The OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 pays homage to the historic 1968 Apollo 8 mission.
In a celestial ode to the pioneering Apollo 8 mission of 1968, OMEGA introduces the latest iteration of its Speedmaster collection, aptly named the Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8. This timepiece is a masterful fusion of cutting-edge technology, premium materials, and meticulous craftsmanship, serving as both a testament to space exploration history and a nod to the future.
Originally released in 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic mission, the new version of the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 showcases elevated design detailing and refinement. The watch’s Calibre 3869 features a laser-ablated Moon relief on the main plate, offering a dual perspective reminiscent of the lunar surface as seen from Earth and the elusive dark side seen only by astronauts.
The aesthetic journey continues with a skeletonized dial crafted from black anodized aluminium, providing a captivating view of the Moon-decorated movement. The 44.25 mm case, polished bezel, and caseback are meticulously constructed from separate pieces of black ceramic, while the tachymeter scale boasts bright white “Grand Feu” Enamel.
Highlighting the attention to detail, the central chronograph seconds hand is adorned in varnished yellow, echoing the colour theme carried through to the perforated strap made from black rubber with a yellow interior. A patent-pending small-seconds hand at 9 o’clock, shaped like NASA’s Saturn V rocket and crafted from Grade 5 Titanium, adds a delightful touch.
The caseback bears poignant engravings, including the memorable words “WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE” – the final transmission from Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell as Apollo 8 ventured to the far side of the Moon, disappearing from radio contact for the first time ever.
As humanity gazes into the limitless possibilities of the future, the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 timepiece serves as a tangible reminder of the remarkable achievements powered by collective human ambition and ingenuity.
Images courtesy of Omega, artwork by Curatedition. All rights reserved.
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