Omega has always been proud to be part of NASA's space missions, and this week they unveiled the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, the latest addition to their Moonwatch collection. This is the second model inspired by the Apollo 8 mission, with the first one released in 2018 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic journey.
The Speedmaster chronograph, introduced in 1957, earned NASA's trust in 1965 due to its outstanding performance in rigorous tests. These tests included assessments of precision, reliability, water resistance, resistance to shocks, magnetism, extreme temperatures, and exposure to accelerations of up to 12 G-forces.
This iconic watch accompanied astronauts on all six lunar landings, including the monumental Apollo 11 mission where Buzz Aldrin wore it during the historic moonwalk on July 20, 1969, earning it the nickname "Moonwatch."
The Apollo 8 mission, launched on December 21, 1968, was a significant milestone as it marked the first manned flight to orbit the moon. The crew, consisting of Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot James A. Lovell Jr., and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders, not only explored the moon's uncharted "dark side" but also captured the first live television footage of the lunar surface and the iconic Earthrise photograph.
The Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 features a distinctive skeletonized dial made of black anodized aluminum, showcasing the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3869 with a laser-ablated moon relief. The intricate detailing of the moon's surface is enhanced through laser engraving and contrasting surfaces.
Meeting NASA's stringent standards, the manual-winding Calibre 3869 is a Co-Axial Master Chronometer, ensuring the highest levels of precision, chronometric performance, and magnetic resistance (up to 15,000 gauss).
A unique aspect of this watch is the Grade 5 titanium small-seconds hand at 9 o'clock, depicting NASA's iconic Saturn 5 rocket in fine detail. The watch's front displays the lunar surface as seen from Earth, while the reverse side captures the mysterious dark side seen only by the astronauts.
The 44.25mm case, case back, and bezel are constructed from three pieces of black ceramic. The case back features engravings, including the poignant words spoken by Lovell just before losing radio contact with ground control: "We'll see you on the other side."
Apollo 8's Christmas Eve orbit around the moon, with the crew reading from the Book of Genesis and wishing "Merry Christmas" to Earth, is a historic moment captured by this remarkable timepiece. The engravings on the case back pay tribute to this event, which was witnessed by an estimated 1 billion people.
In summary, Omega's Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 is not just a watch; it's a tribute to NASA's historic Apollo 8 mission, capturing the spirit of exploration and human achievement beyond our planet.
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