The 2018 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon 311.92.44.30.01.001 Moonwatch is a remarkable timepiece that pays tribute to the historic 1968 Apollo 8 mission. Departing from Earth with an Omega Speedmaster Professional, the mission successfully orbited the Moon and witnessed an extraordinary “Earthrise” from space before safely returning. This special edition watch features a 44.25mm black ceramic case, a distinctive yellow and black leather strap, and a ceramic pin buckle. The dial is a remarkable skeleton design with laser ablated “moon surface” accents and yellow varnish details. The watch is powered by Omega’s caliber 1861, which has been upgraded to caliber 1869 for this model. With a 48-hour power reserve, 50-meter water resistance, and intricate finishing details, this watch truly captures the spirit and heritage of the Apollo 8 mission.
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a fusion of the brand’s iconic Moonwatch and the innovative design elements of the Dark Side of the Moon collection. With a case size of 44.25mm and a thickness of 14mm, the watch offers a comfortable fit. The black ceramic case features a sapphire display caseback that allows a view of the movement and displays the famous message “we’ll see you on the other side.” The dial side of the watch is protected by a second sapphire crystal, and the dial and tachymeter bezel are enhanced with super luminova for excellent visibility. With its bold design, exceptional craftsmanship, and rich history, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a true testament to Omega’s commitment to innovation and adventure.
Introduction
Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon Watch Review
Welcome to this comprehensive review of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon watch. In this article, we will delve into the features, specifications, design, caliber and movement, water resistance, luminosity, dimensions, strap and buckle, and case and bezel of this remarkable timepiece. With its unique design and homage to the historic Apollo 8 mission, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a watch that captivates both watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Overview
2018 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon: 311.92.44.30.01.001
Features and Specifications
The 2018 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon, reference number 311.92.44.30.01.001, is a stunning timepiece that embodies the spirit of space exploration. Crafted with attention to detail and using the finest materials, this watch offers a combination of style, innovation, and technical excellence.
Let’s now delve into the various features and specifications of this extraordinary watch.
Design
44.25mm Black Ceramic Case
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon features a 44.25mm black ceramic case, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also offers durability. The use of ceramic ensures resistance to scratches and gives the watch a sleek and modern look.
Yellow and Black Leather Strap
Attached to the case is a visually striking yellow and black leather strap. The contrast between the two colors adds a touch of vibrancy to the overall design and enhances the watch’s eye-catching appearance.
Ceramic Pin Buckle
To ensure a secure and comfortable fit, the watch is equipped with a ceramic pin buckle. The buckle not only complements the design of the watch but also adds to its durability.
Skeleton Dial
The dial of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a masterpiece in itself. It features a skeletonized design, showcasing the intricate inner workings of the watch. This unique dial provides a fascinating view of the movements and mechanisms that power the timekeeping functions.
Laser Ablated “Moon Surface” Accents
Adding to the watch’s space-inspired design are the laser ablated “moon surface” accents on the dial. These accents pay tribute to the Apollo 8 mission and give the watch a distinctive and celestial touch.
Yellow Varnish Accents
To further enhance its visual appeal, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon incorporates yellow varnish accents on the dial. These accents add a pop of color to the overall design and complement the yellow and black leather strap.
Caliber and Movement
Omega Caliber 1869
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is powered by the Omega Caliber 1869. This manual wind chronograph movement is based on the famous Omega Caliber 1861 and has been modified to incorporate the unique features of this particular watch. Not only does the Caliber 1869 provide accurate timekeeping, but it also offers excellent reliability and precision.
Manual Wind Chronograph
As a manual wind chronograph, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon requires regular winding to ensure optimal performance. While some may prefer the convenience of an automatic movement, the manual winding of this watch adds to its charm and connects the wearer to the traditions of watchmaking.
48-Hour Power Reserve
With a generous power reserve of 48 hours, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon can comfortably keep time for two full days without requiring any winding. This feature is particularly useful for those who may not wear the watch on a daily basis or prefer to alternate between different timepieces.
21,600 Vibrations per Hour
The high-frequency movement of the Omega Caliber 1869 allows for precise timekeeping, with 21,600 vibrations per hour. This ensures accurate and reliable timekeeping, even in demanding conditions.
Sapphire Display Caseback
To allow the wearer to admire the intricacies of the movement, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon features a sapphire display caseback. This transparent caseback offers a view of the movement and its exquisite finishing, adding another layer of visual appeal to the watch.
Water Resistance
50 Meters
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. While it is not designed for extensive water use, this level of water resistance ensures that the watch remains protected against accidental splashes or brief exposure to water.
Luminosity
Super-LumiNova on Dial Features and Tachymeter Bezel
In low-light conditions, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon continues to impress with its luminosity. The dial features Super-LumiNova, a luminescent material, on various elements, ensuring that the time can be easily read even in the darkest environments. Additionally, the tachymeter bezel is also coated with Super-LumiNova, further enhancing the legibility of the watch in any lighting situation.
Dimensions
44.25mm Watch Case
The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon boasts a 44.25mm watch case, making it a statement piece on the wrist. This larger case size not only enhances the watch’s presence but also provides ample space for the intricacies of the dial and movement.
14mm Thickness
With a thickness of 14mm, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, offering a balance of presence and wearability. The slim profile ensures that the watch can easily slide under shirt cuffs, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
49.7mm Lug-to-Lug
The lug-to-lug distance of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon measures 49.7mm. This measurement is important as it determines how well the watch will fit on the wrist. The lug-to-lug distance ensures that the watch is proportionate and comfortable for a wide range of wrist sizes.
21mm Lug Spacing
To complete the overall design and ensure a seamless fit with the strap, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon features a 21mm lug spacing. This lug spacing allows for easy strap changes, giving wearers the flexibility to personalize the watch to their preferred style.
Strap and Buckle
Yellow Contrasting Stitch Perforated Leather Strap
Attached to the case of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a yellow leather strap with contrasting stitch details. This perforated leather strap not only adds to the visual appeal of the watch but also provides a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist.
Ceramic Buckle
To complement the ceramic case and ensure a reliable closure, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is equipped with a ceramic buckle. This buckle not only adds to the durability of the strap but also enhances the overall design of the watch.
Case and Bezel
Classical Speedmaster Beveled Lugs
The case of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon features the iconic Speedmaster beveled lugs, adding a sense of heritage to the watch. These beveled lugs are a hallmark of the Speedmaster collection and are instantly recognizable to watch enthusiasts.
Satin Sheer Side
The sides of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon case have a satin sheer finish, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. This satin finish contrasts beautifully with the polished ceramic bezel and highlights the meticulous attention to detail.
Cantilevered Tachymeter Bezel
One of the standout features of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is its cantilevered tachymeter bezel. This unique design element adds depth and dimension to the watch, further enhancing its visual appeal. The tachymeter scale allows wearers to measure speed or distance based on elapsed time, adding to the watch’s functionality.
Diamond-Tipped Tools for Finishing
To achieve the highest level of precision, the finishing touches on the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon case and bezel are applied using diamond-tipped tools. This level of attention to detail ensures that every edge, surface, and angle is meticulously crafted to perfection.
Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Caseback
The scratch-resistant sapphire caseback of the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon not only offers a view of the movement but also adds to the durability of the watch. The sapphire crystal is highly resistant to scratches, ensuring that the caseback remains pristine even after years of wear.
Conclusion
Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a unique and adventurous timepiece that pays tribute to the historic Apollo 8 mission. With its innovative design, high-quality materials, and exceptional performance, it is a must-have watch for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
In conclusion, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a timepiece that seamlessly blends design, technology, and a sense of adventure. Paying tribute to the historic Apollo 8 mission, this watch captures the spirit of exploration with its celestial-inspired accents and space-inspired design elements. From the 44.25mm black ceramic case to the skeleton dial, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a true work of art on the wrist. Featuring the Omega Caliber 1869 movement, this watch offers reliable and precise timekeeping, further solidifying its status as a collector’s item. Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a watch collector, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional craftsmanship, the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon is a watch that will undoubtedly captivate your imagination and exceed your expectations.
