Omega Speedmaster Professional White Dial (310.30.42.50.04.001)

Good morning {{first_name|Reader}}. I get asked all the time for deep dives into watches. So let’s give this a shot.

Today, we are going deep into one of Omega’s newest additions to their epic catalog, “the white moonwatch” or more specifically, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001.

I hope you enjoy and learn something. But before you dive in, can you answer a quick question for me?

— Ian

(see what watch I’m wearing today)

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001, introduced in 2024, is the latest evolution of the legendary Moonwatch. What sets this reference apart is its crisp lacquered white dial—the first standard-production Speedmaster Professional to feature such a design in the modern Master Chronometer era. This subtle but important change signals Omega’s willingness to reinterpret its most iconic model while remaining faithful to its heritage.

The white dial draws inspiration from prototypes developed for NASA in the late 1960s as part of the so-called “Alaska Project,” which explored alternate designs for space-qualified chronographs. Those experimental watches, with their high-contrast dials and thermal-protective casings, never entered full production. However, their design DNA echoes in this modern reference, giving collectors both a connection to a rare chapter of Speedmaster history and a fresh, contemporary aesthetic.

Powered by the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 3861, the watch offers anti-magnetic resistance, METAS certification, and a 50-hour power reserve—placing it firmly in the category of a professional-grade instrument. At the same time, the lacquered white dial with its applied black indices and red “Speedmaster” signature gives the watch a character distinct from the traditional black-dial Moonwatch.

This balance between technical continuity and visual novelty makes the 310.30.42.50.04.001 one of the most significant recent Speedmaster references. It is already viewed as a future classic, both for its design and for the way it bridges experimental heritage with modern production.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 is not the first attempt to pair the Moonwatch design with a white dial, but it is the first to enter the core collection with Omega’s most advanced movement. Its origins trace back to two parallel threads: Omega’s experimental “Alaska Project” watches of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and a series of limited or special white-dial Speedmasters that followed in the decades after.

The Alaska Project was Omega’s codename for developing chronographs tailored specifically for space exploration. Among its prototypes were Speedmasters with stark white dials designed to optimize legibility in varying light conditions inside and outside spacecraft. Some were paired with protective red anodized aluminum cases to insulate against extreme temperatures. While these prototypes never reached public release, they have since become legendary among collectors for their rarity and their role in Omega’s relationship with NASA.

Later, Omega occasionally experimented with white-dial Speedmasters in commercial releases. Examples include the 1997 “Albino” Speedmaster for the Italian market (Ref. 3593.20) and the Speedmaster Alaska Project reissues of the 2000s (Ref. 311.32.42.30.04.001), which echoed the original prototypes with white dials and red accents. These watches were produced in limited numbers, reinforcing their cult status but leaving the mainstream Speedmaster Professional lineup firmly rooted in black dials.

By 2021, Omega had overhauled the Speedmaster Professional with the introduction of the Caliber 3861, a Master Chronometer-certified movement offering anti-magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss. This set the stage for the white-dial 310.30.42.50.04.001. In 2024, Omega unveiled the reference as a permanent addition to the Professional range, combining a historically inspired dial with the most technically advanced Speedmaster movement to date.

The result is a watch that ties together more than half a century of experimentation, special editions, and modern engineering. Unlike past white-dial Speedmasters that were curiosities or limited runs, the 310.30.42.50.04.001 represents Omega’s decision to canonize this design into the standard lineup.

At its core, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 retains the familiar 42 mm asymmetrical lyre-lug case that has defined the Moonwatch silhouette since the late 1960s. Crafted in stainless steel, the case is fitted with a sapphire crystal front and a sapphire exhibition caseback, offering a modern, durable interpretation of the Speedmaster design while showcasing the caliber within. The bezel carries a black anodized aluminum tachymeter insert, a nod to tradition that maintains the essential visual DNA of the Moonwatch.

The defining feature of this reference is, of course, the dial: a glossy lacquered white surface that departs from the Moonwatch’s standard black. Its applied black hour markers stand in sharp contrast, while the signature “Speedmaster” text at 12 o’clock appears in bright red—a subtle reference to the Alaska Project prototypes of the late 1960s. Blackened hour and minute hands, paired with crisp white chronograph hands, reinforce the dial’s high-contrast aesthetic, ensuring legibility and character in equal measure.

Inside beats the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 3861, the same movement introduced to the Speedmaster line in 2021. A hand-wound chronograph certified by METAS, the 3861 resists magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss and delivers a 50-hour power reserve, marrying the Moonwatch’s legacy with Omega’s cutting-edge technical standards. Its finishing is visible through the display back, where Geneva waves and rhodium plating elevate the mechanical heart of the watch.

The reference is delivered on Omega’s contemporary five-link stainless steel bracelet, combining brushed outer links with polished intermediate ones for a versatile, modern feel. With a water resistance rating of 50 meters, it is not intended as a diving instrument but remains robust enough for daily wear. In all, the specifications confirm this watch as both a professional-grade chronograph and a refined luxury timepiece, positioned to honor the Moonwatch tradition while offering something distinctly new.

Unlike the Submariner 16610 or Speedmaster references that evolved over decades, the Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 is still in its infancy. Introduced in early 2024, it marks a bold addition to the Speedmaster Professional lineup rather than a replacement of an existing model. As such, its “production journey” is more about the lineage it draws from and the decisions Omega made in refining the design.

The earliest examples released in 2024 remain consistent across markets: a lacquered white dial with applied black indices, red “Speedmaster” script, and blackened handset. Collectors have noted that the gloss finish differs markedly from the matte “albino” Speedmasters of the 1990s or the white-dial Alaska Project reissues of the 2000s, giving this reference a modern, luminous presence. Early runs also revealed Omega’s careful attention to bracelet integration, with the contemporary five-link bracelet providing a sleeker fit than previous three-link styles.

Because this is part of the modern 3861-powered Speedmaster family, the 310.30.42.50.04.001 benefits from incremental improvements Omega has already made since the movement’s debut in 2021. For instance, METAS certification and anti-magnetic resistance are standardized, and the use of sapphire crystal front and back signals Omega’s positioning of this reference as a luxury-oriented Moonwatch rather than a “flight-qualified” Hesalite tool watch.

As of now, there are no known transitional variations or lume shifts within production—factors that may develop over time if Omega refines details such as bracelet clasp adjustments, dial finish subtleties, or limited regional runs. Collectors are already speculating whether Omega will use this model as a springboard for additional dial colors or special editions, but for now, the 310.30.42.50.04.001 stands as a stable, carefully controlled entry in the catalog. Its significance in the “production journey” is less about changes within its lifespan and more about how it canonizes a long-experimental design into mainstream Speedmaster production.

Since its debut in 2024, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 has entered the secondary market with strong traction. While its official retail price is listed at $8,500 USD, current resale data shows the reference trading between $8,100 and $11,000, with most transactions clustering around the $9,000 range. This puts it only slightly above retail in the early months after release, suggesting healthy enthusiasm but not the speculative frenzy associated with limited editions.

Market indexes reveal that the reference currently sits at an average market price of $7,500—about 11% below retail, which is significantly better retention than many modern Omega models, where discounts of 25–30% are not uncommon. Importantly, liquidity is strong: recorded sales move in a median of just 31 days, faster than nearly 97% of watches tracked across WatchCharts’ dataset. In August 2025 alone, 75 examples changed hands, placing it in the very top tier of Omega’s lineup in terms of popularity and demand velocity.

Short-term performance has been somewhat uneven. Over the past year, the reference has seen a 7.7% decline in market price, underperforming the broader Speedmaster index, which declined by only 3.4% in the same period. Yet this modest dip is coupled with relatively low volatility—at around 7.7%, lower than 84% of tracked watches—which suggests the model is not prone to dramatic swings and is stabilizing as buyers and sellers negotiate its long-term value.

Listings further confirm its collector positioning. Nearly every example offered includes box and papers, and close to half are unworn, indicating that buyers are treating it as a collectible rather than simply a daily-wear chronograph. The U.S. accounts for roughly a third of current listings, with Japan, Germany, the U.K., and Italy rounding out the bulk of activity. Taken together, these patterns show that the white-dial Moonwatch is not being flipped as a novelty but absorbed steadily into collections, where its appeal lies in being the first core-production deviation from the Speedmaster’s traditional black dial.

The release of Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it’s tethered to decades of cultural resonance that make it more than just a simple dial variant. To truly appreciate the white-dial Speedmaster, it’s important to understand how it interplays with Omega’s heritage, its use of celebrity associations, and its reception among both media and the enthusiast community.

Omega has long leveraged cultural ambassadors to reinforce the Speedmaster’s reputation beyond its technical legacy. George Clooney has been the most visible face of the Moonwatch in modern advertising, often appearing in campaigns and interviews wearing the Professional. His presence, alongside others such as Buzz Aldrin, who continues to champion the watch tied to Apollo 11, has helped cement the Speedmaster not only as a tool of exploration but as a lifestyle icon for a broader audience.

The white-dial reference also benefitted from a carefully orchestrated pre-launch buzz. Actor Daniel Craig was photographed in late 2023 wearing what appeared to be a never-before-seen Speedmaster with a lacquered white dial. That sighting sparked months of speculation online, with GQ later observing that “fans have been waiting on this announcement since last November, when one was spotted on the wrist of a certain secret agent during an appearance in New York.” The subtle teaser transformed a celebrity sighting into a marketing moment, building anticipation before the official reveal.

The design’s roots stretch back much further, to the experimental Alaska Project watches of the late 1960s and 1970s. Those prototypes featured stark white dials intended for better visibility under spacecraft lighting, and although they never reached production, they became touchstones of Speedmaster mythology. Omega has returned to those ideas periodically—most famously with the Italian-market “Albino” of 1997 and the Alaska Project reissue of 2008—but these remained limited runs. The 310.30.42.50.04.001 is the first time Omega has canonized the white dial into the core Professional lineup, giving enthusiasts worldwide access to what had previously been an insider’s curiosity.

Watch media echoed this sense of significance. WatchTime praised Omega’s execution, writing that the white version:

Meanwhile, Monochrome Watches acknowledged the shift in character, noting: “This white dial version partially loses some of the instrument-like feeling … yet … it still looks fantastic.” These differing assessments reflect the broader cultural split: purists insist the Moonwatch should remain black, while others welcome this reinterpretation as a bold, future-classic entry in the Speedmaster story.

In the end, the 310.30.42.50.04.001 has already earned cultural weight far beyond its technical attributes. It is a watch consciously designed to provoke discussion, bridging Omega’s NASA heritage with its modern ambitions. By securing its place in boutiques and on wrists worldwide, it signals that even the most rigid icons of horology can evolve—and that evolution can itself become a cultural event.

The Speedmaster has always balanced its tool-watch roots with surprising elegance, and the Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 continues that legacy with a fresh twist. At 42 mm, its stainless-steel case wears true to traditional Moonwatch proportions. The asymmetrical lyre lugs and slim mid-case keep the profile manageable, even for wrists on the smaller side, while the combination of brushed and polished surfaces maintains Omega’s well-honed mix of utility and refinement. Despite its historical association with spaceflight, the watch feels at home in modern, everyday contexts—from office settings to casual wear.

The lacquered white dial transforms the wearing experience compared to the classic black Moonwatch. Where the black dial recedes and emphasizes tool-like seriousness, the glossy white surface reflects light with a livelier, more contemporary character. Applied black indices and blackened hands stand out sharply, enhancing legibility while giving the watch a bold presence. The red “Speedmaster” signature adds a flash of color that is subtle in print but noticeable on the wrist, a reminder of its Alaska Project heritage. Many collectors have remarked that the white dial makes the watch feel larger and more luminous, an effect that changes how the case size is perceived.

The five-link stainless steel bracelet, introduced with the 3861 Speedmaster generation, continues to impress in terms of comfort and fit. Its taper from lugs to clasp ensures a balanced feel, while the mix of brushed outer links and polished center links gives just enough sparkle without veering into formality. The watch’s weight is substantial but not overwhelming—enough to remind the wearer of its professional-grade build quality without feeling cumbersome in daily wear.

Perhaps most importantly, the 310.30.42.50.04.001 manages to deliver a new wrist presence without betraying its Moonwatch DNA. It feels undeniably like a Speedmaster, but one that wears with more light, openness, and versatility. It is equally capable of pairing with a leather strap or NATO as it is of standing proudly on its bracelet, offering the adaptability that has always been central to the Speedmaster’s success. In practice, this watch invites attention without demanding it—a hallmark of a design that balances heritage with fresh energy.

The Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 is not just a novelty dial color. It is a thoughtful evolution of one of the most iconic watches ever made. On the wrist, it reshapes what it feels like to live with a Speedmaster. The white dial brightens the entire wearing experience, making it feel lighter, fresher, and in some ways more versatile than the traditional black-dial Moonwatch. It bridges professional tool-watch credibility with a contemporary style that feels at home in modern wardrobes.

For collectors, this reference represents a way to enjoy the Speedmaster story without simply repeating what thousands of others already own. It has the credibility of NASA heritage, the technical confidence of the Master Chronometer Caliber 3861, and the refinement of Omega’s latest bracelet and case finishing. Yet it also has individuality: the red “Speedmaster” text, the glossy lacquered dial, and the bold contrast of black markers all conspire to make it stand out in a room full of chronographs.

As a daily companion, the watch proves highly wearable. The 42 mm case may sound large, but the proportions remain balanced, and the modern bracelet ensures comfort over long hours. Its 50-meter water resistance isn’t designed for deep diving, but it’s robust enough for life’s unpredictabilities, from office rainstorms to weekends away. In many ways, it is the kind of watch you can forget you’re wearing—until the light catches the white dial, reminding you why you chose it.

Ultimately, the 310.30.42.50.04.001 succeeds not because it changes what a Speedmaster is, but because it changes how a Speedmaster feels. It retains the DNA that makes the Moonwatch a legend, yet offers a personality that is brighter, more open, and less tied to strict tradition. For someone who values both history and individuality, it is not just another Moonwatch—it is a statement about how icons can evolve without losing their soul.

The Speedmaster Professional Ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001 is a milestone in Omega’s most storied collection. For the first time, the Moonwatch—synonymous with black dials and utilitarian seriousness—has welcomed a white lacquered dial into its permanent catalog. That decision alone shifts how collectors and enthusiasts think about the Speedmaster, and it positions this reference as both a nod to the Alaska Project prototypes of the past and a marker of Omega’s confidence in the future.

This is not a watch aimed solely at completists or those chasing obscure limited editions. Instead, it broadens the appeal of the Speedmaster Professional by offering a version that is equally at home in a serious collection as it is on the wrist of someone simply looking for a versatile, everyday chronograph with history built in. Its balance of heritage and freshness ensures that it is not just a side note in the Speedmaster story but a defining chapter of the 2020s.

For enthusiasts, the white-dial Moonwatch represents a choice: do you cling to the purity of tradition, or embrace the idea that icons can evolve while keeping their essence intact? Omega has taken a risk by canonizing this design, and in doing so, has given collectors a new lens through which to view its most important watch. It is not merely another variant; it is a statement piece—one that will be remembered as the moment the Moonwatch expanded its identity without compromising its soul.