Omega unveils new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8

In 2024, Omega presents new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 ref. 310.92.44.50.01.001. Price €15,900

Omega is following up the release of the first Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 chronograph in 2018 (you can read about it here) with a new version of this captivating model that elevates the same design while adding an even greater level of detailing and refinement.

Like the 2018 version, the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, identified by the reference 310.92.44.50.01.001, pays tribute to the Apollo 8 Mission, the first human flight to ever orbit the Moon. Aboard that pioneering mission, each astronaut was equipped with the Omega Speedmaster. 

The Calibre 3869 of the watch showcases a laser-ablated Moon relief on the blackened main plate and bridges. Similar to the Moon itself, this mechanism reveals two distinct facets. The side facing the dial mirrors our perspective of the lunar surface, observable from Earth. In contrast, the watch's reverse side reveals the dark, concealed portion that is exclusively witnessed by astronauts.

This latest revision has heightened the Moon's detailing through laser engraving and the use of contrasting surfaces. These features are complemented by the light grey coated wheels and the dark grey gold-coated balance wheel.

More importantly, the manual-winding Calibre 3869 has attained the Co-Axial Master Chronometer standard, ensuring customers receive the utmost precision, chronometric performance, and magnetic resistance offered by the Swiss industry. Operating at a frequency of 3 Hz  (21,600 vibrations per hour), this chronograph movement offers 50 hours of power reserve.

The Moon-decorated movement can be seen through the watch’s openworked dial, which is crafted from black anodized aluminium. 

For the 44.25 mm x 13 mm case, the polished bezel, and the caseback, Omega used separate pieces of black ceramic and filled the tachymeter scale with bright white “Grand Feu” enamel.

The central chronograph seconds hand is varnished yellow, a colour theme that continues on the watch’s perforated strap, which is made from black rubber with a yellow interior (the lug width is 21 mm).

A novel addition includes the patent pending small-seconds hand at 9 o'clock. Crafted from Grade 5 Titanium, it mirrors the iconic design of NASA's Saturn V rocket. The robust 3D structure is crafted through laser turning, while the vibrant colours are achieved using white varnish, ablation, and laser blackening.

On the caseback, a series of engravings have been inscribed, including “WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE” – the final 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, and out of radio contact, for the first time ever.

The new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, ref. 310.92.44.50.01.001, has a retail price of Euro 15,900 (including VAT) / US$ 14,300 (excluding local sales taxes). omegawatches.com

Suggested reading:
- The history of the Omega Speedmaster