Omega Reinvents The Speedmaster 38mm With A More Traditional Look
Omega has introduced a comprehensive update to its Speedmaster 38mm collection, replacing the previous generation with seven new references. While the case dimensions remain familiar, the redesign brings the midsize chronograph visually closer to the classic Speedmaster aesthetic.
The most noticeable changes are found on the dial, bezel and bracelet, with the new models adopting several details associated with the modern Speedmaster Moonwatch.
A More Familiar Speedmaster Design
The redesigned Speedmaster 38 mm moves away from the oval sub-dials used by the previous generation. The three chronograph indications now use a more conventional circular configuration, while the dial itself has been simplified.
An applied Omega logo replaces the previous printed treatment at 12 o’clock, and the overall reduction in dial text gives the watches a cleaner appearance.
The tachymeter bezel is also more traditionally styled, featuring a wider insert and the familiar “dot-over-90” detail associated with Speedmaster models.
Seven Configurations
Omega is offering the new collection in seven distinct configurations, ranging from straightforward stainless-steel versions to models combining precious metals and diamonds.
The entry point to the collection is a stainless-steel model with a matte black dial and black aluminium tachymeter bezel. Unlike the other versions, it does away with the date display at 6 o’clock, giving it a particularly straightforward chronograph layout.
A second steel model combines a glossy lacquered white dial with a blue ceramic bezel, while another pairs a silver dial with a grey aluminium bezel. The latter introduces Sedna Gold details to the hands and applied hour markers.
The collection then moves into two-tone territory. One version combines an ivory dial with contrasting brown sub-dials and a brown aluminium bezel, complemented by gold details on the case and bracelet. Another features a silver opaline dial with a green aluminium bezel and Moonshine Gold accents.
At the more jewellery-oriented end of the range are two diamond-set versions. They feature either an ice-blue or mother-of-pearl dial, with diamond-set bezels providing a more luxurious interpretation of the Speedmaster 38 mm.
Bracelet Inspired by the Moonwatch
The bracelet has also been redesigned. Its five-link construction takes inspiration from the current Moonwatch bracelet while being scaled appropriately for the 38 mm case.
The clasp incorporates Omega’s Comfort Release system, allowing the wearer to make two micro-adjustments and alter the bracelet length by a total of 2.30 mm. This provides additional flexibility when wearing the watch throughout the day without requiring tools or additional bracelet links.
38mm Case, Familiar Dimensions
Despite the visual overhaul, the fundamental case dimensions remain unchanged.
The stainless-steel case measures 38 mm across and has a lug-to-lug length of 44.96 mm. Its thickness remains 14.75 mm, meaning the compact diameter does not translate into an especially slim profile.
Most of the collection is powered by Omega’s automatic Calibre 3330, while the black no-date model uses Calibre 3332. The decision to retain these movements means the update is primarily focused on the exterior design rather than a new mechanical platform.
A Broader Range of Materials
Omega has used a variety of materials and finishes to create distinct personalities across the collection.
Stainless steel provides the most restrained configurations, while the two-tone versions introduce solid gold elements to the bezel, crown, pushers and selected bracelet links. Depending on the reference, Omega uses either Sedna Gold or Moonshine Gold for the precious-metal components.
The diamond-set models take the collection in a more jewellery-focused direction, with diamonds integrated into the bezel and distinctive dial treatments adding further contrast.
Pricing
The new collection also covers a broad price spectrum. The stainless-steel Speedmaster 38mm with the black dial is priced at € 6,400, while the silver-dial version costs € 6,600. The stainless-steel model with the white dial and blue ceramic bezel is positioned at € 7,000.
Moving into two-tone configurations, the models are priced at € 11,300. The diamond-set versions increase the range further, with the ice-blue model priced at € 12,100 and the mother-of-pearl version at € 12,900.
A More Cohesive Speedmaster Family
Rather than fundamentally changing the Speedmaster 38mm, Omega has concentrated on bringing its design closer to the visual language of the wider Speedmaster family.
The return to round sub-dials, the traditional tachymeter treatment, applied Omega branding and Moonwatch-inspired bracelet all contribute to a more recognisable Speedmaster identity. At the same time, the different dial, bezel, gold and diamond configurations allow the 38mm collection to cover a broader spectrum, from a relatively understated everyday chronograph to a distinctly luxurious interpretation.
The unchanged 14.75 mm case thickness will remain an important consideration for buyers looking for a compact Speedmaster, but the 2026 update gives the 38 mm collection a substantially revised appearance while retaining its established movement architecture and 38mm format.
Our Take
The changes Omega has introduced to the smaller Speedmaster chronograph certainly please us. The move away from the oval sub-dials, together with the more traditional tachymeter bezel and Moonwatch-inspired bracelet, gives the 38 mm a stronger connection to its larger sibling and, in our view, makes the collection feel more like part of the Speedmaster family.
Of course, we would have preferred to see the Speedmaster 38mm equipped with a manual-winding movement. That would have given this more compact version an even stronger connection to the original Speedmaster philosophy, but for now, that remains something Omega has yet to deliver.
Among the new references, our favourites are naturally the classic black-dial version, for obvious reasons, and the white-dial model with its blue details. Both capture the unmistakable Speedmaster character while offering two distinctly different interpretations of the new 38 mm design.
More information at www.omegawatches.com.
General Specifications:
Brand: Omega
Model: Speedmaster 38mm
Reference: 324.30.38.50.01.002 (steel, black dial), 324.30.38.50.04.001 (steel, white dial), 324.30.38.50.02.003 (steel, silver dial), 324.20.38.50.02.001 (steel and Moonshine gold), 324.20.38.50.02.002 (steel and Sedna gold), 324.15.38.50.03.001 (diamond bezel, blue dial), 324.15.38.50.05.001 (diamond bezel, mother-of-pearl dial)
Dial: Black, white, silver, silvery opaline, ivory. ice-blue, mother-of-pear
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Stainless steel, stainless steel with Moonshine Gold accents, stainless steel with Sedna Gold accents
Case Dimensions: 38 mm Diameter, 14.75 mm thickness, 44.96 mm lug-to-lug
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Case Back: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100 Meters
Strap: 5-Link bracelet matching the case material with folding clasp and patented comfort release adjustment system
Calibre: 3332 (no date), 3330 (date)
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, date
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 Vph)
Jewels: 31
Power Reserve: 52 Hours
Chronometer Certified: Yes, by COSC
Price: € 6,400 (steel, black dial), € 7,000 (steel, white dial), € 6,600 (steel, silver dial), € 11,500 (steel and Moonshine gold), € 11,500(steel and Sedna gold), € 12,100 (diamond bezel, blue dial), € 12,900 (diamond bezel, mother-of-pearl dial)
Availability: Now
