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Omega’s First Speedmaster of the Year Updates the Dark Side of the Moon Collection
News
Omega’s First Speedmaster of the Year Updates the Dark Side of the Moon Collection
The new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 introduces key updates to the collection and details worth nerding out on.
Omega is starting the year strong with a new version of its Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. The brand and its Speedmaster collection are big for space fans, but the new model really nerds out—in a good way. Celebrating the Apollo 8 mission of 1968, it features accurate moon surface textures on its dial and movement and even a miniature rocket among more notable details. This is the newest version of the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, and it bodes well for a year of exciting new Omega watches.
Known as the Moonwatch, the Omega Speedmaster Professional is retro by nature, recalling the historic moon landing of 1969 when astronauts first set foot on lunar surface, accompanied by Omega Speedmasters. The Speedmaster collection, however, is vast and the Dark Side of the Moon brings a distinctly modern and edgy vibe for contemporary collectors. The historical cool factor is still baked in, but the Dark Side of the Moon watches feature ceramic cases with beefier dimensions and more conceptual designs.
The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon-Apollo 8 features texture and details of the moon's surface as seen from earth.
Omega first created an Apollo 8 watch in 2018 for the 50h anniversary of the mission. Though this new model takes a similar approach, it’s packed with details and differences. Like the 2018 version, the new model has a dial that depicts the lunar surface as seen from earth with dial cutouts that hint at the movement underneath. It’s similarly highlighted with yellow elements and a sporty perforated strap.
The differences, however, are in the details. The dial features greater depth, texture and detail thanks to laser ablation technology which has improved in the years since to offer even higher resolution. This is cool, yes, but the coolest parts? There are two. First is that the literal flip side of the lunar landscape depicted on the dial is that of the surface of the dark side of the moon engraved onto the movement plates which are visible through the watch’s caseback.
The Omega 3869 movement is co-axial and Master Chronometer certified, and it features an engraving of the surface of the dark side of the moon.
The running seconds hand is a 1:19,000 rendering of the Saturn V rocket which took the astronauts to space in 1968.
What easily steals the show, however, is the three-dimensional miniature rocket which forms the main time’s running seconds hand. If this doesn’t tickle the space nerd in you, nothing will. Specifically modeled after the Saturn V rocket which took the astronauts into space in 1968, it’s made from titanium and its colors are achieved via varnish and laser ablation.
Along with these details are also subtle changes to both the watch’s case and movement. What makes the 3869 different from the 3861 is the above mentioned decoration. The case, on the other hand, is notably updated and based on another historic generation of the Speedmaster (the 105.012, fourth generation) with subtle contours that will be apparent when placed side by side with previous Dark Side of the Moon models.
Specs: Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 ref. 310.92.44.50.01.001
Movement: Omega 3869 hand-wound
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph
Case: Ceramic, 44.25mm × 50mm × 12.97mm
Strap: Racing style perforated rubber
Availability: Not limited
Price: $14,300
