Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon


by Matthew Boston
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$10,000 - 29,999, Omega

The Omega Speedmaster Dark side of the Moon is a new version of the Omega Speedmaster released at Baselworld 2013 it was one of the most talked about watches of the year. Ceramic has become more than a gimick in its use in watches in the past few years and the “dark” look of this model is thanks to Omega’s decision to use of it for this new version. Omega has used the ceramic more extensively than in most watch models, it’s used not only in the case and dial but also the bezel, crown, chronograph pushers and even the buckle.

In 2011 Omega introduced a new co-axial movement which featured a bicompax instead of typical tricompax dial arrangement and it is this which is used here for the ceramic version of the “moonwatch”

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon - Watch

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon – Watch

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon – Dial

The black zirconium oxide ceramic dial features 18k white gold hour markers and hands contrasting nicely with the black ceramic dial and both are filled with Super-Luminova. Most watches that use ceramic use the Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) type and to distinguish the fact that it has a ceramic dial Omega have added a very subtle ZrO2 marking just above centre position of the dial.

The two blackened registers as seen with other Cal 9300-based chronographs, are at 3 o’clock for the elapsed hours and minutes and at 9 o’clock for the running seconds, because of this you get the functionality of a three register chronograph with only two registers. This also provides the space to add the date aperture at the 6 o’clock position providing more everyday functionality.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon - Dial

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon – Dial

The hands on both subdials, are also made of 18k white gold – because it looks better longer than other metals- and are with Super-LumiNova for legibility in the dark, as well as the two small dots at 12 o’clock. The central chronograph hand ends in a red tip and is rhodium-plated.

The Speedmaster’s familiar tachymeter scale has been engraved on the polished black ceramic bezel in matte chromium nitride.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon – Movement

Visible through the caseback Omega’s Caliber 9300 self-winding column-wheel chronograph movement is typically certified by COSC as a chronometer. It uses a magnetism-resistant silicon balance spring and the George Daniels conceived co-axial escapement with two barrels mounted in series providing a 30-hour power reserve. It is completely rhodium plated with Geneva stripes.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon - Caseback

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon – Caseback

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon – Case

With both brushed and polished finishes the black ceramic case is 44.25 mm in diameter and features polished ceramic chronograph pushers. It has scratch-resistant sapphire crystals in the front and back. Above the caseback crystal the words: “DARK SIDE OF THE MOON” are engraved in matte chromium nitride.

Because of its ceramic construction the Speedmaster Dark side of the moon has a water-resistance less than the standard Speedmaster with a resistance 50 meters compared to 100 meters.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon – Price and Conclusion

Nicknamed the “Moonwatch” for its presence on all six NASA lunar missions Omega’s iconic Speedmaster chronograph which debuted in 1957 has seen countless variations since, some more memorable than others, this one though is a very worthwhile addition. It combines the tried and tested Speedmaster DNA with a black ceramic form creating a slick ultra-modern version.

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon

The price of the new black ceramic Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the moon is $12,000.

More resources about the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon available on ABTW and Hodinkee.

    Author Bio

    Articles by Matthew Boston

    CONTRIBUTOR

    Matthew Boston has worked in the computer graphics industry for 17 years in various parts of the world, currently residing back home in the UK. His interest in watches was first piqued as a youngster when he was fascinated by a Seiko digital watch he received. He's also founder of UniqueWatchGuide which is dedicated to sharing the news about timepieces that are unusual, unconventional and more often than not unobtainable.