“Non-classic” here means Speedmasters that stand apart from the familiar black-dial Moonwatch through a distinctive design, material, or historical story—not necessarily rare, discontinued, or valuable. This shortlist covers five different ways the collection has moved beyond that template: the lunar-themed Apollo 8, the Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary, the 2008 Alaska Project, the Alaska-inspired white-dial Moonwatch, and the historic Racing Dial. “Worthy” is a matter of collecting interest, not an objective ranking or investment claim.
How these five Speedmasters differ from the classic Moonwatch
The models below are not five versions of the same idea. Some foreground an unusual movement display or dial; others are compelling because of the spaceflight history they represent. The Alaska Project and the white-dial Moonwatch need particular care: they are connected by inspiration, but they are separate watches. OMEGA’s materials establish the stories and selected specifications discussed here; they do not establish comparative market value or investment performance.
| Model | What sets it apart | Size or material established in cited OMEGA material | Status distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 | Skeletonized dial and lunar relief in the movement | 44.25 mm black ceramic case, in OMEGA’s January 2024 announcement | Part of a changing Dark/Grey Side collection |
| Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary | Silver-and-blue styling and an animated caseback tied to Apollo 13 | 42 mm stainless-steel case, reference 310.32.42.50.02.001, on OMEGA Japan’s product page | Anniversary edition; verify present availability |
| Alaska Project (2008 re-edition) | A distinctive historical project represented by a 2008 model | Not stated in the cited OMEGA history page | Historical reference, distinct from the current white-dial watch |
| White-dial Moonwatch | Contemporary Moonwatch design informed by the Alaska I prototype | Not stated in the cited Alaska-inspired release material | Contemporary model; not the 2008 Alaska Project |
| Speedmaster Racing Dial (1968) | Named in OMEGA’s Speedmaster history as a distinctive dial design | Not stated in the cited history page | Historical design; exact reference details are not established here |
1. Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8
The Apollo 8 is the most technically theatrical choice on this list. In its January 2024 announcement, OMEGA describes a 44.25 mm black ceramic case and a manually wound Calibre 3869. Laser-ablated lunar relief appears through the skeletonized dial: the dial side shows the Moon’s Earth-facing side, while the far side is visible through the caseback. OMEGA also says the calibre achieved Co-Axial Master Chronometer certification.
That combination gives the watch a strong reason to exist beyond a color change: its movement display carries the lunar theme through the front and back of the watch. Its size and dark ceramic presence will not suit every wrist or preference, so try the specific generation on if possible. For current retail availability and the exact reference, check OMEGA’s live listing rather than assuming the 2024 announcement describes today’s catalogue. OMEGA announced seven new Dark and Grey Side models across four dial styles in 2025, evidence that the broader line continues to evolve.
#1 Best Overall
- Model 310.30.42.50.01.002
2. Speedmaster Silver Snoopy Award 50th Anniversary
This steel model turns a specific part of Speedmaster history into a design feature. OMEGA received the Silver Snoopy Award from NASA in 1970, recognizing the brand’s contribution to space exploration and the Apollo 13 mission. The 50th Anniversary model commemorates that connection rather than representing Snoopy editions as one interchangeable series.
OMEGA Japan identifies the watch as reference 310.32.42.50.02.001, with a 42 mm stainless-steel case and a silver-and-blue dial. Its animated caseback is the defining detail; Swatch Group’s 2020 announcement also describes an embossed silver Snoopy medallion and Calibre 3861. Buyers should confirm the exact reference and condition, especially when comparing it with other Snoopy-themed Speedmasters.
Rank #2
- Stainless steel case
- Black dial
- Swiss-automatic movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
3. Speedmaster Alaska Project (2008 re-edition)
The Alaska Project belongs on a history-led shortlist because it represents an unusual Speedmaster development story, not because it should be confused with every later watch that shares an Alaska connection. OMEGA’s Speedmaster history page highlights a 2008 Alaska Project model. The cited history material does not establish that model’s specifications, so case size, movement, or other reference-specific details should not be inferred from the name alone.
As a discontinued-era model, it is a pre-owned proposition rather than a watch to assume is currently available at retail. Before buying, verify the exact reference, originality, condition, service history, and provenance with the seller; the official historical mention does not establish current market pricing or scarcity.
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Rank #3
- Model 310.32.42.50.01.001
4. Alaska-inspired white-dial Moonwatch
OMEGA’s 2024 white-dial Moonwatch release connects its design to the 1969 Alaska I prototype. According to the brand, that prototype was developed within a NASA project to create a watch for use with a spacesuit, and its white dial informed the newer design. This makes the white-dial model a contemporary expression of an older design influence—not the Alaska Project re-edition from 2008.
It is the most straightforward choice here for someone who wants a Moonwatch silhouette with a clear visual departure from the familiar black dial. Treat it as its own modern Moonwatch reference when checking specifications and current catalogue status; the cited historical connection does not make it the same watch as the Alaska I prototype.
Rank #4
- OMEGA Speedmaster Racing Chronograph 326.30.40.50.01.001
5. Speedmaster Racing Dial (1968)
OMEGA’s official Speedmaster history highlights a 1968 Racing Dial, making it a credible fifth choice for collectors interested in the line’s design history. The available historical entry names the dial but does not supply substantive specifications for a particular reference. That means this is a historically grounded category to investigate, not a sufficiently detailed buying recommendation for a specific watch.
If considering a vintage Racing Dial Speedmaster, identify the exact reference and compare the dial, hands, case, and movement against reliable reference-specific documentation. Do not assume that a watch is an authentic 1968 Racing Dial simply because a listing uses that phrase.
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- Rubber
- Rotating bezel, gmt
- Automatic-self-wind movement
- Case diameter: 40mm
- Water resistant to 330 feet
Which one should you consider?
- For a visible mechanical and lunar theme: the Apollo 8 puts lunar relief on display through its dial and caseback.
- For the Apollo 13 and NASA-award connection: the Silver Snoopy 50th Anniversary pairs a documented historical link with an animated caseback.
- For project history: distinguish the 2008 Alaska Project model from the modern white-dial Moonwatch inspired by the Alaska I prototype.
- For a modern alternative to black: the white-dial Moonwatch keeps the Moonwatch identity while changing its visual character.
- For vintage design research: the 1968 Racing Dial is a compelling subject, but establish the precise reference before evaluating a particular example.
What to verify before buying
Catalogue status and model generations can change, and a historic association does not establish rarity or price. For a current model, confirm the reference and availability directly with OMEGA. For a discontinued or vintage watch, ask for documentation that supports the reference and assess condition, originality, service history, and seller provenance. No market-value or investment conclusion follows from the official histories and specifications cited here.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
