06/25/2020

Midas Touch: Hands On With Omega’s New 18K Gold Speedmaster 38mm

Deluxe and delightful, these new Moon watches redefine opulence.

By Rhonda Riche

Editor-At-Large

The year 2020 has been an amazing year for ladies watches. More than ever before, brands are reaching new levels of sophistication, not only in design but also mechanisms and materials (read more HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE).

Omega’s new, full 18K gold 38mm additions to the Speedmaster family are also fine examples of how, with a few thoughtful updates, a classic watch can be made even more sophisticated.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm

38 SPECIAL

Women have always been drawn to Speedmasters, but sometimes size does matter. The original Speedies measured in at approximately 39mm x 13mm, so vintage was the way to go for ladies who wanted a smaller case. Then, in 2002, Omega introduced the Speedmaster Automatic Reduced with some models, the iterations with diamond-paved bezels and mother-of-pearl dials, aimed more for the ladies.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm on the wrist

Sadly, these stainless steel timepieces were discontinued in 2010. But just two years later, Omega introduced the Speedmaster 38 which took the design codes of the classic chrono and refined them. That is to say, rather than just shrinking the case and slapping some diamonds on it, the manufacture adapted the display by adding horizontal oval sub-dials and creating a dual bezel so that the diamonds could frame the face without obscuring the tachymeter scale.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm

GOLD STANDARD

On top of the smaller and more comfortable case size, this year, Omega is updating these small Speedies with the warmth and richness of 18K gold.

The use of gold has an alchemical effect on these timepieces. It transforms the sporty Speedmaster into something that transcends the definition of a sports watch. Clearly, the metal visually elevates the design codes of this chronograph.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm

The first model features the rosy glow of 18K Sedna gold. The color play is important in this version. The dial is a creamy color which the brand calls “Cappuccino.” And instead of featuring contrasting sub-dials, the display is monochromatic to unify and simplify the display. The 18K Sedna gold hands and indices, with date window at 6 o’clock, complete this reinterpreted layout. Finally, the Sedna gold Speedmaster 38 “Cappuccino” is available on a taupe-brown leather strap.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm on the wrist

The second new model in the collection is cased in radiant 18K yellow gold and has an opaline dial and green leather strap. The hands are made of 18K yellow gold or varnished green, while the arrowhead indices are 18K yellow gold.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm

Both the Sedna and yellow gold versions feature the Speedmaster’s famous tachymeter scale, set on either an aluminum bezel or an innovative dual bezel that has an inner aluminum circle and an outer circle set with 90 full-cut diamonds.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm

Overall, the use of gold softens the harder edges of the classic Speedmaster design. Everything just feels curvier and more elegant.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm on the wrist

SEAHORSE POWER

All four editions proudly display the famous Omega Seahorse medallion on the gold caseback, underneath which beats the chronometer-certified Omega Co-Axial Calibre 3330. This self-winding mechanism features a co-axial escapement, free sprung-balance, silicon balance spring, offers a 52-hour power reserve, and is water-resistant to 100 meters.

The New OMEGA Speedmaster 38mm

The watches are available now at omega.com and are priced at $15,600 for the standard bezel and $18,900 USD for the iced-out dual bezel version. All the models come with Omega’s five-year warranty.