OMEGA Moonphase

History of the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase

OMEGA introduced the first Speedmaster with a moonphase complication in November 1985 with the reference 345.0809. Many collectors also call this watch the "Speedymoon." Only around 1,300 examples were produced over a roughly three-year run, making it one of the rarest modern Speedmasters. It used the hand-wound Calibre 866, based on the legendary Calibre 861 found in the standard Moonwatch, with the addition of a moonphase indicator and date display at the 12 o'clock sub-dial.

After the original run ended in early 1989, OMEGA revisited the concept several times. A white gold version appeared in 1999, followed by the reference 3576.50 in 2003, which brought the moonphase into the Speedmaster Professional lineup with a sapphire caseback and updated movement. The most significant leap came in 2016 when OMEGA launched the current generation of Speedmaster Moonphase watches powered by the in-house Calibre 9904. These models moved the moonphase to the 6 o'clock position, adopted a two-register layout, and earned the Master Chronometer certification from METAS. In early 2025, OMEGA expanded the range with the Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite, a 43mm hand-wound variant using the new Calibre 9914. To learn more, explore our detailed OMEGA Speedmaster history.

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase Models

The Speedmaster Moonphase has expanded quite a bit since it first came to market in 1985. Today, you’ll find several case materials, different dial finishes, and a range of movement options across the lineup. Some models stay close to the classic formula with a steel case and bracelet, while others take a more expressive route, like ceramic cases paired with aventurine dials that resemble a starry night sky. The Moonphase has something for nearly every collector.

Master Chronometer Series (44.25mm)

The modern core of the collection revolves around the 44.25mm case (43mm for the meteorite dial models) powered by the Calibre 9904. These are automatic chronographs certified as Master Chronometers by METAS, meaning they have been tested for accuracy, magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, and overall reliability under real-world conditions. They have a clean, bi-compax dial with a chronograph recorder at 3 o'clock and a combined seconds and date display at 9 o'clock, with the moonphase sitting prominently at 6 o'clock.

It’s a very accessible range. Options include stainless steel on a bracelet or leather strap as well as two-tone or full gold models, ceramic, and even platinum. The steel-on-bracelet version (reference 304.30.44.52.01.001) is the most commonly traded on the pre-owned market and is an excellent entry point into the modern Speedmaster Moonphase lineup.

Speedmaster Professional Moonphase (Ref. 3576.50 and 3575.20)

If you like the classic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch aesthetic but want a watch with extra functionality, the Professional Moonphase references deliver exactly that. The 3576.50 features the traditional 42mm case, a hand-wound movement, and a sapphire caseback that lets you view the calibre at work. It’s thinner than the modern 44.25mm models, so it’s a strong option for those with smaller wrists or a preference for a more traditional fit.

The 3575.20, sometimes called the "Ivory Moonphase," adds a silver dial with blue broad-arrow hands for a slightly dressier look. Both references have become increasingly sought after on the secondary market because they’re something OMEGA no longer makes.

Blue Side of the Moon and Aventurine

The "Blue Side of the Moon" is one of the most visually distinctive watches in the entire OMEGA catalog. It features a full blue ceramic case, a blue ceramic bezel, and, in the Aventurine variant, a dial made from aventurine glass. Aventurine is a material embedded with tiny metallic particles that catch the light and create a shimmering effect similar to a star-filled sky.

These models use the Calibre 9904, which contributes to their higher price point. On the pre-owned market, the Blue Side of the Moon and Aventurine versions regularly trade around $12,000.

Meteorite Dials

OMEGA has used slices of the Gibeon meteorite as dial material on select Speedmaster Moonphase models. The Gibeon meteorite, which landed in Namibia thousands of years ago, has a natural "Widmanstatten" pattern that forms when iron and nickel crystals cool over millions of years. Because the pattern is natural, no two dials will ever be exactly alike.

In 2025, OMEGA introduced the Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite in a slightly smaller 43mm case with the hand-wound Calibre 9914. This variant uses a three-register layout and a double moonphase display. It has a very distinct look compared to the two-counter 44.25mm models. The meteorite dial is a direct connection to space and the Speedmaster's legacy.

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase Specifications

The Speedmaster Moonphase follows the same engineering standards OMEGA uses across the rest of the lineup, but it adds a few extra complications that make it one of the more technically involved watches in the Speedmaster family. To give a clearer picture of what it offers, here’s a closer look at the key specifications.

Materials

Cases are available in stainless steel, Sedna Gold (OMEGA's proprietary rose gold alloy), yellow gold, platinum, and blue ceramic. The ceramic models, used primarily in the "Side of the Moon" variants, are made from zirconium oxide, which is virtually scratchproof and retains its color over time. Crystal is scratch-resistant sapphire on all modern models, with most featuring a "sapphire sandwich" design for a clear view of both the dial and the movement through the caseback.

Movement

The current models run on OMEGA’s Calibre 9904, a self-winding chronograph movement with a column-wheel mechanism. It uses the brand’s Co-Axial escapement along with a silicon balance spring for improved durability and stability. The movement operates at 25,200 vibrations per hour and stores about 60 hours of power thanks to twin barrels mounted in series. In total, the calibre is made up of 368 components. Turn the watch over and you can see OMEGA’s finishing as well, including the brand’s signature Geneva waves in arabesque across the bridges and rotor.

As a METAS-certified Master Chronometer, the Calibre 9904 has passed testing for accuracy, magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, and performance under various conditions including exposure to water and shocks. It’s more than the standard COSC chronometer rating that most Swiss watches carry. The newer Calibre 9914, found in the 2025 Meteorite models, is a hand-wound variant with a similar spec sheet but a different dial layout.

Bezel

Modern models use a fixed ceramic bezel with the tachymeter scale filled using Liquidmetal (on steel models) or Ceragold (on gold models). These fill materials bond directly to the ceramic. They won’t fade, chip, or lose their contrast over time. Visually, the bezel stays true to the classic Speedmaster design, while the material itself has the durability expected from a modern watch.

Moonphase

On current 44.25mm models, the moonphase display sits at 6 o’clock. OMEGA uses a metallic crystal disc that has been carefully micro-structured to show a surprisingly detailed image of the lunar surface. Look closely and you can even make out craters and subtle terrain patterns, giving the display a level of realism that goes well beyond a typical moonphase indicator. Under magnification, a tiny astronaut's footprint is visible on the moon, a hidden tribute to the Apollo 11 mission.

The mechanism behind the display is geared to complete one full lunar cycle every 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.9 seconds. This tracks the actual synodic month so closely that the display only needs a one-day correction every 29.5 years. Most moonphase watches on the market require adjustment every two to three years. The Speedmaster's accuracy is in a class above much of its competition.

Tachymeter

Like any other Speedy, the tachymeter scale on the bezel allows you to measure speed based on elapsed time. The scale is laser-etched and filled with luminous material on certain modern models, which keeps the markings legible even in low light. It’s both a functional tool and a signature design element that ties the Moonphase to the broader Speedmaster lineage.

Size and Fit

Most current Moonphase models come in a 44.25mm case with a thickness of approximately 16.85mm. This is a large watch with a strong wrist presence, and it fits best on medium to large wrists. The newer 2025 Meteorite variant brings the case down to 43mm, which may appeal to those looking for a slightly more compact option.

Vintage and Professional-style Moonphase models (such as the 3576.50) measure 42mm and sit noticeably flatter on the wrist. If you want the moonphase complication without the extra bulk of the modern automatic case, these earlier references are excellent choices as well.

Water Resistance

The OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase can handle everyday life, including the occasional splash or time in the water. Most are waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet), which is more than enough for things like swimming or snorkeling. It’s plenty practical for day-to-day wear. That said, it’s still a chronograph, not a dedicated dive watch, so activities like deep scuba diving are better left to something designed specifically for that job.

The 100-meter water resistance comes from a combination of well-made gaskets, a screw-down crown, and tightly engineered case construction. Like most water-resistant watches, it’s a good idea to rinse it with fresh water after swimming in the ocean. Periodic pressure testing is also recommended to make sure the seals are still doing their job over time.

Watch Bands

The Speedmaster Moonphase comes on either a brushed and polished stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp or a high-quality alligator leather strap. A common recommendation from the watch community is to purchase on the bracelet first, since OMEGA leather straps and buckles are easier to source separately down the line.

OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase Price Trends

The pre-owned market for the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase has been fairly steady over the past several years. The average transaction price for standard steel models here at Bob's Watches, most commonly the ref. 304.30.44.52.01.001, traded hands for around $6,595 in 2019. By 2025, that figure had moved closer to $8,130. The market surge between 2020 and 2022 is responsible for most of that growth. During that period, average prices climbed from roughly $7,300 to more than $8,800. Since then, things have leveled out quite a bit, with values settling into a more consistent range as the market cooled from those peak years.

Prices on the luxury market cooled in 2023, and the Speedmaster Moonphase was not entirely immune. Average steel prices dipped to around $8,200 before rebounding in 2024 to approximately $8,280. Special variants command higher premiums. Leather-strap models with mixed metal elements regularly trade between $9,500 and $9,700, while rare materials such as platinum can push prices well above $45,000. Compared to other moonphase chronographs from top-tier Swiss brands, the Speedy continues to offer a strong complication-to-price ratio. That keeps demand steady on the secondary market.

Expert Take on the OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase

The Speedmaster Moonphase occupies a unique position in the OMEGA lineup. It is not a dress watch, and it is not a stripped-down tool watch, either. It sits right in between. It has real mechanical complexity wrapped in the most recognizable chronograph design in history. The moonphase complication is not just decorative here. It is backed by genuine engineering that keeps it accurate for decades.

It’s one of the best value propositions in the moonphase chronograph category. Comparable complications from other top-tier Swiss manufacturers regularly sell for two to three times the price. The Speedmaster Moonphase gives you METAS certification, an in-house movement, and premium finishing at a price point that’s still very competitive. It works just as well for seasoned collectors as it does for someone buying their first serious watch.

- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob's Watches

Why Buy Your OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase from Bob's Watches

Buying a pre-owned luxury watch should feel straightforward, not stressful. At Bob's Watches, every OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase is inspected by our in-house watchmakers before it ever reaches the showroom floor. They verify authenticity, check the movement’s performance, and make sure every component meets our standards.

We also list both our buy and sell prices, so you can see the fair market value of the watch right away. Every purchase includes a one-year warranty and free shipping. And if you have questions, our team of watch specialists is always available to help—whether that’s explaining a specific reference, discussing condition details, or simply helping you decide if it’s the right watch for you.

Sell Your OMEGA Speedmaster Moonphase

If you’re ready to move on to your next watch, Bob’s Watches makes the process to sell your OMEGA watch straightforward. Our team knows the Speedmaster Moonphase collection well, which allows us to provide offers that reflect the real market value of your specific reference. Simply submit your watch through our website and receive a quote quickly, with no obligation.

If you decide to accept the offer, we’ll send you a fully insured shipping label at no cost. Once the watch arrives and our team confirms its condition, payment is issued promptly. There are no hidden fees and no need to create listings or wait for a buyer. Just a secure, efficient process that helps you turn your watch into funds for the next piece in your collection.