Comparison: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional vs. Breitling Premier Chronograph
Are you looking for the perfect watch combination of style and functionality? Then it's worth taking a look at the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional and the Breitling Premier Chronograph. In our comparison test, we'll take a closer look at these two luxurious timepieces and find out which watch brand comes out on top.
The Breitling looks much bigger on the wrist, although the difference isn't that big on paper. It is also heavier than the Omega. While the Omega's history with its visit to the moon is a huge unique selling point, the Breitling doesn't have to hide either, designed in 1940 by Willy Breitling himself, it also has a long history.
Let's find out together which watch suits you best.
Comparison basis
I have structured the findings from the comparison for you so that you can more easily understand how I proceeded.
The individual points that I compared with each other, I divide into similarities and differences.
First, I'll show you the similarities and thus how well the two watches compare.
After that comes the more exciting section, when I will go deeper into the differences.
Finally, I'll tell you my personal opinion about the two watches and give reasons for which one I would choose in your place. I'll also draw a conclusion from a neutral perspective about what they have to offer.
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Common ground
Design
The first similarity that visually jumps out at you is the look.
The two watches look practically identical at first glance, to the untrained eye. The black dial, with the three additional displays.
Both watches come standard with a stainless steel bracelet. They even both have the indication on the bezel, above the one, that it is a tachymeter.
The biggest difference that can be spotted at first glance is that Breitling chose to place their logo at three o'clock and not at twelve like Omega, classically.
Technical features
Further, the two watches have almost the same technical features, namely:
- Chronometer COSC certified
The COSC (Contrôle officiel suisse des chronomètres) is a non-profit organization founded in 1973 and dedicated to testing the accuracy of finished watches.
- A tachymeter
The tachymeter provides a scale for calculating the speed of an object at a given distance. It can be found on the watch on the outer edge or even on the bezel.
- A chronograph
The chronograph allows parts of the watch to be set on, off or to zero at the touch of a button. In other words, a mechanical stopwatch
Accessibility
This is where I judge how long it takes to purchase the watch. So if you decide to buy it today, how long you have to wait until you have it in your hands.
Both have the same accessibility. Namely, if you want to buy the watches in a watch store and they have this model in stock, you can take it directly. If it is not in stock, they will order it for you and it will be there in about a week.
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Price
If you have to decide between these two watches, the price should not be an exclusion criterion.
Not because they're both so outrageously expensive, but because they cost about the same.
... at least that's what I thought.
I am writing this article in Switzerland, here the Breitling costs 50.- Fr. more compared to the Omega.
In Germany, for example, the difference is a bit bigger, you have to pay 600,- € more for the Omega than for the Breitling.
So, on the whole, they are about the same price. On the respective websites, the Omega is priced at 7000.- € and the Breitling at 6400.- €.
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Differences
Comfort
The Breitling is only 0.6 mm taller than the Speedmaster. However, in combination with the design, it looks quite a bit bigger.
The case also looks bigger, but this is due to the dial. Since the dial of the Omega has the same color as the tachymeter, the whole watch makes a smaller impression.
Likewise, the Breitling is slightly heavier, almost 40 g to be exact. This supposedly insignificant difference is noticeable on the wrist.
Technical differences
While the two models are very similar, in the technical aspect there are still some differences that may even make the decision for you.
Where the Speedmaster Professional excels with 50h power reserve, the Premier Chronograph with only 48h, Breitling trumps with a water resistance to 100 m deep. Here, the Omega can only offer 50m.
The Breitling also has a small calendar at six o'clock on the dial.
The Omega can't offer a calendar, but a small second hand. Besides being a COSC certified chronometer, the Omega is also a Master Chronometer, qualified by METAS. This means that it is insensitive to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss.
The glass is also an exciting detail. The Premier Chronograph is equipped with the, for luxury watches usual, sapphire crystal. The Speedmaster professional, on the other hand, has a hesalite crystal. This was of great importance for space missions, because when a sapphire crystal breaks, it shatters into about two million tiny shards. The hesalite glass, on the other hand, shatters into two or three. This makes it much less dangerous in zero gravity.
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USP
Omega's Unique Selling Point is undoubtedly its history.
Out of six contenders, Omega was chosen as the official watch of Nasa. As a result, the Speedmaster Professional became part of every astronaut's kit and, of course, worn in 1969 when the first humans walked on the surface of the moon.
Breitling's Premier Chonograph is also marked by an impressive history.
Namely, it was designed back in the 1940s, and it was designed by Willy Breitling himself. The goal was to create a watch that would balance modern elements with retro details.
Besides, it is not a Moonwatch and that can become a good buying argument for you. After all, the Moonwatch has attracted quite a buzz due to its grandiose history. But if you are one of those people who don't like to run after every trend and like to wear a watch that not everyone knows, then you need a Premier Chronograph from Breitling.
My Opinion
As always, both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
The unique story of the Speedmaster professional is unbeatable from a "story-telling" perspective.
Visually, I also really like the Speedmaster. I specifically like that it is relatively unobtrusive, due to the black dial. It doesn't come across as huge or ostentatious.
However, Breitling's Premier Chronograph doesn't let itself be beaten by its far better-known counterpart.
Placing the logo on the right side instead of boringly at twelve o'clock is something I can only approve of. I also like the fact that the buttons of the chronograph are inconspicuous, square, they are also extremely pleasant to operate.
The crucial point for me, however, is that it is nowhere near as well known as the Moonwatch. The Omega has almost become a cult watch that you see many times.
Between the two, I would actually choose the Breitling. I was allowed to deal with both intensively and the unknown chronograph could convince me better.
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Conclusion
After thoroughly reviewing both watches, I can say that both the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional and the Breitling Premier Chronograph have a lot to offer.
Both watches have a timeless, classic design and offer excellent technical features such as COSC-certified chronometer, tachymeter, and chronograph-functions.
In terms of quality and craftsmanship, the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional seems to have a slight edge, while the Breitling Premier Chronograph has a slightly lower price tag and is readily available.
Ultimately, choosing a watch depends on your personal preferences and priorities. And which one you like better, only you can know.
Source cover photo: Breitling (r) & Omega (l) | edited article
About the author
Benno Büchler
In pursuit of more charmingly atypical watches, the teenage interest developed into a real passion. I strive to find the perfect combination of deviant and ravishing for the wrist.
