Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon Apollo 8 is one giant leap

Here we have an extraordinary watch that plays tribute to the first humans to see the far side of the moon. 

Introducing the cutting-edge Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon Apollo 8 – the latest model for 2024…

Fans of the predecessor – Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon manufactured in black ceramic, (which was considered incredible at the time of release) – will be very excited to see some great updates and a refreshed movement.

First presented to celebrate the golden anniversary of the mission that first observed the other side of our satellite, and also the first human spaceflight to reach the moon, this frist edition of this watch was known for its textures and black and yellow colour scheme.

The new version uses its dial and movement to transport you to the moon’s surface. Laser engraved with contrasting details of the rocky atmosphere dial are so fine it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like to lay eyes on the surface for the first time.

With the same skeletonised look as the 2018 edition, the lighter dial side reflects our view of the moon’s surface, while the back showcases the dark side exclusively witnessed by astronauts. 

Calibre 3869

Powering the new Speedmaster Apollo 8 is the Omega Calibre 3869, a Master Chronometer-certified movement. 

This caliber shares similarities with the 1869 featured in the 2018 model. The primary distinction lies in its Master Chronometer certification, approved by METAS. 

Additionally, the watch boasts a free-sprung balance wheel with a silicon balance spring, marking substantial upgrades from the regulator pin setup in the 2018 Speedmaster Apollo 8.

The manual wind is 44.25mm in diameter and 13mm thick, weighing in at 99 grams and comes on a black rubber strap. 

We think the aesthetic is really appealing to those who love a textured service. The notion of a NASA Saturn V rocket as a small seconds counter is a gimmick but it is cool. The bezel insert is entirely white but the word tachymetre was in yellow previously.

“We’ll see you on the other side” is engraved on the bottom – the words spoken by Jim Lovell, commander of the infamous Apollo 13 mission, before travelling behind the moon and losing radio contact with Earth.

The 2018 watch was around £7,700 when it came on sale. This one is £13,500 – so quite the leap. But the movement is better and we say the tricks to get the lunar surface looking the way it does is superior to the predecessor.

Over the moon to assist 

We love a challenge, especially when it comes to finding the watch of your dreams. We have buying teams here in the UK and further afield so if it’s a Patek Philipe Nautilus you’re after, we’ll do our best to help. Perhaps an Omega Speedmaster is on your wishlist. We can source them too. Give our experts a call today.