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12 years ago, Omega released the Dark Side Of The Moon, and today, it has been given a refresh, along with a new Grey Side Of The Moon!

The Dark Side of the Moon collection has become a collector’s favourite within the Speedmaster lineup. Launched in 2013, this collection marked Omega’s bold move into all-ceramic watches and quickly became a fan favourite for those who wanted something a little left of centre compared to the classic moonwatch.

Today, this iconic line, tied to the Moonwatch legacy of Apollo missions, gets a fresh update with seven new references across four models, including a striking, and my personal favourite, Grey Side of the Moon, inspired by Apollo 8. More on that later. These new models are more refined, slimmer and with upgraded movements, which is a leap forward for the collection.

“The Dark Side of the Moon collection embodies OMEGA’s pioneering spirit that has guided us to the Moon. These new models champion that extraordinary legacy while introducing innovations that will define chronographs for generations to come.”

Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA

New, Refined And Black!

Across the Dark Side of the Moon collection, there are three new models, on either rubber or rubber-lined nylon straps, making it six references in total. A traditional Dark Side Of The Moon with white indices and hands, an all black model, completely blacked out for a total stealth look, and a Black Edition, which combined elements of both but with a red central chronograph hand and the Speedmaster insignia also in red cutting through the black.

The standard Dark Side updates the 2013 model with a two-layer, or step, ceramic dial for improved depth, similar to the dial on the white Speedmaster introduced last year. It runs on the automatic Calibre 9900 with a column-wheel, vertical clutch, 60-hour reserve, and METAS-certified. It retains the ceramic bezel with Liquidmetal white tachymeter scale, along with the white dial accents and red Speedmaster under the logo at 12 o’clock.

Next is the “All Black”, which goes full stealth. Its laser-sandblasted dial has a matte effect; the blackened indices, paired with black Super-LumiNova that glows green, along with an all black enamel bezel, add to the minimalist vibe. Inside, the darkened Calibre 9900, visible through the caseback, keeps things cohesive and adds to the overall aesthetic of the watch. This is a piece for those who want all the benefits of the Speedmaster, but want to fly under the radar, so to speak!

Last, but not least, is the Black Edition, which is slightly different from the Original and All Black. It still retains the two-counter look, but with no date and combines some of the elements of the other two pieces in a unique way. It has the matte black dial found in the All Black, but breaks this up slightly with grey subdial numerals for clarity, and a red central chronograph seconds hand. The polished ceramic bezel is also accented in Liquidmetal grey to provide slightly more legibility. The Black Edition is powered by the hand-wound Calibre 9908 with a 60-hour reserve and is Master Chronometer certified by METAS, which is an update on the older movement.

Grey, The New Black?

In addition to the new Dark Side models, is the Grey Side of the Moon, a nod to Apollo 8 and Jim Lovell’s observation that “The Moon is essentially grey,” which is actually inscribed on the back of the case. Its grey ceramic case, with brushed and polished finishes, captures the moon’s dusty, muted tones. The grey ceramic bezel sports a white Super-LumiNova tachymeter scale for readability in dim light, but the star of this piece is the skeletonised dial, which reveals an intricate lunar surface, which is done through laser ablation.

The new Grey Side Of The Moon is powered by the hand-wound Calibre 3869, a Co-Axial Master Chronometer with a 50-hour power reserve – the same found in the DSOTM Apollo 8 edition. The display case back is needed on this piece as it shows off the movement, which is beautifully done to show the other side of the moon. With laser-etched reliefs on the bridges, and contrasting light grey coated wheels and a dark grey gold coated balance wheel, it all brings this movement to life.

Each watch is sized at 44.25mm wide, however, the thickness varies between each piece. Within the Dark Side Of The Moon models, the Original is 15.09mm thick and a lug-to-lug of 50mm, as is the All Black model. The Black Edition with the red accents is slimmer at 13.02mm where whereas the Grey Side of the Moon is even slimmer at 12.97mm thick. On each model, you can choose between a textured rubber strap or a coated nylon fabric strap that is rubber-lined, all with a ceramised titanium and ceramic clasp. The Black Edition is only available on rubber, however. On the inside of the straps, a nicely done lunar relief ties this all together.

Initial Thoughts

Omega has done a good job with this new collection, modernising the Dark Side Of The Moon in all the right ways, but keeping the heart and soul of the watches. For those who want that stealth look, there are three models to choose from that go from a black version of a two-counter Speedy, through to a full blacked-out model, and one in between. All bases are covered here. For those who want a more detailed and unique piece, the Grey Side will tick the box.

The Grey Side is my pick for its depth and detail on the dial as well as the movement, plus the polished grey ceramic looks amazing in real life. I’m not adverse to the black models, but for me, these are a little too dark for my taste and I’m yet to gravitate towards an all black watch. That said, for black watch lovers, then you really can’t go wrong with the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon!

References & Specifications

Omega Dark Side Of The Moon Original

Australian Retail Price: A$24,700

Omega Dark Side Of The Moon Black Edition

Australian Retail Price: A$25,300

Omega Dark Side Of The Moon All Black

Australian Retail Price: A$25,300

Grey Side Of The Moon

Australian Retail Price: A$25,925

Availability: Available via your local Omega Boutique, retailer or for more details and local availability, head online to OmegaWatches.com