bad news. The 42mm case remains the same, as a gold standard for ergonomics in my books, but the new dial construction necessitated an increase in thickness. The Stainless Steel version now measures 13.54mm thick , which is slightly bigger than the 13.18mm standard sapphire Moonwatch. 

It’s not a big increase, but my guess is that it will feel a little more substantial on the wrist. 

Steel and Moonshine Gold : Same Watch, different price for Omega Speedmaster Reverse Panda

Omega didn’t stop at steel this time, they released the Moonshine Gold version as well. For those who hear about Moonshine Gold for the first time, it is the proprietary 18K Gold developed by Omega for their watches. 

The Stainless Steel (Ref. 310.30.42.50.01.004): Glossy dial, looks more expensive than his matte dial brothers, but it is not that different from them. This model uses rhodium plated hands and applied indices. It has the looks of a daily driver watch with the same tool DNA, but with a glossy finish, giving you the feeling of richness. 

The Moonshine™ Gold (Ref. 310.60.42.50.01.002): Big, gold and scream rich. I’m not a fan of gold watches, I do like some models, including this one. The hands and indices are crafted from solid Moonshine Gold- which offers a more sophisticated yellow hue than the traditional 18K gold. 

Does this work well with the black and white lacquer? I don’t know how I feel about it, I will need to see it in person. 

Both models come with the modern five link per row bracelet, which is better than the bracelet present on Omega Seamaster Professional. I complained a lot in the detailed review I made. 

This bracelet has a taper from 20mm at the lugs which goes to 15mm at the clas. Speaking about the clasp, it includes the Comfort Release system which allows the wearer to extend the bracelet by 2.3mm.

Movement of the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch reverse panda

Calibre 3861 is under the hood and this shows us that Omega continues to rely on this METAS certified calibre. Calibre 3861 is a manual winding movement which features Co-Axial Escapement, Master CHronometer Status with resistance to 15,000 gauss, precision and looks. 

The movement is beautiful, you can see it through the caseback. But, and I must say this, I am not a fan of manual winding movements. Nevertheless, Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Black&White is a beautiful watch, with a great history behind, amazing movement but only 50m water resistance. 

My Verdict: A modern Classic

I appreciate the fact that Omega combines the classic manual wind movement with modern and durable materials. I don’t know how I feel about the Reverse Panda honestly. I like the Speedmaster line and a piece  is on my to buy  list this year. But even with this launch, my choices remain only between  black or white versions. 

What do you guys think? Hit or miss? For me it is almost hit. And I believe that the Omega Speedmaster Reverse Panda will become an iconic model, a true star in the Rolex vs Omega debate.

2026 Omega Speedmaster “Reverse Panda” Comparison

More info you can find on Omega’s official website

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