Omega Speedmaster watches are undoubted icons within the horological world, and any news released by Omega in reference to this esteemed range of timepieces is always greeted with titanic enthusiasm. Previously on our blog, we have already touched upon the incredible popularity of the newest Speedmaster timepiece, dubbed ‘The Darkside of the Moon’, and this C.O.S.C certified chronometer, already so lauded in 2013, shows no sign of leaving the spotlight anytime soon. A genuine first for Omega in numerous ways, this revolutionary Speedmaster is no half-hearted attempt at updating a beloved classic, but is instead a truly landmark creation that will doubtless sit proudly within Omega’s storied history for decades to come.
The Omega Speedmaster is famously the wristwatch that took part in the voyages of all six lunar missions, and as such the standard for each subsequent Speedmaster timepiece is dauntingly high. Taking its name from the Apollo 8 expedition in particular, where humanity first saw the dark side of the moon with the naked eye, The Darkside of the Moon Speedmaster reverentially combines this treasured heritage with one of the finest mechanical movements currently in production. An exemplary testimony to Omega’s innovative and adventurous spirit, whilst also being a sporty newcomer to an established family of watches, the Darkside of the Moon is poised to attain legendary status after only a matter of months in circulation.
The Darkside of the Moon is the very first Omega Speedmaster to be fashioned with a totally black aesthetic. This in itself might not warrant an extraordinary level of excitement, but where this timepiece particularly excels is thro
ugh its use of ceramic. Many watches have previously made use of this increasingly favoured material, but the Darkside of the Moon is, rather astonishingly, formed from this substance in its entirety. Even the dial and the buckle are manufactured in ceramic, and the tiny ‘Zr02’ upon the dial (representing the Zirconium Oxide ceramic that has been utilised) indicates Omega’s huge pride in this impressive achievement. A further special property of the ceramic case is the elegant finishing, which actually mimics the same brushed finish of the metal Speedmaster cases; thus maintaining the distinct personality of these renowned watches still more successfully.
Should an all-ceramic timepiece not prove noteworthy enough, the Omega Caliber 9300 movement is directly mounted into the mono-block case; a configuration that allows the movement to reside within a domed crystal without the need for a traditional ‘caseback’. This movement, and its accompanying Si14 silicon balance spring, is produced totally in-house, and also allows the use of just two subsidiary chronograph dials on the face of the Darkside of the Moon, as opposed to the more usual three. This layout also opens up the possibility of a date aperture situated at 6 o’clock, and is yet another method of imbuing this timepiece with its own singular appeal. Choosing to forgo the typical bracelet or alligator strap that traditionally graces Speedmaster watches, The Darkside of the Moon also comes equipped with a leather-lined black Cordua strap; another idiosyncrasy that has proved to be judged to perfection.
With the words ‘Darkside of the Moon’ uniquely etched around the rear of the case, the Omega Speedmaster Darkside of the Moon watch is a legitimately exceptional timepiece. Here at Banks Lyon, we feel both proud and privileged to have been granted access to this most sought after of chronometers, and can confirm that it is every bit as exciting as the initial publicity suggested. For more information about this superb wristwatch, or indeed to register your interest regarding any of our other Omega watches, call our professional team on 01524 38 48 58 today and we’ll be pleased to help.
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