Omega: The Dark Side of the Moon

Omega has unveiled four new ceramic editions of its Speedmaster “Dark Side of the Moon” collection — each featuring a slimmer case profile and paying tribute to the Apollo 8 lunar mission of 1968. With a storied history in space exploration, Omega continues to honour its deep connection to NASA’s legacy. The brand commemorates astronaut Jim Lovell’s famous words, “We’ll see you on the other side,” spoken to Mission Control just before Apollo 8 passed behind the Moon and lost radio contact — a phrase now engraved on the caseback of the 2019 Apollo 8 edition. That same mission — the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon, completing ten lunar revolutions on Christmas Eve 1968 before returning safely to Earth a few days later — gave humanity its first view of the Moon’s hidden face.

The first Speedmaster “Dark Side of the Moon” debuted in 2013, featuring an automatic chronograph movement housed in a black ceramic case and dial. Inspired by one of humanity’s most historic achievements, it marked the beginning of a truly distinctive and visually striking watch collection. Its pioneering construction — crafted entirely from black ceramic — impressed enthusiasts of fine watchmaking with its understated design and dramatic presence, a combination that remains remarkably successful and contemporary more than a decade later. The latest evolution of this much-loved series introduces a slimmer case architecture and several new technical refinements. While the case retains its signature 44.25 mm diameter and 50-metre water resistance, the overall profile has been refined for greater comfort on the wrist. Each model is paired with a rubber or fabric strap fitted with a ceramic titanium clasp, blending durability with modern sophistication.

Exceptional Design — but with a Sharp Price Increase

The Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega, founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt, has long been synonymous with innovation and enduring commercial success across its many iconic collections. The Speedmaster “Dark Side of the Moon”, first introduced in 2013, was one such launch — a line that sparked a wave of enthusiastic acclaim and quickly became a commercial triumph. The newly updated collection, presented recently, follows a similar path. Beyond its striking aesthetics, it features a slimmer case architecture and incorporates the latest technological advancements from the brand’s workshops. However, these refinements have come with a significant price increase, a move that has drawn criticism from parts of Omega’s loyal audience. Prices for the new models now exceed €15,000, prompting debate among enthusiasts. While dedicated collectors maintain that “the new Speedmaster DSOTM models clearly top the wish list”, this sentiment hasn’t entirely offset the disappointment over the substantial price rise. Still, the collection remains a testament to Omega’s design mastery and technical excellence — bold, contemporary, and meticulously crafted. From the Royal Flying Corps of the First World War, which officially equipped its aviators with Omega watches, to today’s advanced chronographs, the brand’s creations — and particularly the Speedmaster “Dark Side of the Moon” — continue to hold a legendary place in the history of watchmaking.