Omega has introduced an updated version of the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 Edition, which arrives with subtle design tweaks along with important mechanical changes. The original lunar-inspired timepiece was released in 2018 to celebrate the Apollo 8 mission, the first human spaceflight to leave low Earth orbit and reach the Moon. The crew orbited the Moon ten times without landing, during which the far side of the Moon was observed for the first time (hence the Dark Side of the Moon name). Coming to the 2024 version of the timepiece, it has maintained the predecessor’s proportions of 44.25mm in diameter, while the thickness has decreased from 13.8mm to 13mm.
The new watch has also retained the black ceramic case, with a bezel made from its own block of ceramic, along with a tachymeter scale in white grand feu enamel. One of the highlights of the timepiece is its partially skeletonized movement seen from the dial side with moon-textured plates. While the dark color scheme with bright yellow accents has also been preserved on the latest version, the laser-ablated Moon texture and detailing are more pronounced than before.
A new design element added to the dial is the small seconds hand, which is shaped like a Saturn V rocket. It is made of grade 5 titanium and is laser-turned to create its structure. It features white varnish and laser blackening on the exterior. A sapphire crystal with AR coating here protects the dial.
Housed inside the case is a new movement, the caliber 3869. The movement features the brand’s Co-Axial escapement and the Master Chronometer certification. The back is also decorated with a Moon texture with light grey coated wheels and a dark grey gold coated balance wheel, which can be seen through the display caseback. The ceramic ring around the crystal is engraved with “Dark Side of the Moon – Apollo 8, Dec 1968”, “We’ll see you on the other side” and “Co-Axial Master Chronometer.” Unlike the previous version that came with a leather strap, the new edition is fitted with perforated black and yellow rubber strap with a folding clasp made of ceramized titanium. The 2024 Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 Edition is not a limited edition and is priced at $14,300.
