Omega Speedmaster Professional Reverse Panda Review: One Of The Best Speedy Dials To Date?

Omega has a tradition of kicking off the new year with a new take on its iconic Speedmaster, and this year, we’ve gotten a familiar face that’s gotten a regular production rework. Contrasting sub-dials on the Moonwatch are generally reserved for special editions and precious metal executions, but that formula was rewritten with the introduction of the new steel reference boasting a black lacquered dial and contrasting white sub-dials, better known as a reverse panda colorway. The configuration might not be unique to the Speedmaster, but this does represent the first regular production example that will be available to all on a non-limited basis. Joining the all-white lacquered dial Speedmaster released two years ago in expanding the core Moonwatch collection into more premium territory, this latest take on the Speedy has ushered in a fresh new evolution for the collection, harkening to a handful of all-time classic Speedmaster references.

Speedmaster Reduced Reverse Panda Chronograph (Ref. 3510.52) via Luxury Watch Buyer

The standard, matte black dial Moonwatch still serves as the foundation of the Speedmaster collection, and remains the closest link to the references that walked on the moon in the late 60s and early 70s. But Omega does have a little fun with the typical formula every now and again, but, as noted above, this is typically reserved for models in precious metals or special limited editions. While the brand has only very recently committed to giving its Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional the reverse panda dial twist, Omega did use the Speedmaster Reduced as a vehicle for this dial design in the late 90s to early 2000s.

In 2024, the steel Moonwatch diversified itself by welcoming a standard production reference with a white lacquer dial that brought out a different wrinkle of the famous chronograph’s personality. Like this reverse panda reference, the all-white dial was also based on historic references, but presented in a very clean, almost chic manner that elevated the iconic design to another level. This new black dial with white sub-dials manages to do the same thing while striking a very different tone. 

Alongside the steel reference, Omega is also releasing the same dial in a full 18k Moonshine gold execution, as was first seen on the wrist of actor Colman Domingo at the 2025 Met Gala. Obviously, the gold case and bracelet shift the personality of the watch a considerable degree, but it still works just as well. This represents a further expansion of the precious metal end of the Moonwatch catalog, showing off the range of the Speedmaster design at its most extravagant.

Across both of the new Omega Speedmaster reverse panda models, the twisted lug case remains effectively unchanged, measuring 42mm in diameter. But there is some change in the profile thickness here, going from 13.18mm to 13.54mm for the steel model, while the gold iteration measures 16.63mm thick. While it isn't explicitly stated, this change is likely due to the new revisions in the dial construction. 

 The crown and pushers are recessed into the asymmetric case wall, making for one of the most wearable 42mm watches you’re likely to come across. The tapered bracelet helps here as well, going from 20mm at the case, down to 16mm at the clasp. It’s a brilliant watch on the wrist, all things considered. Thankfully, we've still got the exhibition caseback at play for both the steel and Moonshine gold expressions. 

Like the white dial, this black dial has a notable flat sheen thanks to the lacquer surface, within which the white sub-dials are recessed. But unlike the white dial variation, this step dial features two plates instead of one, an aspect of the construction that undoubtedly plays a role in the aforementioned thickness. The upper plate is polished black and done with a lacquered and varnished finish with rhodium-plated sub-dial frames. The base layer for the sub-dials is done in white and is also lacquered and varnished. 

The black ceramic bezel rings are done with enamel on the tachymeter scale, as well. Finally, the minutes track is white on the dial while the sub-dials have black minutes tracks. Additionally, the hour markers are applied batons, creating another layer of depth to the design than you find in the ‘base model’. The Omega logo is applied and polished, echoing the finish of the set of links running down the center of the bracelet. All of the small details elevate this timeless chronograph to something bordering on formal, but without really crossing that line, which is an important distinction. 

Inside sits Omega’s caliber 3861, a manually winding chronograph that was the first to bring a co-axial escapement to the Moonwatch (though not to the Speedmaster) when it debuted in 2021. This is an evolution of the 1861 and 861 before it, and is based on a Lemania structure (cal. 1873). The chronograph is a cam-style actuation, so the button presses aren’t exactly silky smooth, but it’s proven to be a reliable workhorse movement. It’s also accurate to the tune of 0 to +5 seconds per day, and is METAS certified to boot. 

In total, the Omega Speedmaster Reverse Panda is a welcome addition to the Moonwatch family, and one that solidifies an iconic dial in regular production guise. It’s different enough to keep some space between it and the Speedy Tuesday limited edition, for instance, and serves as a counter to the white lacquer dial. The newest fleet of Speedmaster Professionals is priced at $10,400 in steel and $49,300 in Moonshine Gold. You can learn more over at omegawatches.com