The New Omega Speedmaster Milano Cortina 2026

Omega’s timekeeping for the Olympic Winter Games dates back to 1936 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Each New Year’s Day, a thrilling ski jump takes place at the Große Olympiaschanze, known in English as the Great Olympic Hill. It’s a cherished family tradition — though I’m the only one watching these days — to tune in to the television and enjoy leftover treats from New Year’s Eve while marveling at the daring jumps. This ritual has been a beloved part of my holidays for decades, creating memories as exciting as the jumps themselves. Next February, 90 years after its Winter Games debut, Omega will continue its longstanding role as the official Olympic timekeeper. As expected, the brand will produce some commemorative watches, and today’s release is the Speedmaster Milano Cortina 2026.

Omega Speedmaster Milano Cortina 2026

The Olympic Winter Games 2026 will be held in Italy at several locations, including Milan and Cortina. I am looking forward to seeing some ice skating (go, Jutta Leerdam!), ice hockey, and yes, curling. Omega is responsible for all official timing of 116 events across eight sports and 16 disciplines in total.

Omega already commemorated the 2026 Winter Games with a beautiful gold Seamaster, but now the brand has also introduced a Speedmaster with a special dial and commemorative case back. This Speedmaster Milano Cortina 2026 looks slightly different from the standard models in the Speedmaster 38 collection. Whereas most of them have oval sub-dials, except the “standard” black-dial version, this new Milano Cortina 2026 has round ones.

Milano Cortina white dial

Omega gave the 38mm case a fully polished finish and a bracelet with polished center links. The stainless steel bezel has a blue ceramic insert with a tachymeter scale in white enamel. However, the most remarkable element about this new Speedmaster Milano Cortina 2026 is its varnished white dial. It has a light blue frosted effect inspired by the official logo for the 2026 Winter Games. Omega utilized its azurage technique to create concentric circles in the centers and on the slopes of the sub-dials. At 6 o’clock, there’s a date window, with the special Milano Cortina 2026 typography for the “26” on the date wheel.

Five of this Omega Speedmaster’s hands are dark blue, matching the color of the applied indexes and the ceramic bezel insert. The chronograph seconds hand, however, is in a blue gradient.

Commemorative case back

On the case back, you’ll find the embossed Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 logo. This Olympic logo is also on the gold Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina. It might not be to everyone’s liking, but for those who will buy this watch during the Games in Italy next year, it’ll be a wonderful reminder.

Inside this Speedmaster Milano Cortina 2026 chronograph is Omega’s caliber 3330. This ETA-based chronometer-certified movement has Omega’s Co-Axial escapement, a column wheel, a silicon balance spring, and a power reserve of 52 hours. It’s the same movement found in the other Speedmaster 38 models.

Better water resistance

Another interesting feature of the Speedmaster 38 is that it has a water resistance rating of 100 meters, as opposed to 50 meters for the traditional Moonwatch. Water resistance, or the lack thereof, is an often-criticized element of the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. The pushers on this smaller model are also slightly different from the Moonwatch ones, as they have a “step” at the end.

The Speedmaster Milano Cortina 2026 (ref. 522.30.38.50.04.001) has a retail price of €6,700 (including 21% VAT) / CHF 5,300 (excluding taxes) / US$6,800 (excluding taxes). It’s a non-limited edition and comes in special commemorative packaging for the Winter Games 2026.

On the wrist

I would have expected to find the Winter Games 2026 theme a bit gimmicky. This was mainly based on the press images we received upfront. In real life, though, the blue frosting pattern on the dial is very subtle. Omega’s blue and white theme for this Speedmaster 38 works perfectly. Also, the smaller version of the “Nixon” bracelet and its polished center links suit the case quite well.

The Milano Cortina 2026 edition is smaller than what I am used to for a Speedmaster, but it certainly fits my 18cm wrist. Smaller watches are in demand, and this Speedmaster 38 will be a suitable alternative for those who prefer a smaller size over the 39.7mm and 42mm (or even larger) versions of the Speedmaster.

Omega made this Speedmaster a bit blingier than the Moonwatch variations. In addition to the bracelet’s polished center links, the case has polished flanks and lugs. Also, the clasp features a micro-adjustment system that extends the bracelet by two extra millimeters on warm days. I’m sure that last detail will be an important one for many enthusiasts.

So, what do you think of the latest Speedmaster? Are the details and Olympic connection tastefully executed, or would you rather have seen something different? Share your opinion in the comments below.

Watch specifications