A Jacob & Co. masterpiece in a limited series, based on Bugatti's performance cars. Its unusual design is a tribute to the Chiron Sport "110 years BUGATTI" limited series. The turquoise dial proudly displays the Bugatti logo, while the power reserve indicator has been renamed "Fuel". Only 39 pieces of this stunning timepiece will be produced and numbered.
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Everything about the new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8
The incremental update is more than just a new movement and a Saturn V-style seconds hand. luxury replica Watches
Last Tuesday (of course), Omega unveiled its latest Speedmaster, a watch that looks very familiar at first glance, an updated version of the existing Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 watch. First unveiled in 2018 to celebrate the Apollo 8 moon landing. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first mission to observe the other side of a satellite (and the first space flight to land humans on the moon...), this DSOTM Apollo 8 features lunar texture on the sides and a bold black and yellow color scheme. The new model doesn’t seem to have changed much, aside from a seconds hand shaped like a Saturn V and an updated movement. But is it really that simple? Let's get into the details.
quick review New movement – Caliber 3869, based on Caliber 3861 with Co-Axial escapement, silicon hairspring and Master Chronometer certification The case is slightly reshaped, still 44.25mm in diameter but 0.8mm thinner New bezel without SLN but with enamel tachymeter scale A clearer view of the front and back sides of the lunar surface Saturn V small seconds hand made using patent-pending laser turning technology Rubber strap with folding buckle
background When the term "dark side of the moon" is mentioned, it may refer to three things... First, obviously, the far side of the moon that is not visible from Earth. Second, one of the most important studio albums of all time (1973 – Pink Floyd). Last but not least is today’s topic, the Omega Speedmaster watch series. Returning to our satellites, the far side, or dark side, of the moon was first observed by the crew of Apollo 8 in 1968. Jim Lovell, also the commander of the infamous Apollo 13 mission, shouted the words, "We'll be on the other side," before traveling behind the moon and losing radio contact with Earth. The fact that Omega has released an Apollo 8-themed high quality watches replica in its Dark Side of the Moon collection is significant.
As a reminder, the Speedmaster DSOTM collection was first launched in 2013 and consists primarily of watches in black tones (with some exceptions, there are also gray and white models). Omega has wanted to release a black case Speedmaster for years, but DLC or PVD coating wasn't an option. Ceramic was chosen because it is scratch-resistant and lightweight. Prior to the launch of the Apollo 8 watch, all DSOTMs were automatic watches (calibre 9300), slightly larger at 44.25 mm. The Apollo 8 retained the same diameter and black ceramic case, but featured a hand-wound movement built around the architecture of the classic Caliber 1861 found in the Moonwatch.
Updated ceramic casing In 2024, Omega updated this watch, which is one of the last models in the series not equipped with the Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement, as well as the watch equipped with 321 (but these do not mean to change) . This may be the only update Omega makes. If you take a closer look at the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 watch, you’ll see that this is indeed the case. However, closer inspection reveals multiple incremental updates. In fact, not only is the movement new, but most of its components have also been modified. Case, dial, bezel, strap... although they look very familiar, none of these parts are the same as the original Apollo 8 watch.
Let’s start with the case. As you might imagine, this new Speedy DSOTM retains the range’s black ceramic construction and large 44.25mm diameter. However, look closely at the case and you will see that in the details the shape has been modified. In line with the new 2021 Moonwatch, the case has been redesigned to be closer to the appearance of reference 105.012 – the first Speedmaster to feature an asymmetric case and harp-shaped lugs. Of course, we are talking about minimal changes, but the contours are slightly different, especially the tips of the lugs. Another difference is the thickness, which is now 13mm compared to 13.80mm on the previous generation. The case length is 50mm, which is still quite compact considering the diameter of the watch. replica Jacob & Co. Astronomia Sky
Other changes have been made to the case, notably the bezel. It's a single ceramic block that used to have a white tachometer scale with Super-LumiNova and a yellow "Tachometer" lettering. The polished surface of the bezel now features all-white, non-luminous indexes made of Grand Feu enamel. Likewise, the Omega logo on the crown, which was originally luminous, is now made of white enamel. What remains unchanged is the use of box-shaped sapphire crystal to protect the dial. The case back, also in black Zr02 ceramic with a sapphire crystal, has been slightly modified (now polished vs. brushed before) and features new engravings related to the movement and the commemoration of the Apollo 8 mission (including the famous “Apollo 8" inscription). Jim Lovell). The case is still a classic of the Speedmaster watch, with brushed sides and polished bevels on the sides. Water resistance is also unchanged at 50m – a classic from the range.
The dial has been slightly modified with a rocket! Looking at the dial of this updated Omega Speedmaster “Dark Side of the Moon” Apollo 8, it tells much the same story as the case. At first glance, it looks identical, but in fact, multiple details have been modified - again, we're talking about minimal modifications. First, the texture of the dial is more detailed than before. The lunar surface is still obtained through a laser ablation process, but it is at a higher resolution than before and craters and reliefs are more precisely defined. Additionally, the lower part of the texture is slightly darker than before, also due to the evolution of the laser ablation process on the brass base. The raised elements around the dial, including the racing-like seconds track and applied dark hour markers, share the same delicate snailed texture.
If we continue to focus on the smallest details, you will notice some small updates on the hands. The minutes and yellow lacquered central seconds hands are now curved at their tips (to accommodate the slightly slender case and thinner sapphire crystal). In addition to the texture, the textured bottom plate is also different due to the updated movement. For example, the screws are now less visible and partially hidden behind the hour markers – this is more a result of the movement’s architecture. Additionally, the luminous hour markers have been updated to match the curvature of the hands, as they are now faceted. The Omega and Speedmaster logos are painted in white and yellow respectively. There is still yellow accents next to the hour markers and on the counters. No changes here. replica RICHARD MILLE RM 27-02 RAFAEL NADAL
One of the main talking points of the new Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is the small seconds hand… First, you’ll see that the groove underneath is deeper and more open than before. This gives more space and presence to the controversial seconds hand, which is shaped like a Saturn V rocket. Made from grade 5 titanium, its 3D shape is obtained by laser turning, while the color is achieved by white varnish, ablation and laser blackening. It even has an American logo on the bottom...but you'll need a magnifying glass to see it. Think about what you want from this feature (fancy or cool...), but the level of detail and execution is impressive.
Master Chronometer Movement The case back is engraved with the words "We'll see you on the other side", showing another important reference; the Co-Axial Master Chronometer. This could be the major update for this new DSOTM Apollo 8 watch. In fact, the previous generation’s 1869 movement (itself based on the classic 1861 movement) has been replaced by the more modern 3869 movement (itself based on the 3861 movement). As such, it features the same upgrades as the 2021 Moonwatch while retaining the movement’s classic hand-wound and cam-driven architecture. This 26-jewel movement (up from 18) now features a coaxial escapement and a silicon hairspring. Therefore, it meets Master Observatory standards and the METAS required magnetoresistance of 15,000 Gauss. The frequency remains at 3Hz, and the power reserve has been slightly increased from 48 hours to 50 hours now. Its accuracy will be within the range of 0/+5 seconds/day defined by Omega. replica Porsche Design Chronograph 1 Watches
Just like the dial side of the movement, whose texture depicts the visible side of the moon, the back of the movement is also decorated with a lunar texture, depicting the dark side of the moon. With the development of machinery, some visual changes have also taken place. The laser-ablated texture is once again more pronounced than before, and all mentions (number of jewels, name of the movement...) are now done in front relief. To match the dark appearance of the movement, the balance wheel is coated in a dark ash-gold color.
New watch strap, better comfort The last update for the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is the strap. Measuring still 21mm at the lugs and 18mm at the buckle, it is now made entirely of rubber, whereas the previous version had a leather top layer. This black and yellow perforated strap now closes with a folding clasp instead of a pin buckle, which is made of ceramic titanium and features a ceramic closure mechanism.
Despite its large size, the watch feels comfortable and balanced on the wrist - the 99g weight certainly helps, making up for the slightly oversized case.
All in all, with this Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 watch, despite the many changes made to the case, dial, movement and strap, we can’t really talk about a new watch, but rather More to keep the watch consistent with other watches in the series. Progressive changes make it more precise, more durable, more technologically advanced... typical Omega, slightly over-engineered but with incredible build quality and mechanical precision.
From the appearance, this Apollo 8 is a polarized watch like the old model. It will have its fans and detractors. The same was true for the previous model. It definitely has some elements of controversy, but keep in mind that the Speedmaster range is vast and includes a variety of classic and historically relevant watches - the Moonwatch being the prime example. Like most Apollo-themed watches, this one is made for fans and features numerous references to lunar exploration. Yes, some details, like the Saturn V hand, don’t tell the whole story. Like the animated back of the 50th Anniversary Silver Snoopy Awards...it tells a story. replica Patek Philippe Grand Complications Watches
Technical Specifications – Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 Case: Diameter 44.25 mm x Height 13 mm - Lug-to-lug distance 50 mm - Black Zr02 ceramic case, brushed and polished - Fixed ceramic bezel with white Grand Feu enamel tachymeter scale - Box-shaped sapphire crystal with AR Coating - Sapphire Case Back - 99g - 50m Water Resistant Dial: Skeleton black anodized aluminum dial with laser-ablated moon texture - Black hour and minute hands with SLN - Yellow seconds and chronograph counter hands - Titanium Saturn V small seconds Movement: Caliber 3869 (3861 base) - In-house - Master Chronometer certified - Manual winding cam chronograph - 26 jewels - Co-axial escapement - Silicon hairspring - Fully decorated with lunar texture - 21,600 vibrations/hour - 50-hour power reserve - hours, minutes, small seconds, 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph Strap: Two-layer black and yellow rubber strap - Ceramic titanium folding clasp with ceramic closing mechanism and pushers - Lug width 21 mm - 18 mm at buckle Reference: 310.92.44.50.01.001