Earlier this year, Omega released their latest take on the infamous Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. The new 2024 rendition of the Apollo 8 model continues the story that started back in 2018 when the brand debuted the inaugural model at Baselworld.
In the spirit of Omega, who evidently believe that all good things are worth having a second look at, we thought it was about time for a recap on one of the Swiss brand’s most interesting models.
Originally released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission, the Speedmaster Apollo 8 was a fitting tribute to the first crewed spacecraft to leave low Earth orbit. Becoming deserving record breakers in December 1968, the crew aboard Apollo 8 spent a total of 20 hours orbiting the Moon before making the journey back to Earth. The first human spaceflight to reach the Moon took Omega to new heights with it, as aboard that pioneering mission each astronaut was equipped with the notorious Omega Speedmaster.
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. Credit: OMEGA.
Having already been relied upon throughout NASA’s lunar campaign, just a year after its foray on the Apollo 8 the Speedmaster beat out its competitors in the space race when it accompanied Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin as they became the first men to step foot on the moon. The Speedmaster has since become a household name as the official ‘moon watch’ and Omega have continued to pay tribute to its rich heritage with the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon models.
Returning to the launchpad, the latest variation of the Apollo 8 Speedmaster (ref: 310.92.44.50.01.001) is newly equipped with the Caliber 3869 which has now achieved the Co-Axial Master Chronometer standard. In other words, this is the highest level of Swiss precision, chronometric performance and magnetic resistance that money can buy you. Arguably, considering the price we’re talking is £13.5k, I’m sure there are plenty of things that this kind of money could buy you, but admittedly they would be lacking the signature flair of an Omega timepiece as well as that iconic moon watch status.
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. Credit: OMEGA.
See you on the other side”
The dial of the Omega Apollo 8 is a stunning representation of the view of the Moon’s surface from Earth, which has been brought to life using laser engraving and contrasting surfaces. The caseback also treats wearers to a view that us non-astronauts won’t get to see too much of, the dark side of the Moon.
OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. Credit: OMEGA.
Presented in a 44.25mm case, the Apollo 8 has been crafted using separate pieces of black ceramic. With striking pops of colour throughout, the central chronograph seconds hand is varnished yellow to match the black rubber strap with yellow interior. This theme carries through to the new patent pending small-seconds hand at 9 o’clock which has been carefully engineered from Grade 5 Titanium and takes the form of NASA’s famous Saturn V rocket. Cool, right?
Once again, Omega seemingly effortlessly provides us with a Speedmaster timepiece whose immense heritage inspires a sense of marvel and astonishment at the sky-high feats mere humans can achieve when they work together.
Full details and purchase information are available here.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
MOVEMENT
- Calibre: OMEGA 3869, manual-winding chronograph movement with Co-Axial escapement. Certified Master Chronometer, approved by METAS, resistant to magnetic fields reaching 15,000 gauss. Moon-relief textured and blackened on the main plate and bridges, with greater lunar detail compared to previous Calibre 1869 thanks to defined laser engraving and contrasting surfaces. Light grey coated wheels and dark grey gold coated balance wheel. Free-sprung balance with silicon balance spring.
WATCH CASE & DIAL
- Case: Black ceramic
- Case Diameter: 44.25 mm
- Between lugs: 21 mm
- Lug to lug: 50.00 mm
- Thickness: 13.0 mm
- Dial Colour: Black Total product weight (Approx.): 99 g
FEATURES
- Anti-magnetic, chronograph, chronometer, master chronometer certified, small seconds, tachymeter, transparent caseback
- POWER RESERVE: 50 hours
- CRYSTAL: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides WATER RESISTANCE: 5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet)
