Omega’s New Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon Is Out Of This World

In a nod to history and the epic Apollo 8 mission of 1968, Omega has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. This mission marked a pivotal moment as the first human flight to orbit the Moon, and Omega watches were a crucial part of this historic journey. Now, in 2024, Omega pays tribute to this remarkable story with the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, a timepiece crafted with cutting-edge technology and insanely cool dial detailing.

Omega first introduced the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 edition in 2018 to commemorate the mission’s 50th anniversary. In its latest rendition, the brand has elevated the design to new heights, focusing on intricate detailing and refinement.

The watch features the Calibre 3869 movement, adorned with a laser-ablated Moon relief on the blackened main plate and bridges. This movement beautifully captures the dual nature of the Moon, with one side representing the lunar surface as seen from Earth and the other showcasing the enigmatic dark side, a view reserved exclusively for astronauts. Omega’s latest update enhances the Moon’s definition, achieved through laser engraving and contrasting surfaces. Furthermore, the manual-winding Calibre 3869 has achieved the Co-Axial Master Chronometer standard, setting a new benchmark in Swiss precision, chronometric performance, and magnetic resistance.

The Moon-themed movement is visible through the watch’s skeletonized black anodized aluminum dial. Omega’s attention to detail extends to the 44.25 mm case, the polished bezel, and the caseback, which are all crafted from separate pieces of black ceramic. The tachymeter scale is meticulously filled with bright white “Grand Feu” enamel. Adding a touch of vibrancy, the central chronograph seconds hand is varnished yellow, a theme echoed in the watch’s perforated strap made from black rubber with a yellow interior.

A novel addition is the patent-pending small-seconds hand at 9 o’clock, expertly engineered from Grade 5 Titanium and shaped like NASA’s iconic Saturn V rocket. This 3D structure is created through laser turning and enriched with white varnish, ablation, and laser blackening techniques—a small yet inspiring tribute to the Apollo program’s triumph. The caseback bears a series of poignant engravings, including “WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE,” the final words spoken to ground control by Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell, just before Apollo 8 ventured to the far side of the Moon, entering radio silence for the very first time.

The enigmatic surface of the Moon has always fascinated and intrigued humanity, positioning itself as a key inspiration within the Omega brand. Wearing this watch is not just a statement of style; it’s a genuine connection to our lunar neighbor and Omega’s profound link to space exploration.