In 1968, Apollo 8 made history as the first human flight to orbit the Moon. On this pioneering mission, each astronaut was equipped with an OMEGA Speedmaster, a crucial tool during NASA’s lunar campaign. To celebrate this feat, OMEGA has launched the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, a watch that blends cutting-edge technology, a variety of refined materials, and artisanal craftsmanship.
The first Dark Side of the Moon
The first Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, introduced by OMEGA in 2018, marked a significant moment in the history of space-themed watches. This timepiece was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission, the first to orbit the Moon. Its black ceramic case reflected the mysterious allure of space, while the movement inside offered high-precision performance, worthy of OMEGA’s space heritage.
Innovation and Design of the New Apollo 8
Today, OMEGA returns to its watchmaking roots, enriching the original design with even more sophisticated details. The first thing that strikes about this watch is undoubtedly the dial. Thanks to laser processing technology, it features an extremely high level of detail. Moreover, the entire front part is designed to offer a sense of depth and three-dimensionality, thanks to the semi-skeletonized movement, laser engraving, raised rehaut, and the stunning 3D miniature at 9 o’clock, which I will talk about shortly.
The case is made of black ceramic and has a thickness of 13 mm for a diameter of 44.25 mm. The water resistance is 50 m.
Through the watch’s skeletonized dial, made of black anodized aluminum, you can admire the Calibre 3869 Co-Axial Master Chronometer decorated with the Moon. The main theme is darkness, an enveloping black, like that present in space, recalled thanks to the black anodized components and the laser-processed plate.
A 3D Miniature
To the darkness on the dial, light is also added. As with its predecessor, the central chronograph hand is painted yellow, as are the chronograph hands of the counters and the Speedmaster inscription at 12 o’clock. The color theme continues in the watch’s perforated strap, made of black rubber with a yellow interior.
At this point, we come to the second star of this dial – I realize the first is actually the dial as a whole – a novelty patented by Omega. If you look closely, the small seconds hand at 9 o’clock, made of Grade 5 Titanium, is modeled after NASA’s famous Saturn V rocket. This 3D structure was obtained by laser turning, and the colors were achieved with white paint, ablation, and laser blackening. I can’t stop looking at it.
A Historic Message on the Caseback
Turning the watch over, we can observe the other side of the caliber, thanks to the sapphire crystal case back.
On the back of the case, a series of engravings include the words “WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE,” the last words spoken to ground control by Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell, just before the Apollo 8 mission disappeared to the far side of the Moon, losing radio contact for the first time.
Price and Availability
The watch is available at a price of EUR 15,900.00.
Final Thoughts
The new Dark Side of the Moon is a watch that tells many things. On one hand, it demonstrates Omega’s relentless commitment to celebrating its past, and on the other, an equally arduous effort to ensure that the past does not become fossilization, by making changes and implementing increasingly advanced technologies and solutions.
The result is a fascinating watch with a mysterious dial, embellished with a stunning 3D miniature, housing a precise and high-performing caliber. It’s hard to ask for much more.
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