Introducing: The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon Apollo 8

March 21, 2018

With a stunning skeletonized dial and crisp yellow accents, the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 special edition is a unique take on Omega's Dark Side archetype. An ideal choice for a Speedmaster to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission, this very black expression of the Dark Side of the Moon pays tribute to the first Apollo mission to complete an orbit of the moon itself. With a cut-away dial carrying the imprint of the lunar surface and a special version of Omega's hand-wound 1861 movement with black bridges, the Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is a bold and rather literal expression of a Moonwatch.?Interestingly, this is not a limited edition but rather an addition to the main collection. Initial Thoughts With the same 44.25mm black zirconium oxide ceramic case we've seen on several past Dark Sides, the Apollo 8 does a good job of differentiating itself through the application of that subtle but detailed lunar dial, those bright yellow accents, and a rather lovely case back view of the Caliber 1861 within. Dark Side of the Moon models typically use Omega's 9300 co-axial column wheel chronograph movement, so the use of their traditional (and more Moonwatch appropriate), Caliber 1861 ads an additional layer of appeal. For application in the Apollo 8, with the black bridges, Omega is calling the movement the Caliber 1869.? The Apollo 8's dial is a mix of skeletonized details and sub dials that appear to float over the surface of the moon. The black-accented movement looks excellent and, in true Omega fashion, the area surrounding the crystal carries a quote from Jim Lovell (Command Module Pilot for Apollo 8), who said,"We'll see you on the other side," ?before dropping radio contact with Earth for 34 minutes while floating above the dark side of the Moon. While the idea of another Apollo-themed special edition Speedy may seem more than a little predictable for Omega, the Dark Side of the Moon is a fitting choice for a hat-tip to Apollo 8 and, judging by the press images, the design comes together really well. From the way the running seconds floats over the dial, to the lunar surface effect, to the texture on the black bridges of the movement, the Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is a detailed and distinctive take on a special edition Speedmaster.? The Basics Brand: OmegaModel: Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8Reference Number: 311.92.44.30.01.001Diameter: 44.25mmCase Material: CeramicDial Color: Black, skeletonized with lunar surface motifIndexes: AppliedLume: Super-LumiNova for hands and markersWater Resistance: 50 metersStrap/Bracelet: Perforated black leather with yellow accents Dubbed the Caliber 1869, and complete with black bridges, this is a special version of Omega's caliber 1861 hand-wound chronograph movement. The Movement Caliber: Omega Caliber 1869 (special black bridge version of the 1861)Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, 12-hour chronographPower Reserve: 48 hoursWinding: Hand-woundFrequency: 3 Hz (21,600 vph)Jewels: 18 Pricing & Availability Price: CHF 9,000Availability: Coming SoonFor more click here.