A rich history and watches go well hand in hand. The Omega Speedmaster, in particular, is a well-known watch model with a fascinating story. In 1968, the memorable Apollo 8 mission took a historic journey to the moon before Neil Armstrong’s lunar landing. It marked the first time the Saturn V rocket carried humans to the moon. The goal was to orbit the moon, and the astronauts succeeded, they even witnessed the moon’s far side. During this mission, each astronaut wore an Omega Speedmaster.
Thats why the name of this model is the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. It not only an amazing history with the astronauts’ incredible feat but it also added more significance to watches in space. Omega Speedmaster became a mega success. The remarkable aspect was that the spacecraft lifted off from Earth three days before Christmas, and on Christmas Eve, they orbited the moon for 20 hours, managing to broadcast TV images back to Earth for a period, making it the most-watched TV broadcast at that time.
The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 model has various versions, and this particular one has been enhanced compared to its predecessors. The watch is incredibly detailed and visually captivating. The standout feature is the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, showcasing a miniature version of the Saturn V rocket. Crafted from grade 5 titanium using laser technology, it’s meticulously painted white with black details applied through color laser. Upon close inspection, you’ll even find “USA” written in black on the back end of the rocket.
Similar to the previous version, this one features a partially skeletonized dial. The new thing is the enhanced depth of the sub-dial with Saturn V for a more pronounced presentation of the rocket. The surface of the dial mimics the texture of the moon as seen from Earth. The open case back allows a view of the movement, with certain components treated to replicate the structure of the moon’s dark side—the side facing away from Earth, a sight the astronauts experienced during the successful orbit of the moon in 1968.
Black ceramic case and bezel, the watch features a glossy ceramic tachymeter with white “Grand Feu” enamel. With a diameter of 44.25 mm, consistent with other versions in the Dark Side of the Moon collection, and a thickness of 13 mm, it maintains a sleek profile. Weighing only 99 grams, it’s a lightweight and comfortable choice. The watch houses a new manual movement, caliber 3869, with Master Chronometer certification from the independent state testing organization METAS. This certification ensures precision timekeeping, antimagnetic properties up to 15,000 gauss, and the promised water resistance of 50 meters—suitable for swimming but not for diving. Additionally, the movement undergoes testing for a power reserve of 50 hours to guarantee sustained energy performance.
The engraving on the back adds an extra touch of significance, featuring the words “We’ll see you on the other side,” the last words spoken by pilot Jim Lovell before they disappeared on the far side of the moon, where radio contact was lost.
The watch comes with a black perforated rubber strap with yellow stitching and a folding clasp made of titanium. Given the watch’s black base with yellow accents, it pairs well with a colored strap. Breaking the monotony with a contrasting color or even an all-yellow strap can create a stylish and eye-catching look.
Price 15 700 euro, ref 310.92.44.50.01.001
