Tradition Meets Innovation
Omega’s Dark Side of the Moon series, introduced at Baselworld in 2013, stands as a modern reimagining of the iconic Speedmaster Professional—the first watch on the moon. While maintaining the essence of the "Moonwatch," this collection diverges in materials and technology, marking its distinctive path.
Design and Material Innovations
Diverging notably in size, the Dark Side boasts a 44.25mm case, surpassing the traditional "Moonwatch" by over 2mm. Departing from stainless steel, Omega employs black ceramic for the Speedmaster "DSOTM," including a remarkably resilient and scratch-resistant zirconium oxide dial.
Cutting-Edge Mechanics
Powered by the automatic Omega Co-Axial Caliber 9300, the Dark Side of the Moon integrates a date display at 6 o'clock. In contrast to the Speedmaster Professional’s dual sub-dials for minute and hour counters, the DSOTM consolidates both on a single sub-dial at 3 o'clock.
Value Appreciation
Over the past two years (as of July 2022), all "DSOTM" variants have experienced significant value appreciation. Notably, the reference 311.92.44.51.01.003 surged by nearly 30%.
Reasons to Invest
The Dark Side of the Moon offers compelling reasons for acquisition:
- Co-Axial Caliber with Silicon Balance Spring and Chronometer Certification
- Low-maintenance, durable movement technology
- Scratch-resistant black ceramic cases
- Sporty-modern design with a 44.25mm diameter
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Price Ranges
Prices for a Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon range from approximately 9,400 EUR for the reference 311.92.44.51.01.003 to around 19,000 EUR for the 311.98.44.51.51.001 variant with diamond embellishments.
Variant Details
Pitch Black (311.92.44.51.01.004)
Nearly entirely black with exceptions for the light green numerals, the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Pitch Black presents a value increase of around 26% between July 2020 and July 2022, now available for approximately 9,700 EUR.
Black Black (311.92.44.51.01.005)
Boasting an all-black design, the Stealth-style aesthetics mark this variant. However, readability under low light conditions may be compromised due to the black luminescent material.
Sedna Black (311.63.44.51.06.001)
Impressive with Sedna Gold elements on the hands, indices, date, and bezel, the Sedna Black variant offers enhanced readability in various light settings.
Vintage Black (311.92.44.51.01.006)
A retro-inspired design featuring a brownish tone across the hands, indices, and inscriptions, accentuated by a brown leather strap.
Grey, White & Blue Side of the Moon
Omega offers a spectrum of ceramic watches: Grey Side of the Moon, White Side of the Moon, and Blue Side of the Moon. Each embodies unique characteristics inspired by celestial elements, offering enthusiasts a wide range of choices.
Significance of the "Dark Side"
The name "Dark Side of the Moon" holds multifaceted significance, paying homage to Apollo program astronauts and their first glimpse of the Moon's far side during the Apollo 8 mission.
Cordura Straps and Co-Axial Caliber 9300
The Dark Side models are adorned with Cordura or leather straps, showcasing Omega's commitment to durability and innovation in material selection.
Conclusion
Omega’s Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon series merges tradition with cutting-edge technology, offering a wide array of designs and functionalities. Each variant carries its unique appeal, contributing to the allure and value appreciation of these exceptional timepieces.