Admittedly, it doesn’t take much from Omega to get our attention. Their legacy in the watch world continues to be backed by superb timepieces each time they have a new release. In other words, the entire community halts to see what they’ve presented to us.
Continuing their tradition of giving us something fresh at the start of each New Year, the Swiss watchmaker unveils a rare reverse panda appearance in the Moonwatch line, and in two stunning case options.
A Rare Dial Configuration Enters the Moonwatch Catalog
The reverse panda aesthetic has long been a motorsport staple, but it’s been conspicuously absent from the core Speedmaster Professional lineup. There was the beloved 2017 Speedy Tuesday limited edition, but that was nearly a decade ago now. For 2026, Omega brings the black dial with white chronograph subdial configuration into the permanent collection, available in both stainless steel and the brand’s proprietary 18K Moonshine Gold.
What makes these stand out is the dual-plate construction. The upper layer features a deep black lacquer with a glossy finish that rivals anything in Omega’s catalog, while the white subdials sit beneath with their own varnished treatment. It’s a richer, more refined execution than the matte dial on the standard black Moonwatch. The rhodium-plated hands and applied indices on the steel version catch light beautifully, creating a premium presence that almost feels dressy for a Speedmaster.
Omega also swapped out the traditional aluminum bezel for black ceramic with white enamel markings, which is a material upgrade they had typically reserved for precious metal models.
The Movement That Went to the Moon (Sort Of)
Inside, the Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 handles timing duties. This is the modern evolution of the Caliber 861 that replaced the original 321 movement in the late ’60s, now enhanced with a co-axial escapement and silicon hairspring. It’s METAS-certified, anti-magnetic up to 15,000 gauss, and offers 50 hours of power reserve. The sapphire exhibition caseback lets you appreciate the striped and beveled finishing.
The Rest of the Specs
Added to the permanent collection, these watches finally give you the chance to get a full reverse panda Moonwatch Professional without hunting down limited editions or vintage Reduced models. At 42mm with a manageable 13.54mm thickness (slightly thicker than standard due to the dual-plate dial), it should wear almost exactly like any other modern Speedy. Both models comes with a “Nixon” steel bracelet to match the respective case.
Spec Sheet
Model: Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Black and White
Case Material: Stainless steel or 18K Moonshine Gold
Case Size: 42mm
Case Thickness: 13.54mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47.5mm
Movement: Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861 manual-wind
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Water Resistance: 50m
Bezel: Black ceramic with white enamel tachymeter scale
Crystal: Box sapphire (front), flat sapphire exhibition caseback
Bracelet: Five-link steel bracelet with comfort adjustment clasp
Limited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
The steel Speedmaster Moonwatch Black and White is available now for $10,400, while the Moonshine Gold version retails at $49,300. Both are permanent catalog additions, though expect waitlists given the enthusiast response to the white dial model’s 2024 release.
Recap
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Reverse Panda 2026
Omega just dropped a reverse panda Moonwatch in steel and gold—the first time this dial config has hit the core Professional lineup as a permanent offering. Cased in steel or 18k Moonshine Gold, it’s pricier than the standard black Speedy but brings ceramic bezel, dual-plate lacquered dial, and rhodium-plated everything for a noticeably more luxe vibe.
