Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon 311.92.44.30.01.001

The Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” Ref. 311.92.44.30.01.001 is one of the most visually striking Speedmasters ever produced, celebrating one of the defining achievements in human space exploration. Introduced in 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of NASA's historic Apollo 8 mission, the watch pays tribute to the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon in December 1968. Its substantial 44.25mm case is crafted entirely from black zirconium oxide ceramic, measuring just 13.8mm thick and featuring a combination of brushed and polished surfaces. The defining feature is its extraordinary partially skeletonized black dial, revealing a laser-ablated lunar surface texture that recreates the Moon's cratered landscape. Bright yellow chronograph hands, luminous hour markers, and a matching yellow tachymeter inscription provide a dramatic contrast against the black ceramic construction. A black ceramic tachymeter bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, and 50 meters of water resistance complete the distinctive design. The watch is fitted with a perforated black leather racing strap featuring yellow stitching and a yellow rubber interior, reinforcing its unmistakable black-and-yellow aesthetic.

Inside is Omega's manually wound Calibre 1869, a specially decorated version of the legendary Calibre 1861 that powered the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch for decades. The 19-jewel movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and delivers approximately 48 hours of power reserve, powering central chronograph seconds, a 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a 12-hour counter at 6, and running seconds at 9. Its most remarkable feature is the intricate laser-ablated decoration applied to the blackened movement bridges and mainplate, recreating the rugged texture of the lunar surface. While the dial side represents the near side of the Moon, the movement visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback depicts its mysterious far side, connecting the watch directly to the Apollo 8 astronauts' historic journey. The caseback is engraved with the words “We'll See You on the Other Side,” spoken by astronaut Jim Lovell shortly before Apollo 8 disappeared behind the Moon and temporarily lost radio contact with Earth. Unlike many commemorative Speedmasters, the original Apollo 8 Dark Side of the Moon was not a numbered limited edition, making its significance rooted in its remarkable design and mechanical execution rather than a fixed production quantity. With its full ceramic construction, spectacular lunar-textured movement, distinctive yellow accents, and direct connection to one of NASA's greatest achievements, the Ref. 311.92.44.30.01.001 represents a fascinating combination of Omega's spaceflight heritage and contemporary mechanical artistry.

Reference: 311.92.44.30.01.001

Dated: 2023

Bracelet: Black Racing Strap with ceramic buckle

Case Size: 44.25mm x 13.8mm Thickness

Lug Width: 21mm

Case Metal: Black Ceramic

Movement: Omega 1869 - Manual

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Chronograph

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 8”

Case has no wear. Strap has little to no wear with only wear with buckle sits. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Running within spec.