Unveiling the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8: A Lunar Tribute
The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon Apollo 8 returns with an elevated design and refinement.
In the annals of space exploration, the year 1968 is etched with indelible significance as Apollo 8 embarked on a historic journey, orbiting the Moon and leaving an everlasting mark on human history. Onboard each astronaut’s wrist during this pioneering mission was the OMEGA Speedmaster, a tool that became synonymous with NASA’s lunar campaigns. Fast forward to today, OMEGA pays a distinctive tribute to this iconic moment with the unveiling of the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon – a fusion of cutting-edge technology, a rich palette of materials, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
OMEGA initially introduced the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 timepiece in 2018, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking mission. Now, in a return to its watchmaking roots, the brand has elevated the design, infusing it with a superior level of detailing and refinement.
At the heart of the watch lies the Calibre 3869, featuring a laser-ablated Moon relief on the blackened main plate and bridges. This intricate movement, akin to the Moon’s dual nature, presents two different sides. The dial-side mirrors our terrestrial view of the lunar surface, while the back of the watch unveils the enigmatic dark side seen only by astronauts. The updated laser engraving enhances the Moon’s definition, complemented by contrasting surfaces and beautifully pronounced features alongside light grey coated wheels and a dark grey gold coated balance wheel.
What sets the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 apart is its manual-winding Calibre 3869, attaining the Co-Axial Master Chronometer standard. This ensures the Swiss industry’s highest level of precision, chronometric performance, and magnetic resistance, underscoring OMEGA’s commitment to quality.
The Moon-decorated movement is showcased through the watch’s skeletonized dial, meticulously crafted from black anodized aluminum. The 44.25 mm case, polished bezel, and caseback are crafted from separate pieces of black ceramic, featuring a tachymeter scale filled with bright white “Grand Feu” enamel.
Adding a vibrant touch to the timepiece is the varnished yellow central chronograph seconds hand, echoed in the watch’s perforated strap made from black rubber with a yellow interior. A patent-pending small-seconds hand at 9 o’clock, fashioned like NASA’s iconic Saturn V rocket, is another captivating detail achieved through laser turning and meticulous coloring techniques.
Turning the watch over, a series of engravings on the caseback includes the poignant words, “WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE,” uttered by Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell just before Apollo 8 disappeared to the far side of the Moon for the first time, out of radio contact.
Wearing the OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is not just adorning a timepiece; it’s forging an authentic connection with our lunar neighbor and OMEGA’s profound link to space exploration. As the world looks ahead to the future, the Apollo 8 mission remains a powerful reminder of the remarkable feats that shared human determination can achieve.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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