OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 44.25mm Automatic Watch

Fresh from Baselworld 2018 and already an OMEGA bestseller, the 44.25mm black ceramic case is powered by the OMEGA Calibre 1861 automatic movement complete with chronograph complication and presented on a black leather strap detailed with yellow stitching. In 1968, Apollo 8 became the first manned spacecraft to leave the Earth's orbit, reach the Moon, and return home safely. 50 years on, Swiss watchmaker OMEGA have honoured this momentous achievement with this exciting new release. Announced to much admiration at Baselworld 2018, the 'Dark Side of the Moon' OMEGA Speedmaster is a perfect tribute to one of humankind's greatest accomplishments. The large case is crafted from scratch-resistant ceramic, to ensure the watch always looks pristine. The skeletonised dial reveals the exquisite intricacy of the Moonwatch Calibre 1861 movement, which is laser-ablated to create a realistic representation of the lunar surface as viewed from the Earth. The transparent caseback offers an even more unique view; the dark side of the moon, which ordinarily only astronauts are privileged enough to witness. Surrounding this are engravings of the date of the Apollo 8 mission, the words 'Dark Side of the Moon' and the iconic final words spoken by astronaut Jim Lovell shortly before the spacecraft travelled to the far side of the Moon; 'We'll see you on the other side'. The all-black case is punctuated with vibrant flashes of varnished yellow; this bold aesthetic is continued along the perforated leather strap, bringing this stellar timepiece to life.