Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 (2024)

Quick specs Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8
Price: € 15.800 | CHF 13’500 | $ 14,300 | £ 13,500
Size: 44.25 mm
Reference: 310.92.44.50.01.001

The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is here again. The brand originally revealed this model in 2018 (reference 311.92.44.30.01.001), remembering the five decades since astronauts glimpsed the unexplored side of the Moon. For the new model Omega has revised the old model and uses an improved caliber.

In December 1968, NASA’s Apollo 8 mission becomes the first manned spacecraft to orbit the Moon. With its three astronauts it plays a crucial role in testing the spacecraft and systems needed for future Moon landings. As the Apollo 8 did not land on the Moon. The mission launches on December 21, 1968, and enters the lunar orbit on December 24. On that day, the astronauts conduct a live broadcast from space, during which they share images of the Earth. The spacecraft completed 10 lunar orbits over 20 hours before leaving the lunar orbit on December 25 and returning to Earth. During their flight all three astronauts wear an Omega Speedmaster.

The differences between the old and new Dark Side of the Moon are limited

This new Dark Side of the Moon Speedy has had some upgrades. It is still crafted in a 44.25-millimeter black ceramic case with a skeletonized dial. This still features a laser-ablated Moon relief on the blackened main plate and bridges. However, darker than its predecessor. With the help of laser engraving it also has more contrasting surfaces. And just like the Moon, the watch has two different sides.

The dial side mirrors how we see the Moon from Earth. Meanwhile, the opposite side of the watch unveils the hidden or “dark” side that’s only visible for astronauts in space. Also, the sub seconds hand at 9 o’clock manifests a tiny version of the Saturn V rocket, the one that launched the Apollo 8 into space. This tiny hand is made from titanium and formed into a rocket with the help of laser technology.

The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 has a power reserve of 50 hours

At the heart is a new hand-wound Omega caliber 3869 delivering a power reserve of 50 hours. Which is two hours more than the previous Omega caliber 1869. The new caliber meets the Co-Axial Master Chronometer standard (METAS), Omega’s own certification. A bit comparable with the COSC certification.

Just like the 2018 version, at the back you will still see a quote by Apollo 8 pilot Jim Lovell: “We’ll see you on the other side”. Furthermore the new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is fitted on a black rubber strap with yellow interior. And it is secured with a folding clasp made of ceramized titanium with ceramic closing piece.

All by all the differences are not rocket science. There are a lot of similarities when it comes to the looks, however the movement has changed. And so has the price, which has gone up with a few thousands.