Omega just pulled off one of the most sensational tricks in the watch world. The revered Swiss watchmaker, known for its Speedmaster Professional line – aka ‘The First Watch on the Moon – just launched its first watch of the year.
But here’s the twist: it’s not what anyone expected.
For months, the rumor mill has been in overdrive, all thanks to a tantalizing ‘accidental’ tease by none other than Omega’s star brand ambassador, Daniel Craig, at a high-profile event in New York.
Now have another look at that white-dialed watch in question:
Watch enthusiasts were abuzz, speculating an all-white version of its best-selling chronograph. Expectations were sky-high for a remake of the iconic Speedmaster Professional Albino or a variant the ever-present Moonwatch.
But Omega, in a stunning sleight of hand, unveiled something entirely different. Omega just unveiled a breathtaking new version of the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 timepiece, originally released in 2018.
The new Speedmaster is a horological homage to the Apollo 8 mission, marking the 50th anniversary of the historic lunar orbit. Omega has enhancing the watch with new design flourishes and a strikingly updated Calibre 3869 movement.
The movement features a laser-ablated moon relief on the blackened main plate and bridges, showcasing two contrasting sides: one representing the lunar surface as seen from Earth, and the other depicting the enigmatic dark side of the Moon.
The new model’s moon-decorated movement is visible through the skeletonized dial, crafted from black anodized aluminum. The yellow varnished central chronograph seconds hand and the black rubber strap with a yellow interior continue the theme.
Adding to its allure is the patent-pending small-seconds hand at 9 o’clock, crafted from Grade 5 Titanium and shaped like NASA’s iconic Saturn V rocket. The caseback carries a significant engraving, “WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE” – immortalizing the last words to ground control by Apollo 8’s Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell.
US$15,500.; omega.com