A complete hands-on review with exclusive pictures of the new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, 2024 Edition. Price €15,900
Launched at the beginning of the year, the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 chronograph pays tribute to the Apollo 8 Mission (December 21–27, 1968), the first human flight to orbit the Moon.
The three astronauts of this legendary space mission—William Anders, Frank Borman, and James Lovell—were the first humans to witness and photograph the far side of the Moon and an Earthrise, as documented by the famous picture taken by William Anders.
Each astronaut aboard the spacecraft was equipped with an Omega Speedmaster.
The two sides of the moon. NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University.
Photo of the Earth taken from Apollo 8, called Earthrise. NASA/William Anders.
We recently had the opportunity to put our hands on the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, ref. 310.92.44.50.01.001, and we are now delighted to share our impressions and pictures with our readers.
This model comes in a 44.25 mm x 13 mm case composed of three separate pieces—caseband, bezel, and caseback—made of black zirconium oxide ceramic with alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces.
The fixed bezel is polished and filled with a bright white 'Grand Feu' enamel tachymeter scale.
The typical elements of the Speedmaster are all there: the asymmetrical case with twisted lugs, the crown guards, and the flat-capped chronograph pushers. Water resistance is guaranteed up to a pressure of 5 bar (approximately 50 metres / 165 feet).
Protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides, the openworked dial—crafted from black anodized aluminium—showcases many details of the exclusive Calibre 3869.
This chronograph movement is characterised by something unique: a laser-ablated reproduction of the 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 reverse side of the watch reveals the dark, hidden face observed by the Apollo 8 astronauts. The details of the Moon’s surface are highlighted by the use of contrasting surfaces and complemented by light grey-coated wheels and a dark grey gold-coated balance wheel.
The dial is completed with black hour markers and hour and minute hands, all filled with Super-LumiNova, glowing green in darker environments.
The chronograph hands are varnished yellow, a colour theme that continues on the watch’s perforated strap, which is made from black rubber with yellow stitches.
A novel addition is 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, around the transparent sapphire crystal that reveals the dark side of the moon, a series of engravings are 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.
Operating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and offering 50 hours of power reserve, the hand-wound Calibre 3869 has attained the Co-Axial Master Chronometer standard, passing a number of tests performed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), including:
1. Average daily precision of the watch over 4 days and in real life wearing conditions.
2. Function of COSC-approved movement during exposure to 15,000 gauss magnetic field.
3. Function of the entire watch during exposure to 15,000 gauss magnetic field.
4. Deviation of daily precision after exposure to 15,000 gauss magnetic field.
5. Water resistance.
6. Power reserve.
7. Deviation of rate between 100% and 33% of power reserve.
8. Deviation of rate in six positions.
Despite its pretty large diameter of 44.25 mm, the watch remains comfortable on the wrist (the one in our pictures is 17.7 cm / 7 in), thanks to short and curved lugs. The strap is secured by a double folding clasp in ceramic. The lug width is 21 mm.
Offering a striking look with its bold black and yellow color scheme and intricate detailing, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is a fitting tribute to both the iconic Speedmaster chronograph and the spirit of space exploration and human advancement.
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
Nice review. Loved the pics.If only the price tag were under 10k, I'd add it to my collection. Maybe in the future.
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