Close-Up: Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Dark Side of the Moon”


Since its debut in 1957, Omega‘s iconic Speedmaster chronograph, nicknamed “Moonwatch” for its presence on all six NASA lunar missions, sported a tricompax dial arrangement. In 2011, Omega outfitted the watch with a new co-axial movement and bicompax design, both of which are used again in the first Moonwatch with a black ceramic case, unveiled at Baselworld 2013.

The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Dark Side of the Moon” derives its name from its black zirconium oxide ceramic dial and matching black ceramic case, which is 44.25 mm in diameter and boasts both brushed and polished finishes. The dial is notable for its applied indices, made of 18k white gold, and the two blackened subdials at 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. This new bicompax subdial arrangement was first used on the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Chronograph, the first Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch to contain Omega’s in-house chronograph Caliber 9300. As on that model, the subdial at 3 o’clock serves as both the 12-hour and 60-minute counter, using two hands to display the elapsed time intuitively. The small seconds subdial is at 9 o’clock, and the date is displayed on a window at 6 o’clock, the spot occupied by the elapsed-hours subdial in older models. (Click on photos for larger images.)

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in black ceramic

The hour and minute hands, as well as the hands on both subdials, are also made of 18k white gold. the central chronograph hand is rhodium-plated and ends in a red tip. For this latest version of its iconic moon watch, Omega has coated the hour, minute and chronograph hands, as well as the two small dots at 12 o’clock, with Super-LumiNova for legibility in the dark. The bezel, also made from polished black ceramic, has the Speedmaster’s familiar tachymeter scale, here inscribed in matte chromium nitride. The chronograph pushers are in polished ceramic. The watch, which is water-resistant to 50 meters, has scratch-resistant sapphire crystals in the front and back.

Omega’s Caliber 9300, visible through the caseback, contains a magnetism-resistant silicon balance spring and a co-axial escapement. Certified by COSC as a chronometer, the movement carries a 60-hour power reserve. The words, “DARK SIDE OF THE MOON” are engraved in matte chromium nitride above the caseback crystal. Completing the watch’s black-on-black look is a strap made of black Cordura fabric with a black ceramic buckle. The price on this black ceramic Omega Speedmaster watch is $12,000.

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in black ceramic-front

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch black ceramic w/ moon background

(Click here to see more “black on black” watches from this year’s watch fairs and here to see more 2013 releases from Omega.)

Omega has released photos of the production process for making this new Omega Speedmaster watch and its ceramic case. Go to page three to see the photos and learn the details.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moonproduction - ceramic key production steps

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon production - ceramic key production steps- 2

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon production - engraving and metallisation

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon production -bezels

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon production - ceramic dial production steps

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon production - ceramic dial production steps - 2

This article was originally published on February 7, 2014, and has been updated.

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  1. Hanif Khan

    Hub choki Balochistan city center koh Baloch builders mean RCD road hub

    Reply
  2. This is a very nice looking watch. I saw one in a jewelry store and it was fantastic. At 44 mm it’s a little too big for me…but a nice looking product.

    Reply
  3. I have never been a huge Omega fan apart from a brief love affair with a Planet Ocean Chrono but this watch has my trigger finger itching..

    I need to see one up close and personal, thanks for a great review.

    Reply
  4. I think that GTLS (“tritium”) illumination, such as used on Nite brand watches, would have served this watch very well!

    Reply
  5. Dougie Fresh

    great article on my list and really need to see in person but best write up I have read yet thx!

    Reply
  6. Thanks for the interesting and well put together download report. I had an Omega Speedmaster in 1969 and a few years later when I had it serviced, the servicing jeweller didn’t seal it properly and the guts of it rusted. Since then I’ve had a Tag-Heuer Professional 1,000 diving watch that has been running well for 20 years with an occasional new battery. I really love the black, ceramic Omega … a lovely piece of engineering.

    Reply
  7. Ross Salinger

    My seamaster has broken down twice in twelve years. My rolex had one repair in 34 years. And the rolex was fixed in a week or so 8-12 weeks for an Omega. Spending this much on a watch should be a reliable repairable timepiece. It doesn’t if you buy an Omega in my experience.
    Rgrds-Ross

    Reply
      • That’s like saying all BMW owners are wankers.. Just appreciate that people are different and we all have different tastes.

        Comments like yours are made simply to stir up trouble.

        And yes, I own a Rolex, I also own a Panerai and a Tag, which box do i fit in?

        Reply
      • Ross Salinger

        Always attack the person when you have a weak case. Maybe no one will notice that you have no rebuttal.

        Reply
  8. MrTissot

    Absolutely stunning! One of the best looking Omega watches ever!

    Reply
  9. Debashish

    Omega always make fantastic watches!

    It really looks great in scratchproof black ceramic!

    Though its not cheap its not ultra-expensive either!

    Reply
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