The Best Omega Speedmaster Of 2026
The Omega Speedmaster had a relatively quiet year. Omega kicked off 2026 with two versions of the Speedmaster Professional “Reverse Panda” in stainless steel and full 18K yellow gold. The brand then quietly added another 18K gold watch — a green-dial model with golden sub-dials inspired by golf-shoe spikes, paying tribute to Omega golf ambassador Rory McIlroy. More recently, Omega introduced an updated Speedmaster 38 in seven variations.
Three of the Speedmaster 38 models
The Omega Speedmaster collection in 2026
Omega’s catalog currently includes 535 references, 92 of them Speedmaster variants. The brand already significantly streamlined its catalog this year, removing hundreds of references, including some Speedmasters. Still, 92 is a substantial number, although some are simply different strap options for the same model or bezels with and without diamonds, for example.
Omega Speedmaster Professional ref. 310.60.42.50.10.002 in Moonshine Gold
Anyway, I always try to review the year’s new Omega Speedmaster releases, but for 2026, we can keep it short and sweet. Although the year isn’t over yet, with less than two months to go, it’s safe to say we won’t see many more Speedies. So, this year, I can choose between 10 new references. My shortlist was already in the introduction paragraph of this article, so I won’t repeat it.
Omega Speedmaster “Reverse Panda”
My favorite release of the year is the Omega Speedmaster Professional “Reverse Panda” ref. 310.30.42.50.01.004. We could view this as a luxury take on the 2017 Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday, but the two differ in several ways. The Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday has a fully brushed case, a matte black dial, lumed sub-dials with radial printing, and brushed hands.
Omega Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday from 2017
By contrast, the new Reverse Panda has the typical case finishing, with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. Its case back features a sapphire crystal, letting you admire the caliber 3861 inside.
Caliber 3861
This movement also powers the other current 42mm Moonwatch models, except for a few equipped with the column-wheel caliber 321. It’s largely based on Omega’s caliber 1861, previously used in the Moonwatch, but now features a Co-Axial escapement. Thanks to its silicon balance spring and antimagnetic alloys in other parts, it remains unaffected by magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss.
Double-plate step dial
This Speedmaster’s reverse-panda dial sets it apart. It features a double-plate step design, with a black varnished and lacquered top plate and white varnished and lacquered sub-dials. The latter are set within rhodium-plated rings, which match all six of the watch’s polished hands.
A sapphire crystal, rather than a Hesalite (acrylic) one, covers the dial and adds a little weight to the watch. Like the other Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch models, this watch also comes with the “Nixon” bracelet with polished intermediate links.
The 18K (Moonshine) gold edition
The 2026 Omega Speedmaster Professional “Reverse Panda” is an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking to add something different to their Speedmaster collections or simply wanting a more luxurious take on the iconic Moonwatch. The stainless steel model retails for €10,200. For those unconcerned with price, there’s also an 18K yellow (Moonshine) gold edition. It’s essentially the same Speedmaster but with 18K gold for the case, pushers, crown, hands, indexes, bezel, and bracelet.
At 224 grams, it’s a heavy beast, weighing just over 80 grams more than the steel model (142 grams). The precious metal commands a €38,400 premium, bringing the total to €48,600. If I could make one minor adjustment to the gold Omega Speedmaster “Reverse Panda,” it would be (Moonshine) gold sub-dials.
The Speedmaster CK2915, the first reference introduced in 1957
2027 will definitely be a Speedmaster year
This year isn’t over yet, so who knows what Omega has in store for us… Next year, the Speedmaster will celebrate its 70th anniversary, so I’m convinced collectors and enthusiasts will see something special in 2027.
You can find all current Omega Speedmaster models here.
