The dark side of the Moon was observed directly by human eyes for the first time in 1968, by the crew of Apollo 8, revealing its craters and no significant differences with the hemisphere visible from Earth. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the mission was a Speedmaster "Dark Side of the Moon" in 2018, equipped by a very special version of Omega's hand-wound calibre 1861.
The new variant now released by Omega represents an update in terms of aesthetics and mechanics. The 44.25 mm case is in black ceramic (the star material in this series). In the new model, the tachymeter scale is in brilliant white "Grand Feu" enamel and the central chronograph seconds hand is lacquered yellow. This colour is also echoed on the inside of the perforated black rubber strap, with its ceramic folding clasp with safety push-buttons.
Another new feature of the Speedmaster 'Dark Side of the Moon' Apollo 8 is the patent-pending small seconds hand at 9 o'clock. Inspired by Nasa's famous "Saturn V" rocket, it is made of grade 5 titanium. The 3D structure is laser-etched, while the colours are white lacquer, ablated and laser-blackened.
The movement changes: the manual Calibre 3869 (21,600 vibrations per hour, 26 jewels, 50-hour power reserve), Co-Axial Master Chronometer, which features a relief of the lunar surface with more detail than the previous Calibre 1869. This is thanks to laser ablation on the blackened bridges and plate.
Just like the Moon, the movement reveals two different sides. The dial side offers a depiction of the lunar surface from the Earth's perspective, while the back side shows the dark side of the Moon that only astronauts have been able to admire.
Water-resistant to a pressure of 5 atmospheres, the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 weighs a mere 99 grams.
Price15,900 euro.
