Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Dark Side of the Moon "Apollo 8" 2024 mechanical 44,25 mm

The story:

Because it participated in all six lunar landings in human history, the legendary OMEGA Speedmaster is a true space icon that embodies the pioneering spirit of the Manufacture!

In 1968, Apollo 8 made history by becoming the first manned flight to orbit the Moon. On board this unprecedented mission, each astronaut wore an OMEGA Speedmaster, which accompanied NASA's conquest of space from start to finish. This year, OMEGA pays tribute to this historic moment with a new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. Created using the most advanced technology available, it is the ingenious meeting of different materials, made possible by masterful expertise.

OMEGA launched the first Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 in 2018, to mark the 50th anniversary of the mission. Today, the brand is reconnecting with its space heritage and taking its original model back to accentuate the level of detail and sophistication.

The model:

To create the 44.25 mm case that is water-resistant to 50 meters, the polished bezel and the caseback, OMEGA has used various black ceramic parts, making this timepiece an example of lightness (99 grams on the scale)!

To contrast with the black and grey colors of this watch, the design includes a varnished yellow central seconds hand, as well as a tachymeter scale coated in bright white "Grand Feu" enamel. The central chronograph seconds hand is varnished yellow.

There are several changes from the 2018 model: the "tachymeter" inscription on the bezel is now white, and the Omega logo is now in enamel rather than Super-Luminova. But it doesn't stop there! From now on, the small seconds counter also features a grade 5 titanium hand in the shape of a Saturn V rocket. This impressive 3D shape is obtained by laser turning, while the colors result from white varnish, laser ablation and blackening. A detail as discreet as it is inspiring, honoring the success of the Apollo program. And this is surely the most important and hypnotizing new feature! A feast for the eyes.

Finally, this color palette extends to the watch's perforated bracelet, made entirely of black rubber with a yellow insert. The exterior and lining are separate parts, and it's very comfortable. Instead of a pin buckle, the Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 now uses a ceramicized titanium folding clasp with a ceramic closing mechanism. The strap is reduced from 21 mm between the lugs to 18 mm at the buckle.

A caliber offering the moon on your wrist:

Through the skeletonized dial, OMEGA reveals its new Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3869. Offering a unique horological aesthetic in every aspect, Calibre 3869 is decorated with a lunar relief, laser-engraved on the black-coated plate and bridges. Like our satellite, the movement has two different faces: on the dial side, we see the surface of the Moon as seen from Earth, while the caseback reveals the hidden side of the celestial body, which only astronauts have had the privilege of contemplating. On this new version, the lunar landscape gains in precision by combining laser engraving and contrasting surfaces. The decorated elements are clearly emphasized and blend beautifully with the ensemble composed of the light gray-coated wheels and the dark gray-gold-coated balance wheel.

As noted, this caliber is Master Chronometer certified and METAS-approved. This is one of the highest levels of precision in the industry (from 0 to +5 seconds per day) and this caliber can withstand magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss. Of note, this caliber offers 50 hours of power reserve.

Finally, around the transparent caseback is a set of engravings that adorn the caseback, including the phrase "WE'LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE". These were the last words addressed to the control center by Jim Lovell, the command module pilot, just before the Apollo 8 mission disappeared behind the Moon, for the first time beyond the reach of any radio communication system.

In a few words:

• Ceramic case 44.25 mm in diameter
• A caliber now certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer
• A seconds hand in the shape of a Saturn V rocket