In the historic year of 1968, the Apollo 8 mission achieved a monumental feat by becoming the first human flight to orbit the Moon. As watch fans in general and Speedmaster fans in particular are well aware of on this groundbreaking mission, each astronaut was equipped with an Omega Speedmaster, a reliable tool watch chronograph that has proved crucial throughout NASA’s lunar exploration.
Now the Swiss brand announced a new iteration of the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, first introduced in 2018, incorporating the latest in technology, materials, and craftsmanship.
In this special new model, the legendary hand-wound Caliber 3869 with Master chronometer certificate features a laser-ablated moon relief on the blackened main plate and bridges that comes to life on the dial. Just like the Earth’s satellite, this movement reveals two different sides.
The dial-side represents our view of the lunar surface, as seen from Earth, while the back of the watch shows the dark side that only astronauts get to see.
Omega has enhanced the moon’s definition by the means of laser engraving and reworked the contrasting surfaces. The features are clearly pronounced and sit beautifully alongside the light grey coated wheels and dark grey gold coated balance wheel that are exhibited on the left and right side of the dial, which is crafted from black anodized aluminum. The central chronograph seconds stands out in bright yellow, a color theme that continues on the watch’s perforated strap, which is made from black rubber with a yellow interior.
Another new touch is the patent pending small-seconds hand at 9 o’clock. This has been engineered from Grade 5 Titanium and shaped like NASA’s famous Saturn V rocket. The expressive 3D structure has been obtained by laser turning, while the colors are achieved with white varnish, ablation, and laser blackening. Likewise new is the tachymeter scale on the bezel featuring bright white “Grand Feu” enamel scaling.
The ceramic case with a diameter of 44.25mm is equipped with an exhibition case back inscribed with “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 very first time.
Pricing for the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is marked at $14,300.
To learn more, visit Omega, here.
