Introducing The New Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon Apollo 8

December 1968, NASA astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders made history as the first humans to travel into space, aboard a Saturn 5 rocket. This crew of Apollo 8 each wore an OMEGA Speedmaster during their mission. and In 2018, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the mission that allowed astronauts to view the far side of the moon for the first time, Omega released the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 watch. The company is now back and giving this distinctive watch an update. This latest version maintains the basic characteristics of the original model with improvements to the design while the mechanical modifications are more.

This new release boasts a 44.25mm black ceramic case, including a bezel crafted from its own ceramic block. The bezel, formerly utilizing Super-LumiNova, is now created from a distinct ceramic block and features a tachymeter scale in white Grand Feu enamel. Similarly, the Omega logo on the crown has transitioned to white enamel from Super-LumiNova. Both the crown and pushers are fashioned from black Zr02 ceramic.

The caseback is equipped with a transparent crystal, bordered by a black ceramic element engraved with significant details such as "Dark Side of the Moon – Apollo 8, Dec 1968," "We'll see you on the other side," and "Co-Axial Master Chronometer." With a water resistance rating of 50 meters and a commendable weight of 99 grams, this timepiece is well-balanced. 

The dial is safeguarded by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. As for the dial, made of anodised aluminium, the overall concept of the partially skeletonized and moon-textured plates that was found on the initial Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 has been retained. In the same vein, the black scheme with yellow accents is still present, yellow second hand and chronograph sub-counter hands however, some minor changes can be seen in the laser-ablated Moon texture as seen from Earth  the texture and detailing are more pronounced than before  and the overall architecture of the movement is a bit different because new calibre, with fewer visible screws. The main new element is, of course, the small seconds hand shaped like a Saturn V rocket, and made of grade 5 titanium. It’s done by laser turning, while the colours are achieved with white varnish, ablation, and laser blackening.

Housed within the case is the latest movement, the calibre 3869, which is a partially skeletonized iteration of the recent calibre 3861, providing an extended power reserve of 50 hours. It incorporates the brand's sophisticated technical elements, including the Co-Axial escapement and Master Chronometer certification, showcasing remarkable resistance to magnetic fields. This manually wound chronograph operates through a cam system. The rear side is adorned with a Moon texture, featuring light grey coated wheels and a dark grey gold-coated balance wheel.

Worn on a black and yellow rubber strap equipped with a folding clasp made of ceramized titanium. It is released as part of the permanent collection and isn’t limited. This new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is now priced at CHF 13,500 which is equivalent to 57,500 AED.

For more information, please visit Omega official website.