Omega Speedmaster Professional Chocolate Dial 42MM Ref 311.30.42.30.13.001 Box & Papers Circa 2010

Omega Speedmaster Professional 42MM Ref. 311.30.42.30.13.001

A Familiar Form with an Uncommon Twist

The Omega Speedmaster Professional needs little introduction. As the first watch worn on the moon, its legacy is etched into the broader cultural memory, with the classic black-dial "Moonwatch" forming the core of its identity. But within the Speedmaster Professional line, there are variations that offer subtle departures from the monochrome standard. The reference 311.30.42.30.13.001 is one of those rare departures—a chocolate-dial Speedmaster that balances heritage with quiet individuality.

Released in the early 2000s, this model retains the case profile, hand layout, and manual-wind movement that define the Moonwatch. What sets it apart is the dial: a rich, sunburst chocolate brown that reveals its hue most clearly in natural light. Often referred to as a tropical dial, it pairs with matching brown subdials and a tachymeter bezel to create an effect that is understated but unmistakable—a Moonwatch with a twist. The warmer tone softens the utilitarian aesthetic without sacrificing any of the original's purpose-built appeal.

Classic Moonwatch Specs

Like its more common siblings, the tropical dial Speedmaster features a 42mm stainless steel case with twisted lugs but with a sapphire crystal. These design choices are deliberate callbacks to the original NASA-qualified Speedmasters worn by Apollo astronauts.

The brown aluminium bezel insert retains the classic tachymetric scale, essential for timing events over distance—a feature born from motorsport but immortalised through space exploration. The three-register layout is also unchanged: 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12-hour totaliser at 6, and continuous seconds at 9. The white markings contrast cleanly against the tropical backdrop, preserving the Speedmaster’s famous legibility.

Under the Caseback

At the heart of the watch is the hand-wound calibre 1863, the rhodium-plated successor to the historic 861 movement introduced in 1968. While the 1861 remained the standard fitment for most closed-caseback Speedmasters, the 1863 was reserved for models with sapphire display backs, as it features more elaborate finishing. The movement beats at 21,600vph and offers a 48-hour power reserve. Its lateral clutch, cam-switched chronograph construction, and robust architecture make it both historically accurate and reliable for modern wear.

In the case of this reference, Omega opted for a sapphire display back, making it one of the rare Speedmasters.

Subtle Sophistication

The bracelet is the classic five-link stainless steel design with brushed outer links and polished centres. It tapers gently towards the clasp and offers a balance of comfort and durability. Despite its tool origins, the Speedmaster Professional wears flatteringly on most wrists, thanks to its slim mid-case and ergonomically curved lugs.

One of the standout qualities of the tropical dial Speedmaster is its versatility. The chocolate dial adapts subtly to different light conditions—appearing almost black in low light and bursting with warmth in the sun. This makes it an appealing choice for those who want something a little different from the classic black dial, without veering into flashier territory. It’s a Speedmaster that flies under the radar but rewards close attention.

As with all Speedmasters, this watch is more than the sum of its parts. The tactile ritual of winding the watch daily, the firm click of the chronograph pushers, and the mechanical sweep of the seconds hand are all part of the experience. It’s a watch that invites engagement. And with the tropical dial, there’s also a quiet pleasure in owning a piece that breaks with convention without losing its roots.

Quietly Collectible

Now discontinued, the tropical dial Speedmaster adds interest among enthusiasts. It wasn’t produced in large numbers and remains a lesser-known option within the broader Speedmaster lineage. That said, it shares the same case dimensions, movement, and specifications as its more famous siblings, so parts, servicing, and wearability are entirely straightforward.

Collectors who seek out this reference often do so for the dial’s distinctiveness. It brings warmth and character to a model known for its cool precision. Paired with the utilitarian steel case and brushed bracelet, the overall effect is balanced—neither too formal nor too sporty, capable of being dressed up or down.

Another subtle advantage lies in its uniqueness when compared to the sea of black-dial chronographs. Brown dials are rare in Omega’s catalogue, and even more so within the Speedmaster line. That scarcity makes this reference a quiet talking point for those in the know. And because it retains the same Moonwatch DNA, it doesn’t feel like a departure—more like a variation on a theme, rendered in a different key.

Wearing it day to day, it feels familiar and novel at once. It catches the eye without demanding attention. In a world of increasingly bold and oversized chronographs, the tropical dial Speedmaster remains tastefully restrained. It rewards thoughtful collectors who appreciate nuance and continuity.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Speedmaster Professional with tropical dial isn’t a radical departure from the core Moonwatch template, but that’s exactly its charm. With a sunburst brown dial and exhibition caseback, it brings warmth and detail to a watch already steeped in history. For those who appreciate the Speedmaster’s legacy but want something a little different—without abandoning the design language that made it great—this reference is worth seeking out.

It wears comfortably, works reliably, and tells a story just beneath the surface. Like all Speedmasters, it rewards those who look closely. But with this model, the reward is a little richer, a little warmer, and a little rarer.

Case and bracelet are in near mint condition.

Dial and hands are in flawless condition.