50 years ago this month Apollo 8, the second manned mission in the Apollo space program was launched, becoming the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth’s low orbit, reach the Moon, orbit it and return home safely. It was also the first manned spaceflight launch from Florida’s famed Kennedy Space Center. Astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders were the first humans to see the dark side of the Moon with their own eyes and the first to see Earth as a whole planet, among other feats; it would be another year before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin would actually land on the Moon during Apollo 11. Here's to the iconic OMEGA Dark Side of the Moon collection.

The Dark Side of the Moon Collection

As OMEGA enthusiasts are well aware the brand had played a critical role in space missions including Apollo 8 since 1965 when NASA officially designated the Speedmaster as "flight-qualified by NASA for all manned space missions" after rigorous testing and placed an initial order of 15-20 watches. Now OMEGA is celebrating the semi-centennial with a limited edition timepiece, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. It’s an evolution of the first black ceramic Dark Side of the Moon Speedmaster that OMEGA launched in 2013, which has become popular with collectors if not as beloved of Moon Watch purists. Another notable model is the Grey Side of the Moon, which was launched in 2016 with a meteorite dial.

History and Inspiration

The OMEGA Dark Side of the Moon collection draws its inspiration from the rich heritage of the OMEGA Speedmaster series, a line of watches famously associated with space exploration. The collection pays homage to the Apollo 8 mission, where astronauts first orbited the moon and captured humanity's imagination with their journey into the unknown. This watch series symbolizes OMEGA's pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation, reflecting the brand's deep connection with NASA and its role in space history. The dark, sleek design of the watches is a tribute to the mysterious and captivating allure of the moon's far side, blending cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance. The Dark Side of the Moon collection embodies the adventurous spirit of the Apollo missions, making it a coveted piece for watch enthusiasts and space aficionados alike.

Design and Aesthetics

The OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon collection is renowned for its striking design, characterized by the use of high-tech ceramic material for the case. This innovative choice from OMEGA not only enhances the watch's durability but also gives it a sleek, modern look that stands out in the luxury watch market. The dial design varies across the collection, offering options such as matte black with contrasting subdials or polished surfaces for a more refined appearance. The use of Super-LumiNova on the hands and indices ensures excellent readability in low-light conditions, reinforcing the watch's functionality. Each model is paired with a matching ceramic bezel, often featuring a tachymeter scale that adds to its sporty yet sophisticated appeal.

Complementing the case and dial, the strap options for the Dark Side of the Moon collection further enhance its aesthetic versatility. Buyers can choose from materials like leather, NATO, or rubber, each providing a distinct look and feel to suit different tastes and occasions. The leather straps add a touch of classic elegance, while the NATO straps introduce a more casual, rugged charm. Rubber straps are perfect for those seeking a sporty, durable option. This combination of advanced materials and thoughtful design elements makes the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon a versatile timepiece, seamlessly blending style with practicality.

Performance and Accuracy

The OMEGA Dark Side of the Moon collection is lauded for its exceptional performance and accuracy, powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial caliber 9300 movement. This OMEGA movement ensures remarkable precision and reliability, featuring a column-wheel chronograph mechanism that operates smoothly and efficiently. The Co-Axial escapement reduces friction, enhancing the watch's long-term accuracy and reducing the need for maintenance. Additionally, the chronograph functions, including the 12-hour and 60-minute counters, allow for precise timekeeping in various scenarios. With a water resistance of up to 50 meters, the watch is also durable enough to withstand everyday wear and various environmental conditions. Overall, the OMEGA Dark Side of the Moon delivers superior performance, making it a trusted companion for both professional and personal use.

Apollo 8 Skeleton Dial

The chief characteristic of the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is its skeleton dial, which is sure to create some differences of opinion among enthusiasts. OMEGA first released a skeletonized version of the Speedy in 1992, but this time the movement has been darkened giving it a more menacing appearance. It was also “laser-ablated to precisely decorate the bridges and main plate with realistic imagery of the lunar surface,” OMEGA notes. The dial-side is a light shade to represent the view of the moon’s surface from Earth, while the back of the watch shows the dark side that is only visible from space. This modified version of the brand’s Calibre 1861 is called the 1869 as a tribute to the first moon landing in 1969.

The entire watch is produced in black zirconium oxide ceramic, with contrasting yellow varnished chronograph hands and a tachymeter scale and crown filled with Super-LumiNova. The black perforated leather strap also contains a section of yellow rubber through its middle continuing the black and yellow highlight scheme. The casebook is engraved with the words "WE'LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE", spoken by Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell on board during Apollo 8 as the spacecraft was about to lose radio contact with ground control as they began to orbit the dark side of the Moon.