Every once in a while, we run into discontinued references or watches that are just really hard to find and that we like to call 'rare birds'. This time, we are talking about an Omega Speedmaster that captivated everyone when it was launched a few years ago and that is now discontinued and quite hard to find. Since we all know how iconic is the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional —after being part of all six lunar missions—, we'll go straight to what makes this watch so special. What sets this particular watch apart from your run-of-the-mill speedys, is its Aventurine dial and moon phase aperture. The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Moonphase Aventurine ref. 311.30.44.32.01.001 features a very unique blackened aventurine dial. Opposed to what most people think, this is not a natural stone dial but an aventurine glass dial — natural aventurine is commonly dark green in color.

The Dial

Aventurine dials, along with meteorite, lapis lazuli, tiger eye or malachite dials are some of the most beautiful dials and barely used in horology due to the complexity involved in working with them. After meteorite dials, we feel that aventurine dials hold a special charm and a very celestial cosmic nature as they almost look like a firmament full of stars. This particular aventurine dial, is a true chameleon that changes and reflects colors depending on the lighting conditions and that goes all the way from dark blue to black and other color hues in between.

What makes this Speedy even more unique —besides its extremely special dial—, is the beauty of its indicator located at 12 o'clock featuring a moon phase aperture along with a superimposed date ring with bright red half moon indicator.

Additionally, the dial is graced by a running seconds counter at 9, 30-minute chrono counter at 3, 12-hour chrono counter at 6 along with a central chronograph seconds hand. The bezel, with its black ceramic tachymetric ring, is mounted on a 44.25 mm stainless steel case and is presented on a matching bracelet.

The Movement

The beating heart of this timepiece is Omega's manual wound calibre 1866, fully visible through the display case back. This calibre is based off of the legendary caliber 1861 with an additional moonphase and date indicator and which provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound.

Sticker Price $11,500 USD. For more info on Omega click here.