There are very few watches that feel inevitable. Watches that, no matter how many variations exist or how many decades pass, still make complete sense the moment you put one on your wrist. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is one of those watches. I have handled countless examples over the years, in steel, in precious metals, with different dials and bracelets, and yet the core appeal never fades.
This particular reference, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 310.60.42.50.10.001, is one that stopped me in my tracks the first time I spent real time with it. Not because it was loud or dramatic, but because it felt considered. Purposeful. Familiar, yet subtly different. It is a Moonwatch that speaks to collectors who already understand the history and want to experience it through a slightly different lens.
As the owner of Lone Star Timepieces, a luxury watch store in Dallas, I see firsthand how experienced collectors gravitate toward watches with real substance. This Speedmaster is exactly that.
The Speedmaster story never gets old
The Speedmaster’s place in watchmaking history is so well known that it can sometimes feel overly simplified. It is often reduced to a single sentence: the watch that went to the Moon. That is true, of course, but it is also incomplete.
Before NASA ever selected the Speedmaster, it was already a serious tool watch. Introduced in 1957 as a racing chronograph, the Speedmaster was designed for legibility, durability, and precision. The tachymeter scale on the bezel, now iconic, was originally meant for timing speed over distance on the track, not in space.
When NASA began testing chronographs in the early 1960s, they subjected them to extreme conditions that far exceeded anything most watches would ever face. Massive temperature swings. Violent shock. Sustained vibration. Zero gravity. The Speedmaster emerged as the only watch to pass every test. That single decision changed the trajectory of the model forever.
By the time Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in 1969, the Speedmaster was no longer just a chronograph. It had become a symbol of human exploration, engineering, and trust in mechanical reliability.

A Moonwatch, but not the one you expect
The 310.60.42.50.10.001 is unmistakably a Moonwatch, yet it immediately feels different from the steel versions most people associate with the model. Crafted in yellow gold and paired with a rich green dial, this reference leans into elegance without abandoning the Speedmaster’s tool watch roots.
The case measures 42mm, which has long been the standard size for the Moonwatch. On paper, that sounds substantial. On the wrist, it feels exactly right. The proportions are balanced, the lugs curve naturally, and the asymmetrical case design protects the crown and pushers while adding visual character.
Gold changes the wearing experience in an interesting way. It adds weight and warmth, but it also softens the watch visually. Combined with the green dial, the result is a Speedmaster that feels more expressive, almost more personal, than its steel counterparts.
The green dial deserves attention
Green dials have become increasingly popular in recent years, but not all green dials are created equal. What Omega has done here is particularly well judged.
The green used on this Speedmaster is deep and restrained. In bright light, it reveals a subtle richness. In lower light, it darkens and becomes more subdued. It never overwhelms the watch or distracts from its function. Instead, it adds depth and character to a dial layout that is already one of the most legible chronograph designs ever created.
The applied indices, classic hands, and balanced subdials remain instantly recognizable as Speedmaster. The green simply adds another layer, one that feels intentional rather than trendy.
Calibre 3861 and why it matters
At the heart of this watch is the Omega Calibre 3861, a movement that represents a significant step forward for the Moonwatch while staying true to its roots.
This is a manual winding chronograph, just as the Moonwatch has always been. That detail matters. The act of winding the watch each morning creates a connection that automatic movements simply do not replicate. It reminds you that this is a mechanical instrument, not a passive accessory.
Technically, the 3861 brings meaningful upgrades. It incorporates Omega’s Co Axial escapement and is Master Chronometer certified. That means improved accuracy, enhanced resistance to magnetic fields, and greater long term reliability. These are not changes made for marketing purposes. They address real world concerns while preserving the character of the Moonwatch.
For collectors who appreciate mechanical integrity, the 3861 strikes an ideal balance between tradition and modern performance.
Using the chronograph feels timeless
There is something deeply satisfying about using a well executed chronograph. The pushers on the Speedmaster have a firm, precise feel. The start, stop, and reset actions are crisp and confident.
The subdials are laid out with perfect symmetry, and the central chronograph seconds hand sweeps smoothly across the dial. The tachymeter scale remains as functional today as it was decades ago, even if most of us will never use it for its original purpose.
More than anything, the chronograph reminds you that this watch was designed to be used. It is not a fragile museum piece. It is a tool that happens to be beautifully made.

How it wears in daily life
Despite its gold case and historical importance, this Speedmaster is surprisingly wearable. The 42mm case sits comfortably on the wrist, and the watch feels well balanced rather than top heavy.
On a strap, it leans more refined and understated. On a bracelet, it feels solid and confident. Either way, it transitions easily from casual settings to more formal occasions.
This is not a watch you wear once or twice a year. It is a watch you can live with, one that becomes part of your routine rather than something you have to think about.
Why experienced collectors keep coming back to the Speedmaster
Collectors who have spent time with many different watches tend to appreciate consistency. They value designs that hold up over time and mechanics that prove themselves through use.
The Speedmaster delivers on both fronts. Its design has remained remarkably consistent for decades because it was right from the beginning. Its movement has evolved, but always with respect for what came before. Its history is not manufactured. It is documented, tested, and earned.
This particular reference adds another layer to that appeal. It offers something visually distinct without compromising the Speedmaster’s identity. For collectors who already own a steel Moonwatch, this version feels like a natural progression rather than a departure.
The Speedmaster at Lone Star Timepieces
At Lone Star Timepieces, we spend a lot of time talking with collectors about why certain watches resonate with them. In Dallas, there is a strong appreciation for watches that combine heritage with everyday wearability.
As a luxury watch store in Dallas, our goal is not simply to sell watches, but to help collectors find pieces that make sense within their broader collection. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional 310.60.42.50.10.001 does exactly that.
It offers history, technical credibility, and a design that feels both familiar and fresh. It is a watch that rewards knowledge and experience, which is why it consistently appeals to seasoned collectors.
A final thought
The Speedmaster does not need reinvention. It needs thoughtful evolution. This reference represents exactly that.
It respects the Moonwatch legacy while offering a slightly different perspective, one that feels confident and mature. It does not chase trends or attempt to redefine itself. It simply builds on a foundation that has already proven its worth.
For collectors who value history, mechanical integrity, and design that stands the test of time, this Speedmaster remains one of the most compelling watches you can own.