The New Reverse Panda Omega Speedmaster: Is This the Speedy We’ve Been Waiting For?
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Time to read 5 min
Introduction
Last week Omega has officially announced a brand-new addition to the Speedmaster family—and it’s one that collectors have been begging them for since the release of the Speedy Tuesday back in 2017.
We’re talking about the new Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional with a reverse panda dial. While many of us have a deep-seated nostalgia for the 2017 "Speedy Tuesday" limited edition, this release isn't just a trip down memory lane. It’s a permanent addition to the collection that brings a fresh, high-contrast look to the most famous chronograph in the world.
Table of Contents
Introduction Meet the new Speedmaster Pro Reverse Panda Bringing the Legend into the Modern Era Key Features & Specifications: A Closer Look The Ultimate "Strap Monster" Featured Watch Strap Nylon Watch Strap in BLACK with WHITE Stripes - #SpeedyTuesday Edition Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions Ready to Elevate your Watch Game? Related Readings
Meet the new Speedmaster Pro Reverse Panda
Bringing the Legend into the Modern Era
While the "Speedy Tuesday" was all about vintage charm with its brushed case and radial sub-dials, the new 2026 Reverse Panda Speedmaster Pro Moonwatch is built for the modern collector who wants performance alongside that iconic aesthetic.
This isn't merely a colour swap; it’s a more refined, "upmarket" take on the Moonwatch. By incorporating the latest material technology—like the liquid-smooth lacquer dial and a fade-resistant ceramic bezel—Omega has created a watch that feels like a premium evolution of the 4th-generation Speedmaster silhouette. It occupies a unique space in the catalogue: it has the soul of a heritage piece but the execution of a modern luxury timepiece.
Iconic Speedmaster Watch Straps
Key Features & Specifications: A Closer Look
For the "spec heads" out there, this release delivers the full modern Speedmaster package with some significant upgrades to the finish:
- The Dial Construction: The "main event" is the double-plate dial. It features a glossy black lacquer top layer with rhodium-plated sub-dial frames and a white lacquer base for the registers. With over twenty layers of lacquer, the result is a deep, "liquid" black that offers incredible legibility.
- Case & Dimensions: You're getting the classic 42mm asymmetrical case with a 47.5mm lug-to-lug. The stainless steel version measures 13.54mm in thickness, while the 18ct Moonshine Gold version is slightly thicker at 13.63mm.
- The Movement: Inside beats the Calibre 3861. This manual-wind, METAS-certified Master Chronometer is resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss and features a 50-hour power reserve.
- Premium Details: Unlike the standard Moonwatch which offers a Hesalite option, the Reverse Panda Speedy is a "Sapphire-only" release. It features box-form sapphire crystal on the front and a display case back to showcase the beautifully finished movement. The bezel is ceramic with a white enamel tachymeter scale, retaining the historical "dot over 90" layout.
The Ultimate "Strap Monster"
One thing we know for certain at Watch Obsession: the Speedmaster is the undisputed king of straps. However, the Reverse Panda configuration takes this versatility to another level. The high contrast of the black and white dial acts as a neutral canvas, allowing you to completely change the watch's personality in seconds.
Pairing this Speedy with a rugged, perforated "Rally" leather strap taps into its 1960s racing heritage. If you’re after a more modern, tactical look, a high-quality black rubber strap—like those we've seen look amazing on the Speedy Tuesday—is a brilliant choice for daily wear. Because the dial is so monochrome, you can even experiment with bold colours to highlight the crispness of those white sub-dials.
Featured Watch Strap
Nylon Watch Strap in BLACK with WHITE Stripes - #SpeedyTuesday Edition
If you want to give your new Reverse Panda that authentic #SpeedyTuesday vibe, look no further than our Nylon Watch Strap in Black with White Stripes.
This is our version of the strap that famously accompanied the 2017 limited edition. It features a central white stripe flanked by black, perfectly echoing the "Reverse Panda" layout of the dial. It’s a soft, durable, and incredibly comfortable way to pay homage to the watch that started the panda-dial craze, while keeping your new 3861 Moonwatch feeling fresh and sporty.
Conclusion
The new Reverse Panda Speedmaster marks a sharp evolution for the Moonwatch line, trading the standard monochrome look for a high-contrast aesthetic that collectors have wanted for years. By bringing this look into the permanent collection with the Master Chronometer 3861 movement, Omega has ensured this watch is poised to attract a new generation of enthusiasts while honoring the heritage of the limited editions that came before it.
Whether you opt for the classic stainless steel on a bracelet or swap it onto our SpeedyTuesday-style nylon strap, finding the right accessory ensures your new Speedy not only performs flawlessly but looks incredible doing it. It’s all about tailoring this new architecture to your personal style.
The New Generation: This permanent addition to the Speedmaster family features the iconic reverse panda dial previously reserved for limited editions.
Key Design Changes: Standout features include a deep black lacquer dial, high-contrast white registers, and a polished ceramic "Dot Over 90" bezel.
Crucial Specification: Powered by the manual-wind Calibre 3861, it's a METAS-certified Master Chronometer with 15,000 gauss magnetic resistance.
Featured Strap: Highlighted our SpeedyTuesday Edition Nylon Strap in black and white, noted for its ability to transform the new model into a heritage-inspired masterpiece.
The Author: Will Parker
Will Parker is the Head of Media at WatchObsession and has been with the company since 2020. As our dedicated photographer, videographer and content creator, he has changed more buckles, straps and clasps than we can count and his own personal watch collection grows every year, although his strap collection is growing faster.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Reverse Panda a limited edition?
No, unlike the 2017 Speedy Tuesday, these new models are a permanent part of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional collection.
What is the lug width for choosing straps?
Like the standard Moonwatch Professional, these models have a 20mm lug width, making them compatible with a huge range of our straps.
Does it have the same movement as the standard Moonwatch?
Yes, it uses the Calibre 3861 Master Chronometer movement, the same highly accurate, manual-wind engine found in the current Moonwatch Pro line.
Can I get this watch with a Hesalite crystal?
Currently, the Reverse Panda is only available in the "Sapphire Sandwich" configuration, featuring sapphire crystal on both the front and the case back.
